John Paul's story
On March 21, 2025, our healthy, joyful 8-year-old son John Paul was diagnosed with an inoperable, incurable brain tumor called DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) after episodes of tripping and double vision. We looked to the doctors for answers, only to be told his life expectancy was 2-11 months and that there was no cure, only six weeks of palliative radiation and the possibility of entering a Phase 1 clinical trial. While the doctors informed us about the trials, we had to choose on our own which one to try - no one would tell us what the best option would be - because there is no best option. After participating in a CAR-T clinical trial across the county in Seattle for six months, John Paul's disease unfortunately spread to his spine. He is now undergoing another round of radiation and using ONC201 and CBD to manage the disease. We are continuing to do everything possible to save his life while still keeping his quality of life front of mind.
To know John Paul, is to love him. He has a light and energy that draws others in. He loves to learn and approaches the world with a curiosity far beyond his years, asking questions about everything and everyone he meets.
He is a walking encyclopedia of Star Wars knowledge, has the best sense of humor, and finds ways to make people laugh even on hospital days. He finds joy in helping others, sharing his faith, cheering loudly for James Madison University sports, and his genuine interest in people means he makes friends everywhere he goes-from school to airplanes to clinic waiting rooms. He dreams of serving in the US Military when he grows up as well as being a mental health doctor.
John Paul has built an army around him to help him battle this horrible cancer. His fight is our fight, and we will continue to push for answers until a cure is found. We want every family who comes after us to one day be told, "your child has cancer...but we have a plan."
Tough2gether Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. While funds raised in connection with this family will directly support them, all donations are made to Tough2gether Foundation and may also be used to support other families facing pediatric cancer, related programs, and charitable initiatives at the Foundation’s discretion.
Honor Roll
“Honoring John Paul’s beautiful life and courageous spirit.”
Carolina Medina Alvarez
Oct 16, 2026
Florida, US
“we didn’t know John Paul but he sounds like a special boy who was wise beyond his years and full of fun and love. We send our love and sympathy to John Paul’s family”
Tom & Mary Pat Roovers
Oct 15, 2026
Wisconsin, US
Shawn Malone
Oct 15, 2026
Florida, US
“In loving memory of John Paul 💜”
Jen Whitlow
Oct 15, 2026
Virginia, US
“Sending all love and condolences.”
Lynn Kinni
Oct 15, 2026
District of Columbia, US
Angela Kottkamp
Oct 14, 2026
Florida, US
Darrell Busquets
Oct 14, 2026
Virginia, US
“My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time”
Shari Berman
Oct 14, 2026
Connecticut, US
“In Memory of John Paul Marci and his inspiring fight to carry on.”
Gary Welschenbach
Oct 14, 2026
Virginia, US
“Your family is in the prayers of the PVI community.”
St. Paul VI Catholic High School
Oct 14, 2026
Virginia, US
“In memory of John Paul Macri...a courageous and inspiring young man.”
Larry and Karla Pringle
Oct 14, 2026
Virginia, US
“In honor of John Paul. Sending love and prayers.”
Michael Komasinski
Oct 14, 2026
New York, US
“John Paul, carrying your fight forward. Nick and Katie, you are amazing! My heart is always with you.”
Jason Ugland
Oct 13, 2026
Arizona, US
Hal Katz
Oct 13, 2026
Illinois, US
“Our hearts hurt for you and your whole family, Katie. Prayers for you all.”
Linda and Jim Olbrys
Oct 13, 2026
Connecticut, US
Anonymous
Oct 13, 2026
Maryland, US
“Honoring the life and courage of John Paul Macri with love from the Wilson family.”
STEPHEN WILSON
Oct 13, 2026
California, US
“God Bless John Paul Macri and his family”
Patrick Ruszkowski
Oct 13, 2026
Indiana, US
Anonymous
Oct 13, 2026
Maryland, US
Stacy Watts
Oct 13, 2026
Massachusetts, US
“We will always remember you John Paul!”
Roland Breden
Oct 13, 2026
Virginia, US
“The Rehak-Hill siblings send loving thoughts and prayers.”
Mary Donceel
Oct 13, 2026
North Carolina, US
Fr. Ron Nuzzi
Oct 13, 2026
Indiana, US
Virginia Colwell
Oct 13, 2026
Virginia, US
Panzica Family
Oct 13, 2026
Indiana, US
John Racelis
Oct 12, 2026
Virginia, US
“For John Paul’s fight for the cure, with love.”
Debbie & Everett Hoeg
Oct 12, 2026
Virginia, US
“sending all our love. JP will forever be in our hearts.”
