The ‘Miles4Amiracle’ walk passed through Paris, Ont. this weekend. On August 4th, Joe Gesualdi of London began his walk from his London home, ending at Queens Park on September 16th. Gesualdi is pushing an empty wheelchair representing his daughter Syndey who requires spinal surgery. “It’s necessary for me to take this extreme step to get the attention, to raise the funds that we need to get surgery, to raise the awareness and bring this expertise back home where it belongs,” said Gesualdi. Sydney Gesualdi, then 24, suffered a catastrophic neck injury in July 2023 when her vehicle was struck from behind while stopped at a red light at the intersection of Byron Avenue and Wharncliffe Road South in London. The severe trauma resulted in her neck being unable to support her head, leading to a condition known as tethered cord syndrome. According to Gesualdi, navigating the Ontario healthcare system has been impossible. “We were rejected by ten neurosurgeons in London, Ontario and the GTA and we were left with no treatment options,” he said. Not covered by OHIP, Gesualdi says the found a surgeon in New York who can do the required procedure, but it comes with the price tag of $493,700. Joe, who spends time on his weekends and off days to walk in segments, is going to Queens Park to advocate to have this surgery, and others covered by the Province. “You know that the gap exists, you know that there is no treatment pathway, and there has been no action taken to serve this community that desperately needs this life changing surgery.” The Gesualdi’s are also using the walk to raise money for Sydney’s surgery. They have a website and started a GoFundMe account to help pay for the procedure. The Gesualdi’s are planning a rally at Queens Park and a media conference to advocate for their daughter. With files from CTV London’s Gerry Dewan
