Community Rallies Around Child Fighting Cancer

Stroudsburg, Monroe County - Six year old Joey Fantozzi has captured his community's love. Joey was diagnosed with Leukemia about a month ago.

Before he knew he was sick, he had asked his parents if he could shave his head to support kids with cancer. He still wanted to do it after his diagnosis. So he had a head shaving party in his hospital room. As his cousin Ben had his head shaved, Joey laughed, "You look funny Ben!"

Joey's family has asked people who shave their head in honor of people fighting cancer to post photos on a special Facebook page. It is Facebook.com/SupportTheKing. "The King" is Joey's nickname.

Several weeks ago the family asked people to post pictures holding signs saying "You are Awesome" or "I am Awesome" so they Joey could see how people care. Many people sent messages of love and support online and to the hospital. Joey said all the people who sent things are "awesome."

Community members have organized more support fund raisers than the family can keep up with. One is called "Pain the Town Orange." It's a makeover and photo event at Salon Evol in Stroudsburg. Salon owner Sean Henry said, "Being a hair stylist you hear a lot about what is going on in the community and it touches you and you just wanna help."

Joey's story also touched Craig Campeotto. He co-owns Popcorn Buddha. He's giving ten percent of the profits from his best seller, Kooky Korn Fetti, to Joey. He said once Joey is healed, he will continue to give the money to support kids with Leukemia. Campeotto said, "I grew up here and I know there is a ton of people that have helped me along my way. This is just a small thing that we can do to help those that have helped us."

"The King" appreciates it all and said he would like to thank the people who have shown him so much love.

For information on the many fund raisers going on to support Joey go to facebook.com/supporttheking.

Here is the original Eyewitness News story about Joey. http://pahomepage.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=279982