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The stomach pain and vomiting began in March — and so did the visits to the doctor for 11-year-old Hunter Larosa of Rocky Point.
But it took nearly four months of worsening symptoms, numerous consultations, and misdiagnoses before Hunter’s condition was finally diagnosed on July 12 at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park, family members said.
Tests revealed he has two lesions in his brain, identified as germ cell tumors. The tumors affect the pituitary gland, which controls many important body functions through the hormones it produces.
Hunter’s treatment involves a series of chemotherapy sessions and radiation to eradicate the growths, according to a GoFundMe page that is actively raising funds to support Hunter’s “journey to recovery.”
The page’s organizer, Ali Nielsen, a neighbor and good friend of the LaRosa family, explained that Hunter’s father, Pete, has taken an unknown amount of time off from work so that he and Hunter’s mother, Denise, can travel back and forth to the hospital with Hunter, while also taking care of their two other sons, Mason, 14, and 10-year-old Spencer.
“Any contribution, no matter how small, will significantly impact Hunter’s fight against this diagnosis,” she wrote. “Please help us give Hunter the best chance to overcome this challenge. Together, we can help Hunter fight this battle to recovery and bring some light into his family’s life during these dark times.”
At the time of publication of this story, the community had made 285 donations totaling $22,486 to the GoFundMe page for Hunter and his family. A goal of $50,000 has been set for the fundraiser.
