Kristen Masciantonio of Warrington is reflecting on the hope and strength a simple gesture from Pope Francis gave her family after her daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor, writes Jo Ciavaglia for the Bucks County Courier Times.
Shortly after her daughter, Gianna, was born in 2014, her parents did not know how much time they would have with her, due to her brain tumor.
A year later, the baby became the “Miracle on Market Street,” when Pope Francis kissed her head during his visit to Philadelphia in September 2015.
“Pope Francis’ kiss was an incredibly special and deeply personal moment for our family,” said Masciantonio. “It felt like a blessing beyond words. His kiss gave us hope and the strength to keep fighting.”
Gianna was only five months old when she underwent 10 hours of surgery. Fortunately, doctors confirmed that her rare tumor was benign. She then endured an intensive chemotherapy regimen to shrink the tumor. Today, she is a typical fourth-grader at Jamison Elementary School.
In gratitude, her family started For The Love of Grace Foundation to support other families facing similar challenges.
Read more about the legacy of Pope Francis and the positive impact he had on a Warrington family in the Bucks County Courier Times.
_____
