The Johnny Rabba Story
Johnny’s lifelong issues with his health began at the young age of four. Always an active and precocious child, he loved to play sports. It was difficult to stop him from running around, chasing after his cousins and brother Anthony, or take a soccer ball out of his hand.
Despite his endless energy and positive spirit, his mother noticed some changes in him physically, especially the increase and significance of bruises that appeared on his body. They were beyond any normal bruising she had seen before and appeared frequently.
Johnny visited the doctor and did several blood tests to identify the cause of his health issues and bruising. It took no less than the next morning for the doctor to request he visit the hospital right away.
The tests showed immediately that Johnny had an extremely low blood platelet count, and he was given medication to increase his platelets, which are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. The medication helped, keeping him stable.
After continuous testing, Johnny was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, resulting in excessive bruising and bleeding.
At six years old he had another relapse and he was taken to Sick Kids Hospital. Doctors were unsuccessful in increasing his platelet levels, and previous treatments were not working. He was rushed into surgery where a splenectomy was preformed, which helped slightly. After the surgery, Johnny developed chronic ITP, affecting him significantly for life. His quality of life was challenging, and he often found himself back and forth from the hospital receiving treatment. Despite his passion and love for sports, he was unable to participate as the risk of bruising and his health was too great. In addition, he underwent several treatment options in the hopes of finding a cure or betterment, which forced him to experiment with different medications which were hard on him and his body. As a result, his immune system continued to weaken, and his antibodies would kill the platelets.
Despite his misfortunes in health, he led a fulfilling and positive life. At the age of 30, he found love and met his soulmate, Nariman, whom he later married. Shortly after, they were blessed with twin boys Elijah and Josiah who are now 5 years old. They also had a third son, Noah. At the time of his passing, his wife was three months pregnant with twin girl. Johnny did not know the gender of the babies at the time, but his wish to have a girl whom he could call “Daddy’s little princess” came true.
Johnny died at the age of 35 by complications of hemoglobin. From the age of seven years old to 30, he was constantly back and forth in the hospital, his health keeping him there for long periods at times. Even more remarkable was despite his challenges, Johnny maintained a happy, inspirational, and motivating outlook on life. His sickness never defined him, but his loving and generous spirit did.
Over 2,000 people attended Johnny ’s funeral – a testament to the love and friendship surrounding him. He was a loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. A talented, kind and gentle soul. He was an amazing person with a heart of gold – always laughing, always thankful.
Those that loved him are left with wonderful memories and will continue to spread memories of him through his foundation. Now he rests peacefully with the words of his favourite slogan: “Just another day in paradise.”
How Johnny Rabba Foundation Started
The Johnny Rabba Foundation was created out of Johnny’s desire to build awareness about ITP. He dreamed about doing events to raise funds to support education, awareness and the patients of ITP, one of these being a Soccer Tournament in homage to the game and sport he loved most. because Johnny wanted to create awareness when he was diagnosed with ITP. Despite having many conversations with his mother and aunt about his vision, he was never able to execute on his dream. After his passing, his family has spearheaded the foundation to raise awareness for ITP in various fundraising events and now in conjunction with the charitable organization, Canada Gives.
This fund will serve as an ongoing tribute to Johnny’s memory and legacy. Donations made and funds raised will be dispersed into his areas of passion through Canada Gives. His life was a blessing, and his journey ended too soon. May Johnny’s memory live on in both our hearts and our actions.
We are overwhelmed at the response and donations. It is heartwarming to know how many people loved him as much as we did and always will.
Thank you, Family and Friends, of Johnny Rabba.