WVU Medicine Children’s changing the lives of local families battling childhood cancer

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — Leading up to the WVU Medicine Children’s Gala in August, 7News will showcase local families and children whose lives were changed by the world-class care they received.

In September 2020, when she was 11 years old, Ceci Rotilio was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. Years later, Ceci is doing better than ever, thanks to the dedicated doctors at WVU Medicine Children’s.

After three years of intense chemo treatment at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, Ceci is entering her 3rd year in remission.

Her mother, Rachel Rotilio, says there is not one bad thing they can say about the team of pediatricians that helped Ceci get back on her feet.

They’ve been the best. You know, they’ve treated us with kindness, respect, and they’ve, you know, possibly cured her cancer for her.”

Rachel Rotilio – Ceci’s Mother

The care that WVU Medicine Children’s provides is far beyond regular check-ups and routine cancer treatments. Her dad, Ryan Rotilio, says even during some of Ceci’s hardest days, the team at WVU Medicine Children’s was always there to put a smile on her face.

One of our favorite days of the week was when Tony, the dog would come visit all the patients and we got to have Tony the dog, you know, sit in the room and CC would get on the floor and pet her and that was always, you know, when you’re in for a week and you’re getting chemo, you know, that wasn’t her ideal week, that’s not how she wanted to spend the week. But knowing that day, like you get to see Tony is a little bright spot and a tough week.”

Ryan Rotilio – Ceci’s Father

Ryan and Rachel say hearing that your child has cancer is something no parent ever prepares for, but having the right people in your corner when the news comes makes it easier.

Having the support we had from WVU children’s made it bearable and it helped us tremendously get through it.”

Ryan Rotilio – Ceci’s Father

It took a lot of stress off of us just to have the communication, you know, the care, the closeness and the rapport that you built with, you know, her medical team that makes it nice.”

Rachel Rotilio – Ceci’s Mother

With the WVU Medicine Children’s Gala just a few short months away, Ceci’s dad says they will always be grateful for anyone who helps the hospital, the same way that they helped them.

WVU Children’s is such a valuable resource to have in the Valley, so we’re endlessly appreciative for everybody who sponsors that event, everybody who comes, everybody who gives any time, money, effort towards it. We’re endlessly thankful.”

Ryan Rotilio – Ceci’s Father

The WVU Medicine Children’s Gala is set for August 3, at Oglebay Park and all proceeds made at the event will go towards their new facility that will be in Wheeling.

WTRF is proud to be the media sponsor for this year’s event.

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