Patrick Moscatiello: A Legacy of Hope and Advocacy, told by his brother Dan Moscatiello
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| Our Hero |
Patrick consistently maintained the right mindset and energy to overcome every obstacle in his life. He was that guy that you wanted to talk to, he inspired everyone. His dedication to advocating for genetic awareness and proactive health measures significantly benefited thousands in the LFS community through his close work with the LFS Association. At age 41, he was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumor that was removed in July 2020, diagnosed with drop metastasis discovered during Christmas of 2021, and ultimately led to leptomeningeal disease in April 2022; he tragically passed away on June 5, 2022. During those two years, we lived through our worst experiences alongside him.
Patrick transformed not only his own fate but also influenced the outlook of those around him on the importance of being your own health advocate. His story is not just about the battles he fought; it's a call to action, inspiring all of us to take charge of our health and understand the power of our choices. Learn from him: despite passing at 41, Patrick led an impactful life with his amazing partner, Christina Moscatiello, and a loving family. He was the last living male in the Moscatiello family to carry the genetic disorder of LFS, and he was determined to ensure it ended with him.
How It All Started: A Game-Changing Moment
Nobody ever thinks a pool volleyball game will ever change your life but that's exactly what Patrick would experience. In a fleeting moment filled with laughter and light-hearted competition, a slip on the wet deck altered the course of his life forever. He jumped out of the pool to retrieve the ball, but as he ran, his feet lost grip on the wet concrete surface. Patrick slipped and fell, landing chin-first on the concrete—a minor accident that unbeknownst to anyone, would have major consequences. At first glance, the injury seemed trivial but the impact had a far deeper effect than anyone could initially see. I visited him just a few days later, and he showed me a lump bulging from his bottom gums and teeth: a large, abnormal mass had formed at the bottom of his jaw only observed when opening his mouth. Concern was evident in his eyes—something was wrong, though neither of us could have imagined the gravity of it at that moment nor how to handle it.
We, naive and uninformed, tried to downplay the severity, making a dentist appointment hoping it was nothing more to worry about. Yet, deep down, there was a scary sense of something seriously wrong. It was during a follow-up visit with an orthopedic surgeon that our fears were confirmed. The surgeon took one look and his attention and concern scared Patrick into action, he performed a biopsy, and the results were as dire as they come: it was cancer.
The diagnosis was not just a shock; it was the nightmares that echoed through our family history. Patrick was faced with osteosarcoma—the same malignant force that had claimed our uncle Patrick at a young age. Suddenly, the chilling pattern of our family's battles with cancer was impossible to ignore. Patrick's life was upended in an instant; he left his home, his belongings, and his old life behind to fight this new battle home with his family. He underwent treatments at Fox Chase, where he was given a stark prognosis—a 50/50 chance to survive and a 24 month ordeal. Patrick not only survived but emerged from his ordeal fundamentally transformed, living his subsequent years as a better version of himself. The entire experience, while deeply traumatizing and devastating, served as a profound turning point not just for him but for our entire family. We would never be the same, we found a way to be better because of Patrick transforming behavior through the most challenging times.
The “Curse” of Cancer and the Clarity of Genetic Testing
Growing up, the shadow of cancer loomed over our family, a haunting legacy that deeply affected my father and his 2 remaining brothers. He endured the heartbreak of losing his older sister, Jane, to brain cancer at just six years old, and his younger brother, Patrick (our uncle), to bone cancer, this started at a young age and he would pass at fifteen. His mother succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 55, just after learning her hope that my father would have a daughter, she passed after Lisa’s birth. These losses lacked any medical understanding and were simply coined a “curse” by an older generation without the medical resources that exist today. Certainly my fathers experiences were traumatic and with so much unknown left fear of reliving such loss in the next generation. My father was forever changed by these tragedies, carrying a burden of grief that would resurface with his own son's cancer.
