Meet Giuseppe
At five-years-old, Giuseppe was diagnosed with B-Cell Leukemia in early 2025. Giuseppe, affectionately known as “G,” boasts an outgoing personality and an inspiringly positive attitude as he courageously battles pediatric cancer.
When 5-year-old Giuseppe told his mom his legs felt “spicy” on the way to a family party this past March, Millisa called the pediatrician who thought it could be due to a long car ride. But that night, when he couldn’t sleep and kept saying his body hurt, Millisa’s instincts told her something was wrong. The family went straight to the Emergency Department at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital.
“I thought they were going to tell us it was the flu,” Millisa recalls. “But within 24 hours we were in a private room and then came the words that shattered me: ‘Your son has B-cell Leukemia.’ Millisa fell to the floor in disbelief. Her younger sister had battled leukemia at the same age. “It felt like I was reliving a nightmare, but this time, it was my baby boy. A nurse literally picked me up off the floor.”
Giuseppe began chemotherapy immediately, and the family found comfort in the compassionate care surrounding them. “Hackensack is amazing,” Millisa says. “On the first day, one of the Child Life Specialists brought me a notebook and said, ‘Write down every question or thought, someone will check it every day.’ That simple gesture grounded me when my mind was spinning.”
Two powerful symbols have carried Giuseppe through his cancer fight—giraffes and his yellow bow tie. “He loves giraffes,” Millisa says. “He finds his strength being near giraffes. We made a promise to him that after every hospital stay-when he finishes chemo and feels better, we will bring him to Turtle Back Zoo so he can feed the giraffes.”
The yellow bow tie made its debut at Giuseppe’s first Tackle Kids Cancer (TKC) event. He wanted to wear a yellow bowtie to represent kids with cancer. “Now he won’t watch a Giants game or attend a TKC event without it,” Millisa laughs. “It’s his superhero cape. He says he is the voice for kids fighting cancer.”
Through TKC, Giuseppe’s world has been filled with hope and special memories, especially his friendship with New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger. “Giuseppe adores Daniel,” Millisa shares. “They bonded instantly. Daniel calls him ‘Lil Nef” and Giuseppe refers to Daniel as ‘Big Unc.’ Their special connection and frequent conversations give Giuseppe so much joy.”
Beyond unforgettable experiences, TKC has also helped relieve the family’s daily stress. “When my husband lost his job for two months, following Giuseppe’s diagnosis, TKC and Hackensack helped us with whatever we needed,” Millisa says. “One day, Giuseppe wanted a Happy Meal, but we just couldn’t afford it. A Child Life Specialist overheard our conversation and came back with a DoorDash card and said, ‘Get him McDonald’s.’ That moment of kindness will stay with me forever.”
Giuseppe’s battle isn’t over, and he still undergoes monthly chemotherapy with treatment expected to finish in 2027. He continues to inspire everyone he meets—whether he’s wearing his yellow bow tie, walking the floor in his crazy slippers or surrounded by giraffe stuffed animals in his hospital room. “I’m so proud of his strength and courage,” Millisa says. “And I am so grateful for the staff at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and Tackle Kids Cancer for giving us much needed peace of mind during our cancer journey.”