Catholic Info
Traditional Catholic Faith => The Sacred: Catholic Liturgy, Chant, Prayers => Topic started by: The Mrs on May 22, 2025, 03:14:01 PM
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Please pray for a traditional Catholic family whose 4 year old boy, Anthony, was burned on 90% of his body on Tuesday morning. Drs give him a 60% chance of survival.
If you are so inclined, here’s a link to a gofundme page. https://tinyurl.com/sn6z7pk7
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:pray::pray::pray:
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:pray::pray::pray::pray:
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Prayers for dear Anthony. :pray:
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:pray:
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Any update on the boy’s condition? :pray:
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Any update on the boy’s condition? :pray:
From the GoFundMe page:
"Today
by James Sirba, Organizer
Good morning! Anthony's second surgery is scheduled for 11:00 this morning. Please be praying for him as they work on removing the dead tissues from his upper torso!"
From yesterday:
"Saturday's surgery (ended up being today) will be focused on his torso and there is a third surgery scheduled on Monday to remove the dead skin from his arms and legs. Please continue to pray for success in these surgeries, for Anthony's doctors and care team and, of course, for his healing. After the surgeries are finished, they will begin the process of grafting skin."
"This will be a long, slow process. As of yesterday, Anthony was swelling quite a lot from the burns. Thankfully, his organs all seem to be holding steady right now, and it sounds like he's breathing a bit more on his own today."
:pray:
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Thank you, Seraphina and AMDGJMJ, I was well acquainted with his mother years ago, when I first got married. She’s a very sweet woman, I just can’t imagine what this must be like for her. They are a good family, 10 kids.
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:pray: :pray:
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:pray:
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Thank you, Seraphina and AMDGJMJ, I was well acquainted with his mother years ago, when I first got married. She’s a very sweet woman, I just can’t imagine what this must be like for her. They are a good family, 10 kids.
The poor family... 9 other children to care for and this also happening...
I can't even imagine... May God help them through these trying times. 😣🙏
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:pray:
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:pray:
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Many prayers
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Update from GoFundMe page:
"Anthony is stable today with a noted decrease in post OP swelling of his face and feet. His fourth surgery is still as scheduled for tomorrow morning."
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"8am surgery time was confirmed for tomorrow.
A short respiratory trial was performed this afternoon to see how he does breathing with less machine support, and he did very well. Deo Gratias!"
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"The fourth surgery will focus on his legs on Monday morning.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support."
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How did he get burned? What happened? The donation page reveals nothing, which seems a little odd.
I will happily pray for the boy and his family, but it'd be nice to know how this situation came to pass.
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:pray:
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I don’t know much, but apparently the little one was playing with a lighter and the fire was on his family’s property.
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I checked, and the fundraiser has already surpassed the goal of $50K.
That said, it wouldn't be a bad thing, for folks to keep on donating.
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Update today:
"Good morning, all! Since Anthony has a day of rest from surgery, we just wanted to write a post with some general updates.
Anthony currently has a mid-grade fever, which he has sustained overnight. While the doctors are not worried (this is common post-operation), please pray for the fever to break. Perhaps more importantly, Anthony will be having the dressings that cover his wounds changed today. This undertaking is extremely painful and can be felt even through the pain medication. He could use as many prayers as possible today for his comfort. Thank you!"
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Thank you, everyone for your prayers and donations. The mother of the family also requests prayers for some very important meetings their family has this week.
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:pray::pray::pray:
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:pray:
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Update Today
Bosko sent some very good news this morning!
"Last night was turbulent.
Anthony was determined to remove his breathing tube despite the doctor's and nurse's insistence that he should not do so for his safety. Medical protocols do not allow self-extubation.
He was sedated further overnight and finally granted his wish to have the tube removed under a more controlled process this morning.
Anthony is now breathing on his own. This is a huge milestone after being intubated for 12 days.
His lungs are doing well, and his drive to breathe is strong.
Deo Gratias!"
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From what I understand reading the updates, the little boy has finished having all the surgeries to take off dead skin and now has to go through skin replacement surgeries.
Bumping to remind everyone to keep praying for him and his family. :pray:
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:pray: continued. There are lots of people praying. I noticed he is mentioned in the comments of various other Catholic sites. SSPV, CMRI, SGG, Bp. Sanborn’s group, neo-SSPX.
Wonderful to hear he’s now breathing on his own.
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:pray:
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:pray:
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Please ramp up your prayers again.
Latest from his father…
We've reached the infection minefield. His blood culture just came back positive. He will be starting antibiotics shortly.
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Our prayers are for little boy and his family.
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:pray::pray:
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Please ramp up your prayers again.
Latest from his father…
We've reached the infection minefield. His blood culture just came back positive. He will be starting antibiotics shortly.
Thank you for the update! :pray:
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Another update from the boy’s father:
Anthony was very feverish all night, running a temperature of up to 104, but finally came down to 100.5 by early morning as antibiotics were administered.
He was just transferred to the OR for the next surgeries and evaluation of previously treated areas. 5-6 hours has been allotted for the OR today.
