Giving back to Gigi

Giving Back to Gigi

We (Dominique Hannah and Rita Marangone) are starting this fundraiser for our friend Gigi Mirto. On Thursday 9th June, the world suddenly and catastrophically changed for Gigi and his family. After two days of feeling extremely unwell and a trip to the Emergency Department, Gigi unexpectedly experienced three strokes, one of which affected his capacity to speak. Following extensive testing at the hospital it was established that he has bacterial endocarditis, an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart and valves. This is usually caused by bacterial infection and caused the strokes. It has also affected his kidneys, spleen and left shoulder. Gigi has none of the risk factors for these conditions. He doesn’t smoke or drink alcohol. He’s been vegetarian for 20 years. He’s fit and active.

Gigi faces many weeks of treatment in hospital. He has recently undergone shoulder surgery and heart surgery is a future possibility. He has months of rehabilitation ahead to recover his speech across multiple languages and other cognitive functions. Those who know Gigi will not be surprised by the courage and determination with which he faces these personal medical challenges, and he is already defying doctors’ predictions with his recovery.

While Gigi is lucky to be receiving world class medical care and has the loving support of his wife Jenny and daughter Miss S, his recovery will be a long, slow process. This leaves him without his income as a massage therapist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Gigi is a talented and dedicated healer, who has generously helped countless people over the years without payment. To ‘give back’ to Gigi for his generosity and support we want to raise this money to ease some of the financial anxiety Gigi is experiencing. This will help support his family, provide post hospital treatment, and allow him to put all his energy into healing his body and brain.

Gigi, we all love you and can't wait to see your progress and hope you will accept our 'give back' gifts. Please feel free to share this and know that your help is greatly appreciated as Gigi and his family deal with this life changing event.