For some students, the thought of going back to school in September is a dreadful one. But for Matty Mazzello, an 11-year-old from East Meadow, the first day of middle school marked a new beginning.
Mazzello survived a sepsis attack from strep throat while on vacation in Florida in February of 2023. Four months later, he was diagnosed with T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that causes the body to produce too many immature white blood cells.
“Matty fell running to the school bus, and after undergoing a series of tests he was diagnosed with leukemia,” Diana, his mother, said in a release shared with the Herald by NYU Langone Health. “Doctors told us the cancer was difficult to find because of all the blood transfusions my son had while being treated for sepsis.”
It’s Diane, and her husband John’s hope, that their son’s story provides hope for others during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed nationally every September, to spotlight pediatric cancer, honor young patients and survivors and rais funds for research.
After his diagnosis, Matty went to the NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids in Mineola for treatment. Dr. Chana Glasser, chief of pediatric hematology and oncology, oversaw his care and recovery.
“What is remarkable about Matty is that during two years of chemotherapy infusions and blood transfusions, he always had a smile on his face,” Dr. Glasser said. “He lit up our clinic with his infectious smile, jokes, pranks, and positive attitude. Now that he has completed therapy and is cancer-free, we know he is going to do big things and are so excited for what lies ahead for him this school year and beyond.”
The Mineola center is the largest outpatient facility for treating childhood cancer and blood disorders in Nassau County. In addition to providing chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and infusions, it offers a support network of child life specialists, psychologists, social workers, music therapists and nurses. The center also partners with community groups and foundations to support parents.
Matty shared that he looks forward to his next chapter and provided some advice for other kids battling cancer.
“I am really excited for a new beginning in middle school and not having to be absent a lot,” Matty said. “The days may seem very long, but this experience is going to change your life in a positive way. It will help you be more empathetic to people going through hard times. It will also make you strong mentally and physically.”
For more on NYU Langone, and its center for pediatric cancer care, visit NYULangone.org/Locations/NYU-Langone-Cancer-Center-For-Kids-Mineola.