There are so many, many things to be praying for today: for Anthony's infection to clear; for his fever to stay down; for a successful surgery; for comfort as his dressings are changed; for his fingers to be spared; and for Theresa and Bosko's perseverance. Thank you for remembering these intentions in your prayers this morning! (Also, this dreary day might be a good excuse to send a little 'sunshine' to the Karadza's inbox :) karadzafamily@gmail.com)
St. Anthony, pray for us
St. John the Apostle, pray for us
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:pray: I’m still praying and have taken the liberty of adding first Anthony’s name, age, and condition to our chapel’s prayer list and old family friends (Eastern Rite) have added him to their list as well. :pray:
The important thing is for Anthony and his family to not give up. In 2010 I had a first grade girl who had survived a fire that left her with burns on 90% of her body at age four. In Melissa’s case, the fire was caused by the negligence and greed of an unscrupulous landlord in NYC. The family was poor, from Ecuador, here legally to make a better life. The landlord made “extra” apartments in his building by adding some thin, sheetrock walls, adding a door with a hallway transom window above. (Illegal in NYC since 1959.) The wiring was uninsulated and he got some guy to tap into the shared gas line of the building next door.
The result was an electrical fire in the wall that worked its way to the kitchen and the gas line exploded. Melissa was in bed, sleeping, and her Dad had dozed off on the couch while watching TV. Melissa’s mother was in her fourth month of pregnancy and was working the night shift at a nursing home. The entire half of the four story building blew up without warning. There were no smoke alarms, no CO2 detectors. Five people were seriously burned and injured, four died instantly, A dozen others had non-life threatening burns and injuries, including a woman who was hit in the head with a brick as she was getting into her car across the street. A fireman found Melissa and rushed her still on fire from the remains of the building. It’s uncertain how Melissa’s father got out. He was found on the ground, unconscious, badly burned. He later died in the hospital that week.
Melissa was placed in an induced coma on a respirator because of her lung damage and extensive burns. The only area not burned was where she’d been wearing Pull Ups. She’d been fortunate to have wet herself that night thus sparing her privates and buttocks.
She was Medi-Vacked by helicopter to Weill Cornell NY Presbyterian Burn Center where she remained for a year. The next year was spent going in and out for surgery, respiratory, physical, occupational, psychological therapy. Mrs. Z. and Melissa plus new baby sister were given housing nearby.
Melissa was able to start school at age eight. I taught a combined K-1 combination class, which was perfect for Melissa’s needs. She worked and socialized at her own pace.
She was frequently absent for doctor appointments, more surgeries, but we all were encouraged to see her improve. Once adhesions on her hands were operated and healed, Melissa could write normally and turned out to have attractive handwriting.
After initial fear about coming to school in a wig that others would reject her for scars, she found herself welcomed. I’d prepared the class in advance. I’d shown the kids a photo so they already knew what she looked like. We practiced how to act, what to say, what not to say. N
By the time Melissa arrived, she was a celebrity.
She adjusted with surprisingly few problems.
Melissa attended our school until October of grade two. Mom was a widow with a toddler and a special needs daughter. She was the sole bread winner, had to place the baby in day care. Once business was closed out in NY and arrangements for Melissa’s continuing care made in Ecuador, the family packed up what little they had left and returned to their home country where they had extended family.
The school received one letter just to say they were doing well. Melissa was in school for three hours per day and studied with a tutor in the afternoon. Melissa would be 23 today and I wonder how she’s doing.
So, if Melissa made it, so can Anthony!
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:pray: I’m still praying and have taken the liberty of adding first Anthony’s name, age, and condition to our chapel’s prayer list and old family friends (Eastern Rite) have added him to their list as well. :pray:
The important thing is for Anthony and his family to not give up. In 2010 I had a first grade girl who had survived a fire that left her with burns on 90% of her body at age four. In Melissa’s case, the fire was caused by the negligence and greed of an unscrupulous landlord in NYC. The family was poor, from Ecuador, here legally to make a better life. The landlord made “extra” apartments in his building by adding some thin, sheetrock walls, adding a door with a hallway transom window above. (Illegal in NYC since 1959.) The wiring was uninsulated and he got some guy to tap into the shared gas line of the building next door.
The result was an electrical fire in the wall that worked its way to the kitchen and the gas line exploded. Melissa was in bed, sleeping, and her Dad had dozed off on the couch while watching TV. Melissa’s mother was in her fourth month of pregnancy and was working the night shift at a nursing home. The entire half of the four story building blew up without warning. There were no smoke alarms, no CO2 detectors. Five people were seriously burned and injured, four died instantly, A dozen others had non-life threatening burns and injuries, including a woman who was hit in the head with a brick as she was getting into her car across the street. A fireman found Melissa and rushed her still on fire from the remains of the building. It’s uncertain how Melissa’s father got out. He was found on the ground, unconscious, badly burned. He later died in the hospital that week.
Melissa was placed in an induced coma on a respirator because of her lung damage and extensive burns. The only area not burned was where she’d been wearing Pull Ups. She’d been fortunate to have wet herself that night thus sparing her privates and buttocks.
She was Medi-Vacked by helicopter to Weill Cornell NY Presbyterian Burn Center where she remained for a year. The next year was spent going in and out for surgery, respiratory, physical, occupational, psychological therapy. Mrs. Z. and Melissa plus new baby sister were given housing nearby.
