Oscar Saltalamacchia first joined the Garden of Dreams family at the young age of 3, when he was battling Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. When he performed in the Garden of Dreams talent show at that age, we knew we had been introduced to a rising star! Luckily, after an extremely difficult treatment process, Oscar beat cancer and made a full recovery. Since then, Oscar has performed on the Radio City stage with Garden of Dreams over 15 times!
Oscar is beloved by all Garden of Dreams staff, board members, celebrity ambassadors, and more, including Lifestyle Contributor on NBC’s ‘Today Show’, Jill Martin. Jill and Oscar formed an immediate bond when they first met over 15 years ago, and they have built a strong relationship over the years. Jill, who has been a Garden of Dreams board member for years, is currently battling cancer herself.
This year, on Oscar’s 18th birthday, Jill and Oscar reunited at the very hospital where Oscar was treated years ago – Garden of Dreams partner hospital, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone. Jill, Oscar, and two Radio City Rockettes paid a visit to the hospital to share their stories with several young patients. It was a beautiful event and a testament to the unwavering strength of Jill, Oscar, and anyone who has battled cancer and other illnesses.
Tragically, Oscar’s mother passed away last year after her own battle with cancer. We know that she is so proud of Oscar and everything he has accomplished, including receiving the Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship this year. In Oscar’s words while reflecting on this special day – “It would have meant everything to her.”
Check out TODAY’s recap of the event HERE.