Giovanni is a resilient 13-year-old whose strength has inspired his family and community. Like many teenagers his age, Gio loves playing Minecraft and Fortnite. He also enjoys watching soccer with his Papa and making people laugh with his goofy sense of humor. As a loving brother, Gio is incredibly gentle with his younger siblings and is excited to welcome another one in February. His bright spirit and sparkling eyes are contagious to anyone who has the pleasure of meeting him.

In December of 2017, when Giovanni was just 4 years old, he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. His family found themselves navigating the challenges of childhood cancer as Giovanni underwent outpatient neutron beam radiation treatment more than three hours away from home. During this time, they turned to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) for support through the Travel For Care program. ALSF was able to cover hotel expenses so the family could get Gio to and from treatment without any worry. After months of perseverance, Giovanni completed treatment in October of 2018. He has been cancer-free ever since.

Today, Giovanni is a cancer survivor and a hero to his family because of his immense strength. His older brother, Efren Jr., is also seen as a hero by their parents, having been there for his little brother all throughout his battle with cancer. In 2024, they opened their restaurant, Gio’s Pizzeria, named in honor of Giovanni, featuring a childhood cancer awareness ribbon in its logo as a tribute to everything their family has overcome together. This experience showed them how childhood cancer affects the whole family and has also shaped their mission to give back.

During Giovanni's treatment, ALSF provided comfort and support when his family needed it most. Now, they give back by hosting the annual Gio's Lemonade Stand at Gio's Pizzeria in Hagerstown, MD. Through their fundraising, they help raise critical funds for childhood cancer research while honoring Giovanni's survivorship and bringing hope to families who are still facing childhood cancer.

Information provided by Alisha R., Giovanni's mom
Updated July 2026