Warwick community rallies around West Greenwich 3-year-old with rare cancer

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — A 3-year-old boy from West Greenwich is battling a rare form of cancer. On Sunday, a fundraiser will be held to help his family during their difficult time.

Brock Nowicki, also known as “Brockstar,” is going through chemotherapy for a rare soft tissue sarcoma, called CIC-DUX4.

Providence native Stefanie Campopiano told ABC 6 News she knows what Brock and his family are dealing with all too well.

“It’s personal because I lost my youngest son five years ago, July 2oth, to the same cancer,” Campopiano said.

Brock Nowicki, 3, is battling a rare form of cancer. (Provided photo)

Campopiano said there’s only 243 known cases of his type of cancer in the world. Her son, Matthew, was the 116th person diagnosed with CIC-DUX4. He died at the age of 18.

“When he died, I died. I’m sorry- I exist, really, because of my son and daughter and my granddaughter, they’re really what keep me going,” Campopiano said.

Campopiano met Brock’s mother through a Facebook support group, and they quickly bonded.

“I promised my son five years ago to never stop fighting for a cure for this, or a treatment of its own, and when I met them, not because they’re Rhode Islanders, but I can’t explain it, I just knew they were the family this year that I was helping,” Campopiano said.

Brock Nowicki, 3, is battling a rare form of cancer. (Provided photo)

Now, Campopiano is dedicating her life to helping others, especially Brock.

With such little information about this kind of cancer, she’s also become and advocate for more cancer research.

“Anything sarcoma related, it’s just so rare, and a lot of time these children succumb to this, and it’s sad. We need help, we need more research,” Campopiano said.

A pasta dinner will be held at Mirabella’s Italian Cucina in Warwick on Sunday, July 30, to help the Nowicki family with medical expenses an to honor Campopiano’s late son Matthew.

“It’s very important, for me, for this family. So if there’s anybody who has a few dollars, reach into your pocket, help them, they have a long road ahead of them,” said Campopiano.

People can purchase tickets for $20 at Mirabella’s directly. There’s also a GoFundMe for any interested donors.