4-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Has Touching Surprise Reunion With His Favorite Nurse

In 2020, Gabrielle DiMaggio, of Staten Island, New York, brought her son, Rocco, to the doctor, thinking he had COVID-19.

But instead of the doctors confirming her suspicions, she would receive heartbreaking news that would change her life.

Two-and-a-half-year-old Rocco was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects the nervous system.

They rushed Rocco to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where they would eventually meet pediatric oncology nurse Cassie DeMatteis.

But nurse DeMatteis was not just a nurse to Rocco, she was so much more.

“I say Cassie is our angel on Earth,” Rocco’s mom told TODAY. “She truly is. That’s what she is to us.”

DeMatteis always made sure that Rocco felt comfortable and safe throughout his scary journey. She was always by his side and even played Spider-Man with him.

Rocco went through five rounds of chemotherapy, two surgeries, and even had his kidney removed, but DeMatteis was there through it all.

DeMatteis says being there for the kids and connecting with the families is very important to her, and says it’s “the greatest honor” to help kids in this way.

She and Rocco developed a very special bond that remains even today.

Today, Rocco is a healthy four-year-old, but has not forgotten about his favorite nurse.

Recently, the two of them reunited, and Rocco was ecstatic to see her again.

Hear their heartwarming story and watch their reunion in the video below:

Provide Mammograms

Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! →