Melissa was able to start school at age eight. I taught a combined K-1 combination class, which was perfect for Melissa’s needs. She worked and socialized at her own pace.
She was frequently absent for doctor appointments, more surgeries, but we all were encouraged to see her improve. Once adhesions on her hands were operated and healed, Melissa could write normally and turned out to have attractive handwriting.
After initial fear about coming to school in a wig that others would reject her for scars, she found herself welcomed. I’d prepared the class in advance. I’d shown the kids a photo so they already knew what she looked like. We practiced how to act, what to say, what not to say. N
By the time Melissa arrived, she was a celebrity.
She adjusted with surprisingly few problems.
Melissa attended our school until October of grade two. Mom was a widow with a toddler and a special needs daughter. She was the sole bread winner, had to place the baby in day care. Once business was closed out in NY and arrangements for Melissa’s continuing care made in Ecuador, the family packed up what little they had left and returned to their home country where they had extended family.
The school received one letter just to say they were doing well. Melissa was in school for three hours per day and studied with a tutor in the afternoon. Melissa would be 23 today and I wonder how she’s doing.
So, if Melissa made it, so can Anthony!
Thank you for the hopeful story. Continued prayers for Anthony.
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:pray: I’m still praying and have taken the liberty of adding first Anthony’s name, age, and condition to our chapel’s prayer list and old family friends (Eastern Rite) have added him to their list as well. :pray:
The important thing is for Anthony and his family to not give up. In 2010 I had a first grade girl who had survived a fire that left her with burns on 90% of her body at age four. In Melissa’s case, the fire was caused by the negligence and greed of an unscrupulous landlord in NYC. The family was poor, from Ecuador, here legally to make a better life. The landlord made “extra” apartments in his building by adding some thin, sheetrock walls, adding a door with a hallway transom window above. (Illegal in NYC since 1959.) The wiring was uninsulated and he got some guy to tap into the shared gas line of the building next door.
The result was an electrical fire in the wall that worked its way to the kitchen and the gas line exploded. Melissa was in bed, sleeping, and her Dad had dozed off on the couch while watching TV. Melissa’s mother was in her fourth month of pregnancy and was working the night shift at a nursing home. The entire half of the four story building blew up without warning. There were no smoke alarms, no CO2 detectors. Five people were seriously burned and injured, four died instantly, A dozen others had non-life threatening burns and injuries, including a woman who was hit in the head with a brick as she was getting into her car across the street. A fireman found Melissa and rushed her still on fire from the remains of the building. It’s uncertain how Melissa’s father got out. He was found on the ground, unconscious, badly burned. He later died in the hospital that week.
Melissa was placed in an induced coma on a respirator because of her lung damage and extensive burns. The only area not burned was where she’d been wearing Pull Ups. She’d been fortunate to have wet herself that night thus sparing her privates and buttocks.
She was Medi-Vacked by helicopter to Weill Cornell NY Presbyterian Burn Center where she remained for a year. The next year was spent going in and out for surgery, respiratory, physical, occupational, psychological therapy. Mrs. Z. and Melissa plus new baby sister were given housing nearby.
Melissa was able to start school at age eight. I taught a combined K-1 combination class, which was perfect for Melissa’s needs. She worked and socialized at her own pace.
She was frequently absent for doctor appointments, more surgeries, but we all were encouraged to see her improve. Once adhesions on her hands were operated and healed, Melissa could write normally and turned out to have attractive handwriting.
After initial fear about coming to school in a wig that others would reject her for scars, she found herself welcomed. I’d prepared the class in advance. I’d shown the kids a photo so they already knew what she looked like. We practiced how to act, what to say, what not to say. N
By the time Melissa arrived, she was a celebrity.
She adjusted with surprisingly few problems.
Melissa attended our school until October of grade two. Mom was a widow with a toddler and a special needs daughter. She was the sole bread winner, had to place the baby in day care. Once business was closed out in NY and arrangements for Melissa’s continuing care made in Ecuador, the family packed up what little they had left and returned to their home country where they had extended family.
The school received one letter just to say they were doing well. Melissa was in school for three hours per day and studied with a tutor in the afternoon. Melissa would be 23 today and I wonder how she’s doing.
So, if Melissa made it, so can Anthony!
What a lovely story! I will pass this on to the parents, thank you so much, Seraphina😊.
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:pray: I’m still praying and have taken the liberty of adding first Anthony’s name, age, and condition to our chapel’s prayer list and old family friends (Eastern Rite) have added him to their list as well. :pray:
The important thing is for Anthony and his family to not give up. In 2010 I had a first grade girl who had survived a fire that left her with burns on 90% of her body at age four. In Melissa’s case, the fire was caused by the negligence and greed of an unscrupulous landlord in NYC. The family was poor, from Ecuador, here legally to make a better life. The landlord made “extra” apartments in his building by adding some thin, sheetrock walls, adding a door with a hallway transom window above. (Illegal in NYC since 1959.) The wiring was uninsulated and he got some guy to tap into the shared gas line of the building next door.
