Kids with Cancer

Update on Ambassador Pietro: Conquering Cancer, Conquering Mountains [PHOTO ESSAY]

by Rebecca Bernot, St. Baldrick's Foundation
December 12, 2013

2011_Ambassador_Pietro

2011 Ambassador Pietro when he was in treatment for brain cancer.

You might remember 2011 Ambassador Pietro as the 11-year-old boy who won a local math competition just five days after undergoing brain surgery. Diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer, he endured a 10-hour operation to remove the tumor, followed by radiation and chemotherapy — and he still went on to win the math competition at the state level.

Now in remission, Pietro is in high school and continues to excel academically while keeping busy with extracurricular activities, including robotics, band, and the debate team. He’ll be learning to drive soon, much to the relief of his parents, who currently shuttle him to and from activities.

Despite all his accomplishments, childhood cancer and its treatments were not without their consequences. Pietro often felt tired, and the persistent fatigue prevented him from participating in one of his favorite activities: skiing.

This January will mark the four-year anniversary since Pietro’s diagnosis, and his father, Benedetto, shares this update:

“This year, Pietro got his skiing legs back!”

Pietro_Olympic_rings
His family celebrated with two ski vacations, including a trip to Whistler, British Columbia, site of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Pietro_family_Olympic_rings
There, Pietro was determined to ski the biggest vertical drop in North America.

Pietro_ski_lift
Benedetto says, “Just like cancer — but with a lot more fun — he knocked it out!”

Pietro_skiing
After a long day of skiing, Pietro and his siblings unwound with a snowball fight.

Pietro_snowball_fight
“We thank the Lord for all his blessings with regards to Pietro every day,” Benedetto says. And while Pietro’s parents count their blessings, Pietro is counting the days until his family’s year-end ski trip to Utah.
Pietro_family_mountaintop

Get involved in the fight against pediatric cancer and help make Moments Like This for kids like Pietro.

Moments Like This

Read more:
A Moment of Peace and Gratitude with Song
Life After Chemo: Hope, Faith, and Big Steps
With Child, Without Hair: A 46 Momma (and Mom-to-Be) Shaves for the Fourth Time
Heroes for Hannah: Cayman Islands Community Comes Together to Cure Childhood Cancer


Share: