We are the Camiolo family– a regular Italian/Irish Catholic north Jersey mix of folks–loud, enthusiastic, and never ones to pass up a cannoli. David is a tax manager for a defense contractor, I (Kristin) work in education, and we have three children, Andrew, Genna, and Rosie- and a fluffball dog named Coco. Back in 2004 our then 6 year old daughter Genna was diagnosed with brain tumors due to a genetic condition that runs in our family– Neurofibromatosis Type 1. NF1 is a remarkably common genetic disorder that, among other things, causes tumors to grow anywhere on the nervous system.
Our Genna endured surgeries, multiple types of chemotherapies, and pretty much any complication you can dream up as she fought those tumors. In 2006 things looked pretty dire for G– short version of the story, the malignant transformation of her low grade tumors did NOT occur (she just had a weird, specific to G cellular thing going on), and we had a second chance for our family.
Shortly after this miracle moment, David decided he had to get himself healthy, and he started running…and then signed up for his first half marathon, the Philadelphia Rock n’ Roll Half in 2006, and decided to raise money for CTF–the Children’s Tumor Foundation, the leader in NF research. This is when we started calling our family team the G-force!, in honor of the force of nature that is our Genna. We made big posters that we used at the Race for Hope (a Brain Tumor Society event) and to cheer Dave on. He was hooked, and has not stopped running since, completing countless 5ks and half marathons, and a full marathon–and now he is training for his first ultramarathon! A few years later I (Kristin) put on some running shoes, too…and eventually completed 5 half marathons, all as fundraisers for CTF.
We have also participated in fundraisers for Camp Sunshine’s Polar Plunge, St. Baldrick’s 46 Mommas campaign, fundraisers for the Beez Foundation, Brain Tumor Society, Ronald McDonald House, and others-including the Cupid’s Undie Run (fundraising support, I haven’t been brave enough for this one yet!). Friends of Jaclyn also holds a place in our hearts…
So that’s who we are. Genna has been off treatment since 2013, and our other NF family members have been stable–so we have a chance to keep on working for a cure, for research, and for better quality of life for survivors of pediatric brain tumors and NF.
For I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for your welfare, not for woe; plans to give you a future full of hope!
Jeremiah 29:11
For the super long version of the last 15 years, visit our super old Caringbridge site, http://www.caringbridge.org/nj/gennahenna
G-foRce for Hope 