Monday ‘Bounce for FUNds’ to benefit 12-year old cancer survivor

Isabella Sartini is known as “a beautiful, loving, sweet young girl with a big heart and a big smile who loves animals and God!”

Isabella, who lives in Glocester, is also a 12-year-old cancer survivor.

That’s why Vincent Pezzullo, who owns and operates My Cousin Vinny’s Rentals off Atwood Avenue in Johnston, has issued a huge invitation for people to “Bounce for FUNds” that will be held Monday, October 8, beginning at 12 noon at War Memorial Park.

Pezzullo, Kristen Noel and dozens of other people who have come in contact with Isabella – who has been battling cancer since she was diagnosed at age 4 with Stage 4 Wilma Tumor Kidney Cancer – hope the Columbus Day fundraiser generates big bucks that will serve a two-fold purpose for the pre-teen who people say is “a very brave and strong spirit.”

“Bounce for FUNds” will hopefully generate enough money to help Isabella realize her dream to visit the “Happiest Place on Earth” – a.k.a. Walt Disney World – with Biscuit by her side and with her ongoing medical expenses.

There will be bounce houses, slides, food, craft, live music, raffles and fun during Monday’s “Bounce for FUNds” and tickets are priced at $15.

As equally important, Pezzullo – who is sponsoring Monday’s event – is seeking sponsors for a number of packages that will also be used to help Isabella realize her dream.

The Gold Package sponsorship is priced at $500 and will include a yard sign outside bouncer, $50 gift card from MCVR, specialized event T-shirt, name on a banner and four event tickets. Silver and Bronze sponsorships are also available at $250 and $100.

It has been an extremely difficult and traumatic process for Isabella during her young years. She has gone through multiple surgeries, chemo and radiation therapy. Since then she has been diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety Chronic Conversation Disorder and has faced numerous additional traumatic experiences.

Her symptoms include weakness, dizziness, fainting, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, temporary paralysis and frequent sickness.

Due to the extent of these symptoms, Isabella has missed a great deal of school, life and many fun things children her age should be doing. She was home tutored for the majority of her last school year, which should have been her first year of middle school.

She realized that having a service dog would help her a great deal. With help from God and A Modern Dog Training, she trained Biscuit and now attends school with him. Through all her struggles Isabella remains happy and trusts God to see her through all things, says Pezzullo.

She started seventh grade last week with her new service dog by her side. Recently, Isabella came across a viral article about service dogs in Disney – where she hopes to visit someday with Biscuit by her side.

So, it’s “Bounce for FUNds” Monday to help Isabella realize the dream of her life and as Pezzullo simply noted while promoting the extraordinary and much-needed fundraiser: “We hope to see you there.”

Anyone who’d like more information, tickets or to make a donation to “Bounce for FUNds” should call Pezzullo at 644-8636.