Into the Strenuous Briefness

positivelypersistentteach:

I have known Sal Pulito since I was in the third grade.  His sister, Aurora, has been best friends with my sister since they were in Kindergarten.  Sal was born with Pulmonary Atresia, which means that there is a lack of blood flow to his lungs.  It has become a life and death situation for him.  Sal is one of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met.  He is probably the only one that understand the difficulty of dealing with the antics of “Salt and Pepper” as our sisters called themselves.  

His insurance covers a very small percentage of the medical costs, and the deductable that he has to reach first is huge.  Obviously, this explains my passion for the recent Health Care legislation, as I know it has been for many people on tumblr.   But this story is so personal to me, I wish I could paint you a better picture of the Pulito family, but I will do my best below.

Sal’s parents are first generation immigrants from Italy.  They speak Italian and English.  Sal’s dad loves Elvis, and admittedly, looked a little bit like him when we were all younger.   Sal is a phenomenal key board player, and has been in a band that performs at local restaurants and parties.  In recent years, due to his medical condition Sal has had to move back home with his parents.  Sal is a year older than me, and I can only imagine the freedom in addition to the good health Sal is hoping to have with this surgery.   Sal’s older sister Jackie has a spirited daughter who is 12, and Sal is such a good uncle to her.  Nina is the oldest, and for all you Chi-town people I know, she lives in Chicago with her husband and is book sniffer like many of us.   Aurora has a little boy who Sal entertains with his music, and Vinny is adorable when he dances along.   I have to say Sal’s mother is probably my favorite in the family.  Her Italian Flag cookies and homemade spaghetti sauce have been a favorite in our household.  Mrs. Pulito is one of the warmest people you could ever meet, and seems to take you into the family as soon as she meets you.  She wants the best for everyone, and is always there with a hug and a kiss.  

I can only imagine the financial hardship Sal’s condition has added up to over the years.  But, what is stuck in the back of my throat is imagining this family without Sal.   It is my every hope and prayer that all goes well for them.  It would mean a lot to me if you could make a donation, even $1 donations help.  I know money is tight for many, so reblogs are very much appreciated as well.  

Please click the link above to visit his donation page. The Donate Now button is at the top of the screen.