The Story of Michael and Camile Geraldi

July 27, 2017

Early Lucarelli Sweeney & Meisenkothen is extremely proud to share the story of clients Dr. Michael and Camile Geraldi. Since the early 1980s, the Geraldis have cared for children with special needs. Together, the two have adopted or become guardians for more than 88 children with various physical and mental conditions, including Down’s Syndrome, spina bifida, mental retardation, cardiac problems, and many others.

Through the nonprofit organization created to help them in their mission, the Possible Dream Foundation (originally called the Up with Down Syndrome Foundation), the Geraldis have built not one but two homes where their children can grow up in an environment where their unique requirements can be met in a loving and advantageous manner. The Geraldis have focused on helping their children learn to do what they can – rather than what they can’t – and as a result they have exceeded expectations of many people, including friends, family, doctors, and the birth parents of many of the children they care for. The couple was recognized as one of President George H. W. Bush’s “Points of Light,” and the family has been featured twice on the news documentary program 60 Minutes.

Sadly, however, the Possible Dream Foundation suffered a terrible loss when Michael Geraldi – known affectionately as “Dr. Mike” to the patients of his pediatric practice – passed away due to mesothelioma on March 8, 2016, just one day after his 73rd birthday. At the time of his death, he and Camille were also parents or guardians to 31 children, ranging in ages from 7 to their 30s.

Michael had been exposed to asbestos as a child and while in college and medical college. Given the long latency period of mesothelioma, it took decades for the disease to develop. For several months after his diagnosis with stage 4 mesothelioma in 2015, Michael went through treatment, all the while continuing to care for his patients through his pediatric practice. Upon the diagnosis, the Geraldis entrusted ELSM with bringing justice to the companies responsible for Michael’s past asbestos exposure and we continue to work to do so to this day on their behalf.

Many of Michael’s patients – and their parents – remember Dr. Mike as a kind man who cared for and about everyone. Stories and outpourings of support for Camille and the large Geraldi family at the Possible Dream Foundation followed immediately from the news of Michael’s death. Camille herself remembered her husband as a man full of affection and esteem. She continues her work through the Possible Dream Foundation, caring for her children and spreading the word about the importance of providing special care to those who need it. We encourage you to read more about this amazing family’s story at http://possibledream.org/.