Christopher Tarallo
Twenty-seven years ago, at the age of fourteen, Christopher Tarallo was diagnosed with a tumor in the pineal region of his brain. At the conclusion of successful innovative surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatment, Chris along with his parents Janet and Jeff, decided it was their responsibility and calling to give back and make a difference. Chris, having become the first survivor of the surgery and treatment he underwent, would become the hope to so many other children and their families. The Four Foundation was created in 1996 with a mission to fund brain tumor research at the Bartoli Brain Tumor laboratory at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center where Dr. Jeffrey Bruce, Chris’ surgeon was the Director. The Foundation assisted researchers in developing new and successful treatments for children with brain tumors. Chris was committed to the notion that the only possible hope in battling brain tumors was in the research necessary to eradicate tumors. Additionally, the Four Foundation wanted to make a difference in the lives of children who were battling pediatric cancer. The Foundation, for over fifteen years, supported events at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, including delivering thousands of gifts during the holiday season to all the pediatric patients. In addition, a pool party was held each year, hosted by Chris, for pediatric cancer patients and their families at the Palisades Park Swim Club. Over the fifteen years of its work, the Foundation was able to support many other events. During this time, Chris personified the quote attributed to Jackie Robinson, “A life is not important except in the lives it has touched.” Chris graduated from Ramapo College and did subsequent study at St. Peter’s College to achieve his teaching degree. He teaches in the Union City, NJ school district at the Sara Gilmore School. Christopher has devoted time in supporting the Hope for Children Research Foundation most recently as a guest auctioneer at their Annual Sports Auction as well the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Chris also recently authored a book entitled “Define Me” which he is currently looking for an editor/publisher to work with him. In his spare time, Chris enjoys weightlifting and performing as a comedian at Caroline’s on Broadway in New York City.
Danny Minassian
Danny Minassian was a seemingly heathy baby boy meeting all his milestones when he suddenly suffered a stroke at the age 20 months. It left him with paralysis on his right side, cognitive and developmental delays, and a severe seizure disorder. Danny, at the age of eight, endured a rare 14-hour brain operation to relieve him of the hundreds of seizures he experienced daily. The surgical procedure, done at Columbia University Medical Center, disconnected the healthy right hemisphere from the damaged left hemisphere. All who know Danny are amazed at the remarkable gains he has made since then. Now 33 years old, his seizures have decreased dramatically and he continues to embrace each day as a gift. Danny graduated in May of 2008 from a school for special needs children and thrives in the community that embraces him. He continues therapies, working his weekly job at a local Veterinary Hospital and is a “Meeter and Greeter” at his favorite place Mahwah Bar and Grill. Danny loves to travel and simply enjoys life with family and friends. In 2016, Danny fulfilled his dream, which many thought impossible, when he moved into his very own apartment sponsored by Bergen County United Way and the Madeline Housing Partners. Danny is thriving on his own, with the support of family and friends. If you ask Danny how he is doing, he is quick to respond with his infectious smile, “I am living the dream!” For many years, Danny served as the Foundation’s “Poster Boy”, and now referred to as our “Poster Man”. Danny is a true example of the hope and possibility that now exists for children with neurological diseases thanks to the efforts of the Hope for Children Research Foundation, the breakthrough research of Dr. Darryl De Vivo and the research team at the Colleen Giblin Research Laboratories.
RObert christopher allen
On January 1, 2003 Robert Christopher Allen, made his entry into this world. His parents took him home to love and raise him just like any other baby - or so they thought. On February 28, 2003, they learned that God had a different plan for Bobby and for them, his parents.
When Bobby was eight weeks old, he suddenly stopped breathing in the middle of the night. They rushed to the emergency room, and quickly transported to Boston Children's Hospital where he stayed first in the ICU, then in the neurology unit for five days. After numerous tests, the Allens were given news that at the time was incomprehensible.
Working collaboratively, Dr. De Vivo of the CG Laboratories and the Pediatric Neurologists at Boston Children's Hospital, diagnosed Bobby with a rare brain energy metabolic disorder called glucose transporter deficiency syndrome (GLUT1) also known as the De Vivo Syndrome.
At the time of Bobby’s diagnosis, there were less than 100 known cases in the world. Today based on statistics, Dr. Darryl De Vivo, Founding Director of the laboratory “guesstimates there are about 360,000 cases in the world.”
GLUT1 is a disorder that prevents the cells from picking up and transporting glucose to the brain properly. Since glucose is the principal source of fuel to the brain, children with this disorder have a myriad of physical and mental disabilities, ranging from mild cognitive dysfunction to severe cases where the child cannot walk or talk.
In the past, the only known treatment to date for GLUT1 was a very restrictive diet called the Ketogenic Diet, which is a treatment of last resort, used for children with seizure disorders that do not benefit from conventional drugs. Today, Dr. De Vivo and his team of researchers at the Giblin Laboratories are working toward finding a more effective treatment or cure for GLUT1 including gene therapy which is proving to be that hope that GLUT1 children and their families can hold on to.
Bobby is now 17, and a senior in High School looking towards college and a bright future. Bobby is a true source of inspiration and a cause for HOPE among kids with GLUT1.