VIBE 98-5 $50,000 Baby Shower Finalist # 4

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Finalist #4
Crystal & Anthony Baby: Mattea, 6 months old
Nominated by their friend Kimberly and the nurses of Unit 47 of the Tom Baker Centre. Crystal has been diagnosed with malignant skin cancer

On April 24, 2007, Crystal Violante gave birth to a beautiful baby girl - Mattea Rene Violante.  Following Mattea's birth, Crystal began to experiencing painful back pain.  After 2 months, Crystal was rushed to the hospital after the pain became too unbearable to walk.  Until this day, on July 8th, 2008, the doctors believed that her pain was caused by post partum labour deliver stress.  On July 8th, Crystal's doctor told her that she had cancer, and that her entire body was full of malignant melanoma tumours.  Her diagnosis was terminal, and her time with her new born baby would be short lived - she was told she would not live to see her daughter's first birthday. In the best interest of his family, Anthony left his job to care for his daughter and his wife.  With no income, high medical bills, and the strong will and desire to live as long as possible, the Violantes have had to look towards the generosity of family, friends, and strangers to help them these difficult times. Unfortunately, after Mattea was born, Crystal was never well enough to have a baby shower for Mattea that she wanted.  Thinking that she would get well enough to properly celebrate the life of Mattea, her health took a turn for the worse. Mattea is the most amazing little girl that so many have had the privilege of meeting.  She will grow up never knowing her mother, and Crystal will leave this world never having the chance to play with her daughter without the lurking pain or cloudiness from medication brought on by her cancer. Being the recipient of Vibe 98.5's Dream Baby Shower would mean so much to the Violantes.  It would provide the much needed relief and happiness to this family that has experienced so much suffering for the past six and half months.  Something no family should ever have to endure.  To learn more about Crystal's story Click Here