Anthony’s Army: Pediatric Brain Tumor Awareness

On September 24th, 2014, Anthony Muoio was admitted to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and diagnosed with a Choroid Plexus Papilloma-a rare and benign brain tumor that effects around 2% of children diagnosed with a brain tumor. Anthony's tumor was resting against an artery. To further complicate his condition, the blood supply to his artery would need to be cut off in order for the tumor to be removed. The following day, Anthony underwent a nine hour surgery that successfully removed his tumor. During their fourteen days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Anthony and his family were surrounded by the most caring, knowledgeable, and compassionate medical staff, loyal and supportive family and friends, and an army of supporters who offered prayers and well wishes for Anthony's recovery. Understanding how lucky and blessed they were as a family, Anthony's parents started Anthony's Army in an effort to give back to others who may not be as lucky as they had been.Whether offering words of encouragement for other parents, supporting children fighting these terrible illness, or partnering with other big organizations to raise awareness and gather funding, Anthony's Army seeks to make a difference in the lives of others. As Anthony started to come around post-op, his contagious smile and infectious personality began to inspire all those who followed his story. Anthony is and always will be the heart of this organization. And his progress will continue to be an open book as his parents yearn to make others aware of what Pediatric Brain Tumor patients are up against.