Duluth Teen Battling Cancer Meets Pope Francis

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A 17-year-old from Duluth fulfilled his dream of meeting Pope Francis Wednesday. 

Gino Vizzi left Atlanta Sunday and is in Rome, Italy thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

The P4Foundation posted a picture of Vizzi with the Pontiff on their Facebook page.

 

Doctors diagnosed Gino with a rare form of cancer called chronic myelogenous leukemia after they examined him for his persistent cough.

Gino takes a pill form of chemo every day.

Even during his own fight for life, the Mill Creek High School senior has found a way to help others through his P4 Foundation which helps children and families impacted by childhood cancer. 

Sunday, Gino departed Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in high spirits, ready for his wish of going to the Vatican to be blessed by Pope Francis finally realized. 

“It’s going to make me a lot stronger for sure.  It’s going to bring me closer to God," Gino said. 

When asked what he will ask the Pope, Gino said, “I’m going to ask him to bless me to give the strength to help these kids because the foundation I made is to help kids with cancer as well.” 

The Vizzi family will attend a public mass at the Vatican on Wednesday and afterwards, they expect Pope Francis to offer a blessing to Gino. 

For more information on Gino’s  P4Foundation, click here. 

For more information on the Make-A -Wish Foundation, click here.