ROSE Pure Love with Open Arms

by John Nacchio

Rose is a 13-year-old young lady with a life challenge known as a co-occurring diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. Through the years, new information becomes available daily about autism and Down syndrome, but there is still much to learn about the dual diagnosis that affects Rose. From the very start of her life, Rose’s mom,

Noelle (DellaBarba) Campolongo, has been a strong advocate for her daughter in every aspect from diagnosis, to training and treatments. She has supported activities like the “Special Olympics” and even coordinated an annual event for Rose and other children called The Rose Ball, “A Special night for Special KIDS,” held at Galdo’s Catering. Made possible by the generous support of donors, sponsors, and volunteers, including its co-chairman, the late Honorable Ronald R. Donatucci Sr., this gala raised both awareness and support for nonprofits and services for children with special needs.

This past November, Noelle took Rose to Children’s Hospital (CHOP) for what she assumed to be a swollen wrist. Within hours, Rose was diagnosed with B-ALL

Leukemia. Rose immediately was admitted to the hospital to begin chemotherapy and a 10-week hospital stay. Mom Noelle moved into CHOP right beside her to provide 24-hour comfort and support to her precious daughter. A single mom since the sudden death of Rose’s father Stephen in 2020, Noelle has assumed full-time care of Rose – which means decreasing her full-time job hours and leaving behind a second part-time job.

After spending weeks at the hospital during the first round of chemotherapy, Noelle was hopeful to be home in time for the holidays. But the treatment was unsuccessful. Doctors scheduled a second round of chemotherapy and an extended hospital stay. Unfortunately, this round resulted in several side effects for Rose, causing seizures, infections, rashes, and still, no positive results. Finally, after responding well to the last week of treatment, Rose was able to come home with outpatient treatment and weekly visits.

Most recently, Noelle shared that Rose finished her second round of chemotherapy and her family anxiously awaits the results. Since the start of her treatment, Rose’s levels have declined to what doctors consider remission. If all goes as planned, Rose will undergo two more rounds of chemotherapy over the next two years with outpatient visits following the final round.

“I can’t thank you all enough for your continued support,” Noelle said about family, friends and neighbors who are rallying to support them. “Rose needs me more than ever through this. We wouldn’t get through it without all of you.”

“Keep Rose in your prayers,” says Rose’s grandmother Josephine “Jody” DellaBarba. “My family is humbled by the outpouring of support my daughter Noelle and granddaughter Rose have received from the community.” PRH Learn more https://www. autismspeaks.org/what-autism

Affable and genuine nice guy, Justin Gonzalez is best known for his tremendous musical talents and classic tenor voice. While he has traveled around the world and performed at many prestigious venues, he is happiest playing with his Queen cover band right here in Philadelphia. Gonzalez is not only a gifted and extraordinary singer, but a resilient and proud advocate for himself and others with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Prior to his own diagnosis, Gonzalez had to grow up quickly, caring for his mother who was diagnosed in her early 40s. “I didn’t have much time to be a kid, he says. “I did my best to keep up with my schoolwork, work life, all while pursuing a quickly blossoming music career. With an early development of my voice, I had performed in the Cathedral Notre Dame in Paris, Carnegie Hall, and Madison Square Garden all before my 20th birthday.”

In February of 2006, Gonzalez was diagnosed with MS, as well. “Over seven days, I lost complete eyesight in my left eye. With intense steroid treatment, I was able to regain my vision over three weeks. I also gained over 100 pounds,” he says. “A