When 16-year-old James Speranta was diagnosed with childhood Leukemia this past March his mom, Nicola Speranta, realized the tremendous need for help for families going through a shocking and life altering cancer diagnosis. Thus the James Sparanta Organization was founded and the movement born. The organization is in its infancy and awaiting non-profit designation.
James is currently undergoing a three-year treatment program at the City of Hope for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and his family hopes that the organization will serve as a vehicle to help and educate other children and families that are victims of childhood cancer in Monrovia and adjacent cities. Currently, there are four teenage boys who were diagnosed within four months of each other right here in town.
The stress and effects on families are long lasting and can be devastating. According to the Cancer Society of the United States, one in five children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. will not survive. That’s why the organization holds blood drives and community charity events to raise funds with the intent of assisting children with cancer. To date the community has donated 220 pints of blood. The organization has also made blankets to give to children while they undergo chemo treatments.
Now, the organization is raising money for families that have financial needs by hosting a Childhood Leukemia Fundraiser on Sept. 27 from 5 – 9 p.m. at Bella Sera, located at 422 S. Myrtle Ave. in Monrovia. Attendees will be able to bid on auction items like vacations to Park City, Big Bear, and Kauai and Elton John concert tickets.