The result was an electrical fire in the wall that worked its way to the kitchen and the gas line exploded. Melissa was in bed, sleeping, and her Dad had dozed off on the couch while watching TV. Melissa’s mother was in her fourth month of pregnancy and was working the night shift at a nursing home. The entire half of the four story building blew up without warning. There were no smoke alarms, no CO2 detectors. Five people were seriously burned and injured, four died instantly, A dozen others had non-life threatening burns and injuries, including a woman who was hit in the head with a brick as she was getting into her car across the street. A fireman found Melissa and rushed her still on fire from the remains of the building. It’s uncertain how Melissa’s father got out. He was found on the ground, unconscious, badly burned. He later died in the hospital that week.
Melissa was placed in an induced coma on a respirator because of her lung damage and extensive burns. The only area not burned was where she’d been wearing Pull Ups. She’d been fortunate to have wet herself that night thus sparing her privates and buttocks.
She was Medi-Vacked by helicopter to Weill Cornell NY Presbyterian Burn Center where she remained for a year. The next year was spent going in and out for surgery, respiratory, physical, occupational, psychological therapy. Mrs. Z. and Melissa plus new baby sister were given housing nearby.
Melissa was able to start school at age eight. I taught a combined K-1 combination class, which was perfect for Melissa’s needs. She worked and socialized at her own pace.
She was frequently absent for doctor appointments, more surgeries, but we all were encouraged to see her improve. Once adhesions on her hands were operated and healed, Melissa could write normally and turned out to have attractive handwriting.
After initial fear about coming to school in a wig that others would reject her for scars, she found herself welcomed. I’d prepared the class in advance. I’d shown the kids a photo so they already knew what she looked like. We practiced how to act, what to say, what not to say. N
By the time Melissa arrived, she was a celebrity.
She adjusted with surprisingly few problems.
Melissa attended our school until October of grade two. Mom was a widow with a toddler and a special needs daughter. She was the sole bread winner, had to place the baby in day care. Once business was closed out in NY and arrangements for Melissa’s continuing care made in Ecuador, the family packed up what little they had left and returned to their home country where they had extended family.
The school received one letter just to say they were doing well. Melissa was in school for three hours per day and studied with a tutor in the afternoon. Melissa would be 23 today and I wonder how she’s doing.
So, if Melissa made it, so can Anthony!
Thank you for sharing this! What an inspiring story! May God bless you for the efforts you took to make Melissa welcome at school.
Continuing prayers for little Anthony. 😇🙏
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Any updates? It's been several days now.
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Any updates? It's been several days now.
6/6/25, 9:07am Good morning! Bosko said that Anthony had a restful evening last night, and that his temperature was down to 99.7 this morning. Deo gratias! There hasn't been any updated news on Anthony's blood culture results yet. Surgery started a little bit ago. Today they are focusing on applying the dermal replacement matrix to Anthony's face and neck. Thank you for your prayers for a successful surgery this morning! St. Anthony, pray for us St. John the Apostle, pray for us
6/6/25, 2:26pm Update from Bosko: "Surgery was completed, and all goals were accomplished for today. Anthony will be intubated overnight while resting and recovering. We are still hoping for conclusive lab results to allow appropriate adjustments to his treatment plan." Deo gratias for another successful surgery today! Please say a prayer for those lab results to come through so that Anthony can get the care he needs to better fight this infection off. St. Anthony, pray for us St. John the Apostle, pray for us
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6/7/25, 1:52pm Update from Bosko: "Anthony's dressing changes went well this morning, and everything looks good on examination. He was extubated with no issues and is currently resting with incremental adjustments in pain medication as needed. Still no blood culture results, so dual antibiotic treatment continues. No surgeries are planned for a week or more, while graft donor sites are healing, and dermal replacement sites are incorporating the matrix that was applied previously. Partial amputation of five fingertips will be performed in conjunction with a later surgery or sooner if issues arise before then. It's a very long road."
Fundraiser by James Sirba : Support Anthony and the Karadza Family (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-anthony-and-the-karadza-family?lid=s1z67jfljvvb&viewupdates=1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=t_email-campaign-update&)
:pray:
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6/7/25, 1:52pm Update from Bosko: "Anthony's dressing changes went well this morning, and everything looks good on examination. He was extubated with no issues and is currently resting with incremental adjustments in pain medication as needed. Still no blood culture results, so dual antibiotic treatment continues. No surgeries are planned for a week or more, while graft donor sites are healing, and dermal replacement sites are incorporating the matrix that was applied previously. Partial amputation of five fingertips will be performed in conjunction with a later surgery or sooner if issues arise before then. It's a very long road."
Fundraiser by James Sirba : Support Anthony and the Karadza Family (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-anthony-and-the-karadza-family?lid=s1z67jfljvvb&viewupdates=1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=t_email-campaign-update&)
:pray:
:pray:
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:pray: I’m still praying and have taken the liberty of adding first Anthony’s name, age, and condition to our chapel’s prayer list and old family friends (Eastern Rite) have added him to their list as well. :pray:
The important thing is for Anthony and his family to not give up. In 2010 I had a first grade girl who had survived a fire that left her with burns on 90% of her body at age four. In Melissa’s case, the fire was caused by the negligence and greed of an unscrupulous landlord in NYC. The family was poor, from Ecuador, here legally to make a better life. The landlord made “extra” apartments in his building by adding some thin, sheetrock walls, adding a door with a hallway transom window above. (Illegal in NYC since 1959.) The wiring was uninsulated and he got some guy to tap into the shared gas line of the building next door.
