Community Comes Together to Support Young Cancer Fighter in Kitty Hawk
In the charming town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a heartfelt story is unfolding as a local fire department rallies behind a brave one-year-old named Christian Pinto. This little warrior is currently facing an overwhelming battle against Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. As his family travels regularly between the beautiful Outer Banks and Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, they find strength in their community and each other.
From Normal Toddler to Tumor Battle
The Pinto family’s ordeal began with what seemed like a small bump on Christian’s leg—something that any parent might overlook. However, after some essential tests and scans, their world changed dramatically. Christian’s condition swiftly deteriorated with the heartbreaking discovery that his cancer had spread to his lungs. “You look at him, and you’re like, ‘Wow, he looks like a normal toddler,’ you know? And then next thing you know, he’s got cancer,” shared Sara Pinto, Christian’s mother, visibly shaken yet filled with resilience. She further expressed, “And it’s not small. It’s big.”
Understanding Ewing Sarcoma
For those unfamiliar, Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive cancer that develops in bones or soft tissues, and it’s relatively rare, particularly in young children. “There is really no other case that I could find, or the doctor could find, that’s identical to him in any way, especially having both of his lungs collapsed,” added Sara. In an unexpected twist of fate, within two weeks of diagnosis, Christian faced multiple procedures, requiring four chest tubes to alleviate the pressure on his lungs.
Brave Decisions Ahead
With a primary tumor located in his right tibia, the Pinto family is now tasked with making incredibly tough decisions regarding Christian’s treatment options. “Unfortunately, they’re really giving us only two options with his leg. It’s either a limb salvage surgery, which would mean that we’d be taking out that bone or replacing it with another, or amputation,” Sara explained. It’s a decision process that weighs heavily on the hearts of the Pintos, particularly as they witness their son’s extraordinary strength.
The Journey of Treatment
The treatment process began with regular trips to Norfolk that started out every other week. But as Christian’s needs grew, Sara and Christian now make the journey every week for chemotherapy. “We’ll go back Monday for an outpatient chemo, and then the following week, it’ll be a two-day inpatient, and just cycles like that,” Sara explained, shedding light on the exhausting routine that has become their new normal. This cycle could stretch out for nearly a year, expecting to complete treatment around May. However, they have already encountered several setbacks along the way.
Health Challenges and Family Dynamics
As if the emotional toll wasn’t heavy enough, Christian’s treatment also presents physical challenges. The family is constantly aware of Christian’s vulnerability to infections due to his lowered white blood cell count from chemotherapy. As Ross Pinto put it, “He’s super prone to getting sick, especially when we have three other kids.” This includes his three older siblings—ages 3, 7, and 10—bringing both challenges and joys to the Pinto household.
A Community Rallying Together
Fortunately, they are not alone in this battle. The community is stepping up in fantastic ways. Ross, who works as a firefighter in Kill Devil Hills, has received tremendous support from his fire department family. Fire Chief Troy Tilley expressed, “The Kill Devil Hills Fire Department is one big family, and we can’t imagine what the Pinto family is going through… We ask that everyone keep the Pinto family in their thoughts and prayers.”
Fundraising Efforts for Support
Just this past September, the Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue team organized a car wash fundraiser to support little Christian. “That’s definitely been the biggest silver lining to this whole situation,” Ross reflected. “All of my friends and family have come together, and they’re really helping out, and they’re so supportive.”
To further assist with the mounting medical bills and travel costs, the Pintos have created a GoFundMe page, which has already exceeded $20,000 in contributions. This outpouring of generosity highlights the profound strength of community and the love and support that families can rely on during trying times.
As the Pinto family continues on this challenging journey, they remain grateful for their community’s support, holding onto hope for brighter days ahead. With every appointment, they are reminded that love, resilience, and togetherness can light even the darkest paths.
