GIA’S STORY
My name is Carmine Gentile, I have the honor of being part of the greatest Law Enforcement Agency: the Harrison Police Department. I have been an active member of the Harrison Police Department and the Harrison PBA for 14 years. I would like to share my family’s story regarding my intelligent, beautiful, fun loving daughter Gia Gentile; affectionally known as “Gia the Brave”.
Throughout October 2016, our oldest daughter Gia was experiencing low-grade fevers and what we believed to be a cheerleading related muscular injury to her lower back, left leg and right shoulder. Multiple doctor and emergency room visits initially concluded that she had a viral illness and muscular pain. The pain increased to the point that Gia could not walk and she was hospitalized on October 24th, 2016. Doctor’s began treating her for what they believed was a bone infection while they conducted additional tests. Finally, on November 1, 2016, we received the devastating news that no parent wants to hear… Gia was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. At that time, Gia was a happy, vibrant six-year-old girl who loved school and looked forward to her playdates and spending time with her younger sister and brother.
My family and I were faced with many challenges such as where to get treatment, who would take care of our two other children, would my wife Dana and I be able to work through this heart wrenching illness our daughter Gia was diagnosed with, among many other concerns.
Immediately after Gia’s diagnosis, the members of the Harrison PBA held an emergency meeting. The Harrison PBA members coordinated and organized a collection of their vacation and personal days. These days were generously donated to me, so that I could spend the much-needed time with Gia and my family during this difficult time.
Additionally, the Harrison PBA made contributions to my family to cover costs such as parking, tolls, childcare, medical fees and whatever else was necessary to fight our battle with neuroblastoma cancer.
If not for the benevolence and solidarity of the Harrison PBA and its members, personally this fight would have been much more challenging. Their contributions to my family allowed my wife and I to concentrate on Gia’s mental health. The assistance and generosity by the Harrison PBA members provided me the flexibility to be at all of Gia’s treatments, meet with all doctors and provided time with Gia and our family which is ultimately the most important resource of all.
