15-Y-O Cancer Survivor Wows Crowd at Madison Square Garden With Thrilling Rendition of the National Anthem
It was a dream come true for 15-year-old Lucia Funaro. She was given the chance to sing the National Anthem in the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, on Monday night. The Garden of Dreams Foundation teamed up allowing multiple kids battling illness take part in many different pre-game ceremonies. This all took place during the New York Rangers hockey game.
Lucia went through several life-threatening situations from birth until a later age. She had open-heart surgery at only three months old to repair two holes that doctors found. Then Lucia was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 and an early stage of cancer. Along with many other problems that continued arising, Lucia continued to remain calm during the whole process. Just imagine spending your day at home trying to take a bath with a Broviac catheter coming out of your chest. It was truly a heart-wrenching situation and is hard for any parent to deal with.
But, with beautiful Lucia, no day was a bad day. Her smile and love for all things around her made everyone SMILE. She spent two years of her life on chemotherapy just so the cancer would stop spreading. Most children born with this many problems don't last very long.
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After some time on the treatment, doctors realized that the chemo was affecting other parts of her body, including walking. So her parents had to make a decision: either stop the chemo and hope nothing spreads any further, or continue and face the risks.
After a few days of discussion, the decision was made by Lucia herself. The decision was to stop the chemotherapy. Miraculously, Lucia's health stayed steady. Eventually she became cancer FREE!
This precious little girl had been proving all the doctors wrong. She showed that God had a special plan with her to inspire the world. Nothing is impossible as long as God is with you. As her loving father, Joseph, would say to her mother, Nora, "Your child was brought into the world to teach you how to love even more."
Music has always been very comforting for Lucia. According to her family, you could hear her singing at all times in her room or around the house. Thats what brings us this very special moment that is meant to inspire all those watching. Lucia sent chills down the spine of all those attending and watching the game live. At the same time, she brought tears of joy to her family's eyes.
Watch as Lucia sings our National Anthem at MSG below: (Starting at 2:20)
