12/17/2025
If you walk past the local basketball courts on any given afternoon, youâll likely hear the rhythmic thump-thump-swish of a ball hitting the net. Look closer, and youâll see Giovanni, known to everyone as Gio, dominating the paint, laughing with his friends, and living the life of a thriving 14-year-old.
Watching him drive to the hoop, you might never guess the mountain he has climbed to get there.
A Journey of Resilience Gioâs battle began early. At just four years old, an age when most children are worrying about preschool toys, Gio was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. He endured a grueling year of chemotherapy and surgeries, fighting for his life with a bravery far beyond his years.
But the challenges didnât stop at remission. During his treatment, doctors discovered another hurdle: McCune-Albright syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting his bones and hormones. Between the ages of 4 and 14, Gio underwent over 15 different surgeries. Even now, facing a future surgery at 16 to address unresolved fibrous dysplasia in his face, Gio remains undeterred.
He doesnât let the medical charts define him. Instead, he radiates a strength and love that pulls people in. He is a young man determined to live his best life, fueled by the joy of the game and the company of his friends.
The spirit of community and support was truly palpable at the 2025 ASIS Hudson Valley Chapter Holiday Party. It was an evening filled with celebration, culminating in the excitement of the nightâs grand prize raffle: a brand new 50" LED TV.
When the winning number was called, Nelson Soracco, our incoming 2026 Chapter Chair, stepped up to claim the prize. But as Nelson stood before the crowd, his thoughts turned to someone who wasn't in the room that night.
A gesture of kindness holding the winning ticket, Nelson shared a high-level sentiment about a truly worthy young individual. He didn't focus on the medical specifics, but rather spoke from the heart about a child who is currently a patient at Blythedale Children's Hospital.
Nelson acknowledged the immense battles this young patient and his family have fought against a life-threatening illness. He highlighted that despite these heavy burdens, this child continues to spread an infectious joy that touches everyone around him. Nelson announced he would be donating the TV, simply because he looked forward to bringing happiness to someone who would find this gift truly "awesome."
That patient, of course, is Gio.
Although Gio wasn't there to hear the applause, the message was clear: his community is always in his corner.
Thanks to Nelsonâs generosity, Gio has a massive new setup waiting for him. Now, after a long day on the court, he can kick back, relax, and enjoy the reward. It is a well-deserved gift for a young man who continues to inspire us all to live life to the fullest.