This was finally understood when Patrick, after his battle with jawbone cancer in 2005 that nearly claimed his life, underwent genetic testing nine years later. The results confirmed Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), a rare genetic condition that predisposed him to cancer, echoing the fears and struggles that had “cursed” our family. The revelation forced my father to relive his worst nightmares, his childhood trauma revisited upon his second son, aging him beyond his years in a way words can hardly describe. My mother, equally pained yet unwavering, bolstered Patrick’s bravery with her love and support. Patrick would always credit our mother for allowing him to be brave.
Patrick rejected this idea that we were “cursed”. He responded to any mention of a “curse”, often saying, “It is impossible to be “cursed” and have so much love, joy and meaning in my life. If anything I am gifted.” That was Patrick’s energy and mindset and the euphoria he brought into every room that profoundly influenced everyone around him. This shift in perspective ultimately transformed our approach to healthcare and deepened our understanding of our family’s past, guiding us toward a future where we would not look at any diagnosis in despair but love your fate and who you are. He can find something good in the worst of it and he never seemed to disappoint in that. Patrick changed the entire Moscatiello family mindset and transformed our despair into proactive action.
Advocate for Change
Now educated and understanding the underlying risk with his genetic disorder, he took this information and changed the narrative in our family. We would have a new perspective on his condition, be proactive, get ahead of your health as proactive care can reduce your risk. Everyone previously in the dark about our history was now empowered to know if they stand a similar fate. Patrick became an advocate for genetic testing. He educated others about its importance, breaking down the barriers of fear and uncertainty that often surround such discussions. Patrick’s efforts were not just about prevention but empowerment—encouraging individuals and families to take proactive steps in their healthcare. If you are reading this and genetic testing was suggested to you, go get it done! Anyone who has a loss from cancer, this story is more relevant to you than you think.
Enduring Impact
In the final years of his life, Patrick faced one of the worst diagnoses with incredible courage and dignity. He taught us how to live and how to die. We could see that Patrick lived longer in 41 years than most people who lived more than 80 years. He spoke openly about what is most important in life, influencing countless lives through his incredible talent to positively influence how one thought about a particular subject, helping bring clarity to what is important and what is not. His words, filled with humor and hope, resonated deeply with those who heard them, leaving a lasting impression that would outlive his physical presence. Patrick conquered grief by never hiding from his feelings, he knew it was part of life. We love him forever.
The impact of Patrick’s presence and spirit are difficult to capture in words. A passage from his journal beautifully illustrates the essence of his character: 'To spend each day as if it were my last, without frenzy, laziness, or any pretending. To love life, even in darkness and to influence others to do the same.' Patrick had a unique way of viewing life’s challenges. While many might despair under the weight of a figurative piano hanging overhead, asking 'Why me?', Patrick’s perception was, 'Why not me?'. He embraced the possibility of change, understanding that this freedom to transform was key to becoming the better version of himself. He changed the idea of a perceived 'curse' into a 'gift.' His outlook never wavered; he learned to find joy in every circumstance, which in turn enriched his life immensely. This shift redefined his—and consequently our—understanding of true wealth and power. No longer measured in dollars and cents, but in health and happiness. Patrick’s message to us all is clear: Choose happiness, be grateful, embrace your destiny, and love who you are. Every situation holds a some goodness; it only requires the right mindset to see it. Such was the profound energy Patrick projected to everyone around him.
A Brother’s Reflection
Patrick's journey was more than a series of cancer battles; it was a profound way he viewed life, love, and his human spirit. His legacy is not marked by his disease but by the lives he touched and the positive changes he inspired. As we remember Patrick, we celebrate not just his life but the spirit that he nurtured in all of us. I feel his energy today, we never forget him, we will never get over him, he deserves that. I have learned, and others close to him, that we will never get over losing him. We are learning that it's ok to carry the pain of his loss, it's a way to thank him for everything he has done for us. I am so lucky to have a brother like Patrick.
For anyone needing guidance, remember Patrick's approach: Control your perceptions, direct your actions wisely, and accept what's beyond your control. These principles alone can profoundly shape your life.
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