Gianpaolo Evangelisti

GP's Army!

Gianpaolo was diagnosed with ALL in 2017 at the young age of 3 years old. He also has Down syndrome which many people don’t know but can increase the risk of receiving a blood cancer diagnosis. But Gianpaolo, who just finished his treatment on May 3rd, 2020 is a sweet, kind, resilient 6 year-old who keeps his mother very busy!

GP and his family saw Light The Night before they ever walked in it! His mother said, looking down and seeing the lanterns was mesmerizing and reminded her of a special Easter celebration that takes place in Italy, in the village where her mother lived. She said that she felt a feeling of joy seeing the lights that reminded her of her mother, who she also lost to cancer just the previous year.

One year later, she was pushing GP on the special route, past SickKids in his stroller where he could hold his white lantern and look up at the place that was helping him to fight his blood cancer! Sending a sign of hope to the families inside watching from above.

GP, along with his mom and dad, often catch up with friends at Light The Night that they have met along their journey, running into them and catching up just adds to the magic of the evening. Team GP’s army sees Light The Night as a beautiful and spiritual event. Walking with their family and friends is always so emotional. Seeing the lanterns, makes them think of a beacon of hope that light at the end of the tunnel. Now that GP has finished his treatment, that light has become especially bright <3