The result was an electrical fire in the wall that worked its way to the kitchen and the gas line exploded. Melissa was in bed, sleeping, and her Dad had dozed off on the couch while watching TV. Melissa’s mother was in her fourth month of pregnancy and was working the night shift at a nursing home. The entire half of the four story building blew up without warning. There were no smoke alarms, no CO2 detectors. Five people were seriously burned and injured, four died instantly, A dozen others had non-life threatening burns and injuries, including a woman who was hit in the head with a brick as she was getting into her car across the street. A fireman found Melissa and rushed her still on fire from the remains of the building. It’s uncertain how Melissa’s father got out. He was found on the ground, unconscious, badly burned. He later died in the hospital that week.
Melissa was placed in an induced coma on a respirator because of her lung damage and extensive burns. The only area not burned was where she’d been wearing Pull Ups. She’d been fortunate to have wet herself that night thus sparing her privates and buttocks.
She was Medi-Vacked by helicopter to Weill Cornell NY Presbyterian Burn Center where she remained for a year. The next year was spent going in and out for surgery, respiratory, physical, occupational, psychological therapy. Mrs. Z. and Melissa plus new baby sister were given housing nearby.
Melissa was able to start school at age eight. I taught a combined K-1 combination class, which was perfect for Melissa’s needs. She worked and socialized at her own pace.
She was frequently absent for doctor appointments, more surgeries, but we all were encouraged to see her improve. Once adhesions on her hands were operated and healed, Melissa could write normally and turned out to have attractive handwriting.
After initial fear about coming to school in a wig that others would reject her for scars, she found herself welcomed. I’d prepared the class in advance. I’d shown the kids a photo so they already knew what she looked like. We practiced how to act, what to say, what not to say. N
By the time Melissa arrived, she was a celebrity.
She adjusted with surprisingly few problems.
Melissa attended our school until October of grade two. Mom was a widow with a toddler and a special needs daughter. She was the sole bread winner, had to place the baby in day care. Once business was closed out in NY and arrangements for Melissa’s continuing care made in Ecuador, the family packed up what little they had left and returned to their home country where they had extended family.
The school received one letter just to say they were doing well. Melissa was in school for three hours per day and studied with a tutor in the afternoon. Melissa would be 23 today and I wonder how she’s doing.
So, if Melissa made it, so can Anthony!
Beautiful!
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Support Anthony and the Karadza Family
Today
by James Sirba, Organizer
6/12/25, 11:42am
Update from Bosko:
"Anthony continues to make great progress and has been more alert and interactive each morning.
Today, he was blowing on a pinwheel and playing a cacophony on an electric keyboard."
Fundraiser update image
Today
by James Sirba, Organizer
St. Anthony Novena - Day Nine
(Good morning! Today marks the final day of our St. Anthony novena. If you haven't "signed" our card to the Karadzas to let them know you were praying this novena, today is your last chance to do so: https://forms.gle/4mQ6q6na2X4Yo1a58. We will present the card tomorrow, in addition to our BEAUTIFUL Spiritual Bouquet. If you have any final bouquet offerings to add today, please do so here: https://forms.gle/inmL3336476wHb17A.
As with everything, you - dear members of Anthony's Army - have responded with the utmost charity and generosity to these endeavors. Theresa and Bosko continue to express their deep, deep gratitude for each and every one of you. Your outpouring of love leaves them overwhelmed and speechless in the very best of ways-- and knowing there is an army walking with them through the highs and lows of dear Anthony's journey is such a beautiful source of comfort. Not even a million "thank yous" can accurately express the gratitude felt for ALL that you continue to do. May God bless you each most abundantly for your kindness!)
Day Nine
Saint Anthony, servant of Mary, glory of the Church, pray for our Holy Father, our bishops, our priests, our Religious Orders, that, through their pious zeal and apostolic labors, all may be united in faith and give greater glory to God. St. Anthony, helper of all who invoke you, pray for me and intercede for me before the throne of Almighty God that I be granted the favor I so earnestly see in this novena (State your intention).
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father, in honor of Saint Anthony.
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, your confessor, be a source of joy to your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Yesterday
by James Sirba, Organizer
6/11/25, 11:12am
Bosko sent a few pictures of Anthony to share :) Deo gratias for such a great update this morning! Thank you all for your continued prayers!
St. Anthony, pray for us!
St. John the Apostle, pray for us!
Fundraiser update image
Fundraiser update image
Yesterday
by James Sirba, Organizer
6/11/25, 8:06am
Update from Bosko:
"Anthony has made great progress today!
He was able to sit in a chair and stood up for a few minutes with PT staff support.
The greatest moment was being able to embrace him gently for the first time in 3 weeks. Thank you, St. Anthony and all that are interceding on his behalf.
