In a heartwarming display of community support, residents of Wind Lake, Wisconsin, organised a special parade to celebrate two-year-old Easton Dirienzo, who is preparing for open-heart surgery in May. The event took place on March 29, providing the toddler with a day filled with joy and excitement before his significant medical procedure.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/andrew-dirienzo-family-040226-tout-2ad85f5c14c94a07b7c55bfbb6a7ef58.jpg)
Easton’s father, Andrew Dirienzo, described the day as a delightful experience for his son, who is particularly fond of vehicles. “He was just having a great time,” Andrew shared with PEOPLE, recounting Easton’s enthusiastic response to the procession of firetrucks, police cars, and motorcycles that adorned their street. “At the end, he said, ‘Man, they all went vroom, vroom, vroom!’ since the drivers were revving their engines in celebration,” he added.
The parade was thoughtfully organised by members of the local community as a way to uplift Easton and his family ahead of what is a daunting medical journey. Easton’s mother, Amanda, a stay-at-home parent, was also present alongside their four-year-old daughter, Everly. Andrew expressed the family’s profound gratitude for the overwhelming support and love they received that day. “There are not many words that could probably describe the emotions,” he remarked. “It’s been a long year.”
The journey leading to the parade began last spring when the Dirienzos learned that Easton had been diagnosed with a primal atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital heart condition that involves a hole in the wall separating the heart’s upper chambers. In addition, Easton was found to have a cleft mitral valve, compounding the concerns surrounding his health. Since the diagnosis, Amanda has dedicated her time to caring for their children and ensuring Easton maintains a proper diet to combat his difficulties with weight gain.
“He has to work twice as hard to keep his heart going, which makes it tough for him to grow,” Andrew explained, noting the challenges that their family has faced. Easton’s upcoming surgery marks a pivotal point in his treatment, although it comes with risks. “The surgeon has expressed concerns about a nerve located near the hole in Easton’s heart. If they accidentally damage it, he could need a pacemaker for the rest of his life,” Andrew detailed.
Post-surgery, Easton will require a hospital stay of one to two weeks, during which the family will lean heavily on their faith and the strength of their community. The parade brought a much-needed moment of joy as approximately 20 vehicles, some coming from more than two hours away, paraded down their street to show their support.
Easton’s excitement reached new heights when he was handed the remote to activate a truck’s airhorn, providing him with a unique opportunity to take part in the festivities. He also had the chance to ride in an ambulance and a fire truck, making the event truly special for the young boy.
In addition to the celebration, the Dirienzos have been recipients of various offers of assistance, including meals and dog-sitting, as well as gifts of colouring books for Easton. Recognising the financial pressures associated with medical treatment, Andrew created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the family’s medical bills and travel expenses. As of early April, the campaign had raised over £4,000 toward its £12,000 target.
Inspired by the acts of kindness they have received, the family plans to give back to the children they will encounter during Easton’s stay in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) by donating toys. “It’s a relief to know that you’re not alone,” Andrew said, reflecting on the significance of community support during such a challenging time.
As a father, Andrew has found inspiration in Easton’s resilient spirit. “He just loves to make other people happy,” he noted. “So why not return some of that joy to him during his healing process?”
The Dirienzo family’s experience is a poignant reminder of the power of community solidarity, particularly during difficult times, highlighting a compassionate and unified response to a family’s need for support as they navigate the challenges of health and illness.