Miracle Makers: No Days Off for the Pettinato Family

Frankie and Owen Pettinato seem like your every day, rambunctious, elementary school students. But, in addition to being amazing kids, they also have cystic fibrosis. Thankfully, they have parents who are dedicated to providing them with a beautiful life. Tiffany and Aaron Pettinato work tirelessly to pay for their medical care. 

“It’s nonstop,” Tiffany said. “There’s no vacation from their cystic fibrosis treatments.”

Although both parents work to administer multiple breathing treatments, vest compressions and medications, the bulk of the responsibility of keeping the kids healthy has fallen on Tiffany. Dad, Aaron, spends a lot of time working as the principal of an elementary school—luckily, all three of the Pettinato children attend this school so Aaron can keep an eye on them. 

Every day is a challenge, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it even more difficult to keep Owen and Frankie safe. Since the virus can be fatal to those with cystic fibrosis, none of the kids could attend school in person. 
Because of these challenges, the parent of a former student at the school, Lindsay Yazzie, asked the Miracle Makers to pay the family a visit.
 
“They are just such kind, genuine, caring people,” Yazzie said. “Aaron puts his heart and soul into everything he does here, and he makes a tremendous impact on every child that goes here.”
Watch the full video to find out what special surprise the Miracle Makers had in store for this well-deserving family!

Mountain America is proud to partner with NBC 12 News to make dreams come true for members of our community! You can nominate a deserving person or family for a visit from the Miracle Makers by filling out the form here.