His daily schedule of dressing changes and PT will continue in preparation for two surgeries that are scheduled for next week. More details to follow as the week progresses.
Most recent fevers have been low-grade and attributed mainly to burn injury and not believed to be infection related. Previously, pending blood culture results are still not available, so dual antibiotic treatment continues.
Thank you to all who are praying for his recovery."
Today
by James Sirba, Organizer
6/12/25, 11:42am
Update from Bosko:
"Anthony continues to make great progress and has been more alert and interactive each morning.
Today, he was blowing on a pinwheel and playing a cacophony on an electric keyboard."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgt2b8S.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qkiLIVW.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PLo3WG8.jpeg)
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Thank you for posting the pictures! ☺️
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Thank you for posting the pictures! ☺️
You are most welcome! I was delighted when I saw them shared on the GoFundMe page and thought others here might appreciate seeing them as well. :cowboy::pray:
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You are most welcome! I was delighted when I saw them shared on the GoFundMe page and thought others here might appreciate seeing them as well. :cowboy::pray:
Thank you
And thank God his eyes, nose, and mouth are OK :pray:
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Thank you
And thank God his eyes, nose, and mouth are OK :pray:
Who would down thumbs this!? :facepalm:
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Update from Bosko:
"Anthony continues to gain strength with each physical therapy session. He has also shown some interest in lemonade, popsicles, and graham crackers.
Transition to different pain management and sedation medications is steadily progressing, and the weaning process is nearing completion.
The next surgeries are tentatively scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday and Friday with the exact scope to be determined tomorrow. Final grafting will likely cover the face, neck, and either back or chest depending on assesment of the temporizing matrix and how well it is integrated.
His overall progress has been amazing, considering the extent of his injuries and age.
Praised be Jesus and Mary"
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That is a good-looking, mature-looking four year old.
May he heal well and speedily, and may all involved learn whatever lessons need to be learned.
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:pray:
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"Yesterday
by James Sirba, Organizer
7/1/25
Update from Bosko:
This week has started out rough, with more challenges on the horizon. Anthony continues to be feverish and irritable and has not been very cooperative with physical therapy and the care team.
Multiple blood cultures have been drawn to rule out infection with no final results yet.
His leg donor site has been healing very slowly, but still not ready for re-harvest. There is some discussion on performing amputations of his right fingertips and limited grafting at that location on Thursday.
Accurate assessment of pain levels and judicious use of narcotic and opioid administration / weaning plan continue to be contentious subject with different opinions between parent and providers. This has resulted in some degree of external intervention with the potential for more to come.
Please pray for the following intentions:
1) That Anthony's donor sites heal to allow further grafting.
2) Accurate identification and resolution of any infections.
3) Resolution of conflict between providers and parent with a restoration of trust and collaboration."
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Poor lad. He and his parents have tough crosses to bear.
:pray:
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Today
by James Sirba, Organizer
7/3/25
Update from Bosko:
Anthony is doing well, fevers have subsided, and he has been making good progress with physical therapy and slept very well last night.
Surgery # 12 has begun.
It was confirmed that finger tip amputations and grafting will be performed on his right hand.
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Today
by James Sirba, Organizer
7/9/25
Good evening!
We were so grateful to hear of another successful surgery for Anthony yesterday. Each step in the right direction is a cause for thanksgiving. To that end, dear Anthony's Army, a request has been made to please pray especially for Anthony's fresh grafts to adhere and incorporate properly over these next 5-7 days. After seeing how much time it takes for those donor sites to heal, it really is not difficult to imagine how a failed graft could add weeks to Anthony's stay at the hospital.
And, as always, thank you all for your many continued and sustaining prayers for our little fighter and his family. These summer days can be so busy and the waiting between grafting surgeries can seem so very long. Please know that your continued participation in walking alongside the Karadzas during this time really means so much more than words can say!
St. Anthony, pray for us!
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Today
by James Sirba, Organizer
7/9/25
Good evening!
We were so grateful to hear of another successful surgery for Anthony yesterday. Each step in the right direction is a cause for thanksgiving. To that end, dear Anthony's Army, a request has been made to please pray especially for Anthony's fresh grafts to adhere and incorporate properly over these next 5-7 days. After seeing how much time it takes for those donor sites to heal, it really is not difficult to imagine how a failed graft could add weeks to Anthony's stay at the hospital.
And, as always, thank you all for your many continued and sustaining prayers for our little fighter and his family. These summer days can be so busy and the waiting between grafting surgeries can seem so very long. Please know that your continued participation in walking alongside the Karadzas during this time really means so much more than words can say!
St. Anthony, pray for us!
Grandmother and I have been praying the Novena. We are on day 8 today. We will ask Our Lord tonight to allow Anthony's skin grafts to adhere. :pray:
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"Today
by James Sirba, Organizer
7/14/25
Update from Bosko:
Other than being confined to bed, vomiting and bouts with constipation, the week has passed uneventfully for Anthony.
He is back to the OR this morning for a complete dressing change and evaluation of his previously grafted back and head."
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"Update from Bosko:
Dressing changes and graft evaluation were completed.
Everything looks good and well adhered. Movement restrictions are being reduced to allow sitting up in a chair and possibly wagon rides."
