Tommy Rossi Undergoes Double Cord Transplant

Garden City native Tommy Rossi underwent a double cord transplant Nov. 7.

The husband and father of two young children is experiencing normal complications from the surgery and will soon be transferred to a quarantine facility, according to his sister-in-law, Erika Whittaker.

Rossi can go home after that but will be unable to be around his children often.

Rossi, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in April, grew up in Garden City, as did his wife, Nicole. They met in junior high school, married and have a two-and-a-half year old daughter and five-month-old son.

The blood cancer was discovered while he was in the hospital with his daughter. Rossi didn't feel well and went to the emergency room where a gamut of tests later revealed the diagnosis.

The couple has no means of income. Rossi's family started a fundraising campaign on www.giveforward.com. To date, the Rossi Family Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Fund has received $10,485 in donations.

The goal is $100,000. There are 19 days left to donate.

According to Whittaker, the couple has no means of income at all. An Oct. 27 fundraiser at the Brokerage Comedy Club raised $4,000. Fellow Garden City alum Sean Donnelly, who made his network stand-up debut on the "Late Show with David Letterman" in August, was among the featured comics.

Whittaker said the generous donations helped Tommy and Nicole pay their rent.

If you'd like to donate to the Rossi Family Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Fund, click here.