Anthony, Lisa and Blaise Masciantonio are a local family from Gibsonia. Anthony has been struggling with multiple health issues resulting in significant medical expenses for the family. We have organized a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser in hopes to raise enough money to help the Masciantonio’s put a dent into these expenses.
Anthony was diagnosed in his twenties with Ulcerative Colitis. Soon after, he developed Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). PSC is a chronic liver disease caused by progressive inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts of the liver. The inflammation impedes the flow of bile, which can ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis, failure and cancer. It is an autoimmune disease.
Anthony had a few minor flair ups over the years, but his significant decline started in August 2007. Anthony suddenly became ill and he was referred to a liver specialist. The typical treatment was to perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to widen the bile ducts and he had to have several over the next two years. They felt the disease would simply progress until he got cancer or a transplant.
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Anthony felt somewhat better until September 2010 when he really started to feel the onset of liver failure. Between December 2010 and April 2011 he had to have 4 more ERCPs. During this time the signs of liver failure were progressing and he only had 14 days that he was fever-free. By April 2011, Anthony’s health declined and he was placed at the top of the national transplant list. He underwent a liver transplant on May 18, 2011. Between his admission and his transplant, Anthony experienced kidney failure and had to receive dialysis three times per week. Several days after his transplant, they had to go back into surgery to stop internal bleeding from his old common bile duct. Pathology results revealed cholangiocarcinoma in his old liver. This cancer is typically found in the bile ducts, but his was deep in the liver and up until this point no tests were showing signs of cancer. Even after the transplant, Anthony continued to have a lot of pain and felt there was something else going on. After weeks of back and forth to the various doctors and Emergency Rooms, they finally did an MRI on August 2, 2011 which showed the cholangiocarcinoma in his new liver, stomach, lymph nodes and just this week in the pancreatic duct as well. There is no cure and no additional treatment being offered at this time.
Please join us at the Spaghetti Dinner to help raise money to help the Masciantonio’s. If you would like to purchase tickets in advance please contact Michelle Gierl at 724-502-2150 or Kristen Molinaro 724-449-4545 or you may purchase tickets at the door. If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, please contact Michelle or Kristen. Thank you so much for your support and we hope to see your family at the Spaghetti Dinner.
