Iliano Family, University Heights, OH

2017 Cleveland Chili Cook-off Recipient

The Iliano family has been struggling due to 2 major medical events in their lives.  First, was a string of surgeries Tony required as a result of his playing career in the NFL.  Tony was not only an NFL player but a Phys. Ed. teacher and football/baseball coach for 20 years at University School in Cleveland.  Due to ongoing medical issues, the school put him on disability, during which time her received a small % of his salary.  During his surgeries, Tony contracted C-Diff, which left him in and out of the hospital from January through April of this year.  Tony is currently receiving pain management  treatments and physical therapy for back surgery and concussions he sustained during his playing days.  All of this has left him unable to work or do much at the house or with the children because of his disabilities.  In addition, Carolyn, in September 2016, fainted and fell, hitting her head, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage/head injury.  She has been unable to work so their sole source of income is Tony's disability payments.  Their 2 children have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and ADHD in their last few years.  Funds from the Cook-off went toward their mortgage payment.