Hello Friends - If you've found this page it’s because you're fellow friends or family of Vinny & Christina and we're glad you’re here. At the end of April Vinny developed an infection in his right foot which was not able to be treated before progressing into his lower leg. Doctors found it necessary to emergently amputate his right leg below the knee. While this hopefully stopped the infection, it was also necessary for a second surgery to prep the leg for a future prosthetic. Recovery and healing is expected to take 6 weeks or more until he can be fit for his new leg and only then will he be able to start to learn to walk again. In the meantime, Vinny will need to use a wheelchair to get around and focus his energy on maintaining his strength and healing his limb. While we all are thankful that everything has gone well so far, we are hopeful that he will come home soon. We are also super appreciative of all the prayers, outpouring of words of encouragement and offers to help. The plan right now is for Vinny to heal and have therapy at home once they discharge him. What can we do to help them? Everyone’s generosity to help with meals, rides, home modifications, etc. has been wonderful, but in order to be efficient and the most effective with these offers we are going to use this site to match the requests of Christina and Vinny with people willing to help. We already have a team working to install a temporary ramp to assist with getting a wheelchair in and out of the house. Further modifications to the home may be needed but we will wait to see how the transition home goes and make those requests then. One of the easiest things to do is to help them with a meal or two. Good homemade meals take time, which is always in short supply. If you’re willing to help with a meal please review the Special Notes section bellow specifically about allergies, likes/dislikes and needs and then look to sign up for a date. If you’re not a cook but still like to eat and want to contribute, consider offering them a gift certificate for a local restaurant, pizza place or even the grocery store. If you are able to help give rides to the boys please add your name in the comments and as instances where rides are needed arise, we will reach out to those who it makes the most sense either geographically or because they may have kids in the same activities. With Vinny out of work for an undetermined amount of time remember there will be other ongoing expenses that they will still need to cover. If you are able you can also help them at the GoFundMe Page (gofund.me/32afa65aa). Thank you for being part of their community of support.
If you’re providing meals for the family there are a couple things you should know. 1) There is a shellfish allergy in the house so please no shell fish. 2) Dishes using diabetic friendly ingredients are preferred. Limit sugars, refined carbohydrates and starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes and yams. Instead look for colored vegetables, whole grains, lean meats - chicken, beef or pork are all fine. 3) The family has very varied tastes so it’s easy to please someone, but challenging to please everyone. But don’t let that deter you, they appreciate everything. 4) Delivering meals - If you are delivering food there are two coolers on the front porch in which food can be placed (1xHot/1xCold). Please leave reheat instructions with the dinner if applicable. Please try to use disposable pans if able as not create a plethora of dishes that need to be returned. Please drop off meals by 5pm if able. 5) Gift Certificates - If you prefer to give a gift certificate for local eatery you can drop off anytime in the coolers. (Favorites include: Mamma Delights, K-town Pub, The Tavern, Cielito Lindo, Valentino’s, Tommy Boy’s, Tony's in Topton, Applebee’s, etc...) If you get a digital gift certificate they can be sent to [email protected], or Grocery cards from Giant are also appreciated so that they may also have the flexibility of eating at home, ordering in or going out. If a local establishment doesn't do online gift certificates but does do physical certificates you can drop those off anytime in the coolers just like the food along with words of encouragement.