Val Patterson
Oct 12, 2026
Florida, US
“in John Paul's honor💙”
Katie Bouchard
Oct 12, 2026
Virginia, US
Allison Lavely
Oct 12, 2026
Virginia, US
Tanu Srivastava
Oct 12, 2026
Virginia, US
Anonymous
Oct 12, 2026
Virginia, US
Anonymous
Oct 12, 2026
Virginia, US
Anonymous
Oct 12, 2026
Virginia, US
“God bless”
Heather Weber
Oct 12, 2026
Virginia, US
“The Bentkowski Family send their deepest sympathy to our courageous cousin.”
Jane Bentkowski
Oct 11, 2026
Indiana, US
J Burress
Oct 11, 2026
Kentucky, US
“In memory of John Paul who showed such strength and bravery and of his family's unwavering love and devotion.”
Cathy Onufrychuk
Oct 11, 2026
Virginia, US
Cathy Kelaghan
Oct 10, 2026
Indiana, US
Andy Davis
Oct 9, 2026
Colorado, US
“In honor of John Paul, a tremendously brave and inspiring little boy.”
Laura Held
Oct 9, 2026
Wisconsin, US
Anonymous
Oct 9, 2026
Michigan, US
“God bless”
Doug Sakaguchi
Oct 9, 2026
Indiana, US
Anonymous
Oct 9, 2026
Virginia, US
Jason Cunningham
Oct 9, 2026
District of Columbia, US
Chris Armstrong
Oct 8, 2026
Virginia, US
Ian Guthrie
Oct 8, 2026
Missouri, US
“In honor of an incredibly brave young boy and the remarkable parents who surrounded him with endless love, strength, and faith. May his beautiful spirit live on through the lives he touched and the hope his legacy brings to finding a cure. God bless this extraordinary family.”
Marisa Mills
Oct 8, 2026
Maryland, US
“in memory of John Paul who was so brave and fought so hard. He is now resting in peace in the arms of the Lord.”
Rebecca Mooneyham
Oct 8, 2026
Florida, US
“in celebration of the good he brought into the world, the changes he left behind. and the lives he has truly affected”
Chris Macri
Oct 8, 2026
Colorado, US
Anonymous
Oct 8, 2026
District of Columbia, US
“with love from Ellen and Emily Stern, Zoe and Sam Berensztein and Gretchen, Michael, Mia and Lily Rauer”
Ellen Stern
Oct 8, 2026
Indiana, US
“With love to John Paul and his family”
Suzanne Mullen
Oct 8, 2026
Texas, US
Cristin Brant
Oct 8, 2026
Virginia, US
“In honor of your sweet, brave boy, John Paul.”
Katie Morris
Oct 8, 2026
California, US
Matthew Ladra
Oct 8, 2026
District of Columbia, US
“Sending with heartfelt sympathy.”
Julie Clouse
Oct 8, 2026
Virginia, US
Anonymous
Oct 8, 2026
Virginia, US
“In honor and memory of John Paul”
Elizabeth Lord
Oct 8, 2026
Virginia, US
Anonymous
Oct 8, 2026
Virginia, US
Jim Whitling
Oct 8, 2026
Florida, US
Anonymous
Oct 7, 2026
District of Columbia, US
Anonymous
Oct 7, 2026
Virginia, US
“In loving memory of a remakable young man.”
Greta Menard
Oct 7, 2026
Virginia, US
Chad Reingold
Oct 1, 2026
Illinois, US
James M Mangum
Sep 29, 2026
Arkansas, US
Jason Parker
Sep 29, 2026
Virginia, US
Abbie Michlig
Sep 28, 2026
Wisconsin, US
Taryn Pusateri
Sep 27, 2026
Louisiana, US
Paige Stanfield
Sep 26, 2026
Georgia, US
JEFFREY NIGH
Sep 26, 2026
California, US
“In honor of John Paul and his family.”
Laura Hudlow
Sep 26, 2026
Georgia, US
Ariel Link
Sep 18, 2026
Virginia, US
Anonymous
Aug 14, 2026
Kansas, US
Natalie Marx
Jul 23, 2026
Maryland, US
“from EMERY AND JEWEL Johnson Lemonade Stand”
Cheryl Johnson
Jul 23, 2026
Maryland, US
Alison Pardalis Johnson
Jul 19, 2026
New York, US
Melanie Russell
Jul 19, 2026
Connecticut, US
Anonymous
Jul 13, 2026
District of Columbia, US
“Keep fighting John Paul. We are praying for you!”
Staci Abelove
Jun 29, 2026
Florida, US
$40,679.96
$3,000,000.00
Virginia, United States
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