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Michael Ciallella will tell you he’s not in pain.
Every day after school — once his homework is finished — the Roman Catholic High freshman meets up with his pals for a friendly game of football. It helps distract him from the surgery that will forever alter his life.
Next week, the 14-year-old from the 3000 block of South 16th Street will have his right leg amputated below the knee due to angiosarcoma, which, according to MayoClinic.com, are cancerous tumors that develop from blood or lymphatic vessels.
It means his football playing days are likely over, and probably no sports until spring.
"It’s all like a big shock," Ciallella said, "I am trying to ignore it all by hanging out with my friends and doing regular stuff."
When he received the diagnosis earlier this summer, Ciallella said he thought the doctor was joking. "Then, the doctor started to get serious and I said, ‘This is crazy,’" he recalled. "I got upset at it all."
But the young athlete doesn’t plan on letting the prognosis sideline him. He has every intention of continuing to play basketball, baseball, bowling or any one of the many sports he’s involved in.
"It’s not going to stop me because I’ll be back to normal," he said.
Insurance will pay for a prosthetic to help Ciallella with everyday life, but he’ll need a special athletic one to play sports. Which is why the South Philadelphia community is rallying Sept. 16 for a beef n’ beer softball game to help cover the costs. Taking place 2 to 7 p.m. at Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association, 18th and Johnston streets, the event also includes a silent auction of sports memorabilia and area restaurant gift certificates. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children.
"They’re trying to raise the money so [Ciallella] can continue doing the things he used to do," event organizer and South Philadelphia resident Maria Venafro said.
Ciallella, whose favorite Phillies are Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, said he is looking forward to playing shortstop in the fund-raising game.
The community support has left mom Josephine Canzanese "speechless."
"I have no idea how we are going to thank all our friends and family for helping us get through the whole ordeal," she said.
In April, Ciallella found a lump on his right ankle, but didn’t think it was a big deal. "I noticed it, but I just thought it was a bump," he said.
He told his mom, but kept playing baseball, football and basketball.
"He is a very active child, and never complained of pain of any kind," Canzanese said.
As a precaution, they went to see the family doctor, who took X-rays and told them to keep an eye on it. Canzanese said physicians first thought it was an infection.
A month later, a biopsy and an MRI of the heel found a malignant tumor, which was diagnosed as a "rare angiosarcoma."
Ciallella had to be off his feet, as he had more biopsies over the summer — one on his right leg and left lung and another on the right lung. A CAT scan revealed that there were nodules on the lungs, which ended up being benign. Canzanese said doctors found lesions in the tibia and, since this type of cancer doesn’t respond to chemotherapy, the family was told the limb would have to be amputated at the knee.
"It has been really hard both physically and mentally," the mom said. "It breaks my heart having my child go through it."
Instead of going out for the Roman Catholic crew and swim teams like he planned for freshman year, the athlete will spend time in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Canzanese said her son is expected to miss about a month of school, but they’re looking into home schooling during his recovery.
Ciallella said girlfriend Anna Marie Ciselli of South Philadelphia has been very supportive over the last several months. "She has been telling me that everything is going to be fine," he said.
As far as the surgery goes, Ciallella said, "I am just not thinking about it."
By spring, the athlete, with the needed prosthetic, hopes to be playing baseball again. His mom is confident he will win the battle and he has the community behind him.
"We feel we are blessed and very fortunate to have such kind and caring friends in our lives," Canzanese said. "The love and support they have given us is helping us get through this."
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Benefit for Michael Ciallella
What: Beef n’ beer softball game
When: Sept. 16, 2-7 p.m. (Rain date Sept. 17, 3-7 p.m.)
Where: Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association, 18th and Johnston streets
Why: South Philadelphia resident Michael Ciallella, 14, is having part of his right leg amputated later this month due to a cancer known as angiosarcoma. Ciallella enjoys baseball, basketball, football and several other sports. The community is raising money for a special prosthetic so he can continue playing.
Price: $20 for adults; $10 for children
Also included: Silent auction
Donations: Anyone who cannot make the event, but would like to contribute, may contact Maria Venafro at 215-755-9776.
