The Fight of Tommy Rossi's Life

Tommy Rossi is fighting for his life.

Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in April, the Garden City native will undergo a double cord transplant Oct. 23.

Rossi's family started a fundraising campaign on www.giveforward.com. To date, the Rossi Family Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Fund has received $7,228 in donations. The goal is $100,000. There are 64 days left to donate.

"Tommy has always helped other people in need for free and would leave his house in the crazy hours of the night. He helped so many Sandy victims free of charge, even for the parts. Always helped friends and strangers. Now he needs your help," said Erika Whittaker, Rossi's sister-in-law.

Tommy and his wife, Nicole, both grew up in Garden City. They met in junior high school, married and have two children, a two-and-a-half year old daughter and five-month-old son. They have no means of income at all, Whittaker said.

The blood cancer was discovered while he was in the hospital with his daughter. Rossi didn't feel well and went to the emergency room. "It all started from there," Whittaker said.

A fundraiser will be held Oct. 27 at Brokerage Comedy Club. Fellow Garden City alum Sean Donnelly, who made his network stand-up debut on the "Late Show with David Letterman" in August, is among the featured comics.