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Update from Bosko:
Just received blood culture results this morning after a brief 103.4 fever last night.
Anthony has acquired another blood borne bacterial infection, and triple antibiotic treatment has been initiated.
His spirits are good, and he continued physical therapy as scheduled today.
:pray::pray:
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Prayers continued! :pray:
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More prayers coming. :pray:
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Update from Bosko:
Just received blood culture results this morning after a brief 103.4 fever last night.
Anthony has acquired another blood borne bacterial infection, and triple antibiotic treatment has been initiated.
His spirits are good, and he continued physical therapy as scheduled today.
:pray::pray:
Thank you for sharing this! I hadn't seen it yet! 😇🙏
Picture shared with the above post:
(https://i.imgur.com/32EaezE.jpeg)
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:pray::pray::pray:
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Update from Bosko yesterday:
Tomorrow is another big day. Surgery #14 is scheduled to start around 8am.
The blood borne infection is responding well to antibiotics, and good progress has been made with physical therapy.
He has reluctantly achieved taking 150 aided steps as of this afternoon.
All of his grafts are looking very good (face and back), and anterior torso will be grafted tomorrow.
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Yesterday
by James Sirba, Organizer
7/24/25
Update from Bosko:
Anthony is back from the recovery room.
His anterior torso was grafted down to the belt line, and the surgeon stated everything went well. Assessment of graft incorporation will be performed in 7 days.
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:pray:
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Thank you! For praying for Anthony! (https://www.wcbohio.com/articles/thank-you-for-praying-for-anthony-1)
Thank you! For praying for Anthony!
This one is for you Anthony! Our faithful have been praying for you night and day. Ever since we heard of your accident, we have been moved and unified in the hope of your recovery. We want to thank all of our generous parishioners and followers for keeping dear Anthony in your prayers. To you Anthony... Thank you! Your bravery and smile amid trials, bring a sense of amazement and calm to all who hear of your story. We say in our hearts "If Anthony is cheerful, let us persevere as well!" You inspire confidence in us! Keep recovering our dear friend, keep smiling.
With prayers, love, and gratitude,
WCB
P.S Keep Anthony and his family in your prayers!
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Yesterday
by James Sirba, Organizer
7/30/25
Update from Bosko:
Day 6 post OP dressing takedown of Anthony's chest, and abdomen can be described as "unremarkable" at this time.
More time will be needed to better assess graft health.
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Thank you! For praying for Anthony! (https://www.wcbohio.com/articles/thank-you-for-praying-for-anthony-1)
Thank you! For praying for Anthony!
This one is for you Anthony! Our faithful have been praying for you night and day. Ever since we heard of your accident, we have been moved and unified in the hope of your recovery. We want to thank all of our generous parishioners and followers for keeping dear Anthony in your prayers. To you Anthony... Thank you! Your bravery and smile amid trials, bring a sense of amazement and calm to all who hear of your story. We say in our hearts "If Anthony is cheerful, let us persevere as well!" You inspire confidence in us! Keep recovering our dear friend, keep smiling.
With prayers, love, and gratitude,
WCB
P.S Keep Anthony and his family in your prayers!
Thank you for sharing this! :pray:
(https://i.imgur.com/04KXODv.jpeg)
My little boys love the game he is playing in this picture. :cowboy:
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- Yesterdayby James Sirba, Organizer
8/5/25
Update from Bosko:
Surgery #15 was successfully completed late this afternoon.
As always, the final outcome won't be known until somewhere around day 10-12 post OP.
Further amputation of his right ring finger will be required at a later date due to tissue loss.
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Update 8/12/25
"Anthony's biggest challenge right now pertains to his participation in occupational/physical therapy. As his skin grafts heal, they also contract, which is causing discomfort and pain to our dear Anthony. His sensitivity to this pain is causing him to become anxious whenever his therapists attempt to work with him.
Bosko has asked for prayers (especially throughout the remainder of this week) that Anthony might overcome this anxiety so that he can continue participating in his therapy. Please also pray for Bosko and Theresa as they continue to advocate for all that is best for Anthony, body, mind and soul."
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8/18 Update
"Good evening! Bosko called with a wonderful update this afternoon: He said that Anthony made remarkable progress with his therapy this past week! Several days of incredibly hard work from both Anthony and Bosko, coupled with all of your additional prayers, produced a tremendous result. Anthony is now able and willing to walk, needing only the assistance of someone's hand to hold! Deo gratias! The next major skill for Anthony to tackle will be working on feeding himself.
As of today, Anthony's donor sites were not quite ready for his next surgery. If all goes well, Anthony's legs will be grafted on Thursday. The hope is that enough skin from the donor sites might be harvested to graft both of Anthony's legs; however, it can be difficult to tell for certain how much will be available. Once Anthony's legs are grafted, Bosko said that hopefully there will only be one or two more surgeries for Anthony for the time being.
Dear members of Anthony's Army, prayers are being answered! Thank you for continuing to hold Anthony, Bosko and Theresa and their intentions close in prayer. Thank you for continuing to persevere alongside the Karadzas! And thank you for your continued love and support.
St. Anthony, pray for us!
St. John the Apostle, pray for us!"
Keep this little one in your prayers :pray:
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8/18 Update
"Good evening! Bosko called with a wonderful update this afternoon: He said that Anthony made remarkable progress with his therapy this past week! Several days of incredibly hard work from both Anthony and Bosko, coupled with all of your additional prayers, produced a tremendous result. Anthony is now able and willing to walk, needing only the assistance of someone's hand to hold! Deo gratias! The next major skill for Anthony to tackle will be working on feeding himself.
As of today, Anthony's donor sites were not quite ready for his next surgery. If all goes well, Anthony's legs will be grafted on Thursday. The hope is that enough skin from the donor sites might be harvested to graft both of Anthony's legs; however, it can be difficult to tell for certain how much will be available. Once Anthony's legs are grafted, Bosko said that hopefully there will only be one or two more surgeries for Anthony for the time being.
Dear members of Anthony's Army, prayers are being answered! Thank you for continuing to hold Anthony, Bosko and Theresa and their intentions close in prayer. Thank you for continuing to persevere alongside the Karadzas! And thank you for your continued love and support.
St. Anthony, pray for us!
St. John the Apostle, pray for us!"
Keep this little one in your prayers :pray:
Thank you for sharing this! :pray:
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8/20/25
Update from Bosko:
Both of Anthony's lower extremities were grafted today with sufficient donor tissue to complete everything that was in scope.
1st post-operative assessment will be made in 5 days.
Anthony does seem to have a very swollen face after this surgery. Please pray for the swelling to subside and his comfort in the meanwhile.
:pray:
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Thank you for sharing this! :pray:
Thank you for all your prayers fellow soldier in Anthony's army :pray:
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8/20/25
Update from Bosko:
Both of Anthony's lower extremities were grafted today with sufficient donor tissue to complete everything that was in scope.
1st post-operative assessment will be made in 5 days.
Anthony does seem to have a very swollen face after this surgery. Please pray for the swelling to subside and his comfort in the meanwhile.
:pray:
:pray:
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Thank you for all your prayers fellow soldier in Anthony's army :pray:
Absolutely! I have 4 little boys... So I know how hard this must be.. Boys hate having to sit still and being physically restrained. :pray:
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"Yesterday
by James Sirba, Organizer
9/3/25
Bosko sent an update on Anthony's progress:
Anthony's leg grafts have not improved over the past 13 day and the doctors are trying various dressing strategies in an attempt to reverse this trend and hopefully salvage the grafts.
Anthony's respiratory rate has slowly crept up to a point where further evaluation was warranted. It is believed this condition is likely due to thickening circuмferential scar tissue of his chest and abdomen. The hope is that this condition will resolve by stretching and increasing pliability via moisturizing agents. However, if not, bilateral surgical release will be required.
Both of these issues have the potential to add 6-8 weeks to Anthony's hospitalization.
Please pray that Anthony's grafts can be salvaged that no additional surgeries are necessary."
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Yesterday
by James Sirba, Organizer
9/5/25
Update from Bosko:
"Dear family and friends,
It appears Anthony's chest and abdominal scar tissue may require surgical release if this trend does not reverse in the near future. We are requesting focused prayers for resolution in a non-surgical manner as this procedure will have significant negative impact on the achievements he has made in recent mobility.
God Bless you"
If you feel so inclined, we would love for you to join us in a novena to St. Jude for this intention. We will begin tomorrow, September 6th. As usual, the prayers will be posted here each day, or you can follow along at this link: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-to-st-jude--desperate-situations-and-hopeless-cases-305.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Anthony!
St. Anthony, pray for us!
(https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-anthony-and-the-karadza-family (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-anthony-and-the-karadza-family))
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Yesterday
by James Sirba, Organizer
9/5/25
Update from Bosko:
"Dear family and friends,
It appears Anthony's chest and abdominal scar tissue may require surgical release if this trend does not reverse in the near future. We are requesting focused prayers for resolution in a non-surgical manner as this procedure will have significant negative impact on the achievements he has made in recent mobility.
God Bless you"
If you feel so inclined, we would love for you to join us in a novena to St. Jude for this intention. We will begin tomorrow, September 6th. As usual, the prayers will be posted here each day, or you can follow along at this link: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-to-st-jude--desperate-situations-and-hopeless-cases-305.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Anthony!
St. Anthony, pray for us!
(https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-anthony-and-the-karadza-family (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-anthony-and-the-karadza-family))
Started Novena this morning. :pray:
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:pray:
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For anyone else besides me who has been wondering how the little boy has been doing:
"Nov 14
New
James SirbaOrganizer
11/14/25
Some wonderful news from Bosko today!
"Anthony's wounds are almost completely healed and he has now been transferred to the rehabilitation team. We hope to return home in time for Christmas."
Deo gratias for such a great update!! Dear Anthony's Army, thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the prayers that you have and continue to offer on behalf of Anthony and the Karadza family. Thank you for storming heaven throughout the trials of this journey, thank you for rejoicing with us in all the victories, and thank you all for continuing to be part of Anthony's Army. May God reward you for your kindness!
St. John the Apostle, pray for us."