YOUNGSTOWN A Youngstown family held a fundraiser on Sunday to help with medical expenses following a rare medical complication after a spinal surgery for a member of their family.

The condition Mediati suffers from is called "White Cord Syndrome," a condition that can occur following spinal decompression surgery. According to the National Institute of Health, the syndrome impacts roughly 1% of patients in similar situations.

The fundraiser took place and was sponsored by St. Luke's Church on South Avenue, where Mediati has served as a parishioner and minister.

"The community got together and realised that there is a lot of expenses that go along with his condition to take care of him," Joe Calabria, Mediati's brother-in-law, said. "The community has come forward with so much blessings for us and our family and we couldn't be more grateful for it."

Since June 2025, the family says that Mediati has undergone multiple surgeries and intensive rehabilitation. They also say that doctors expect his recovery to take up to two years.

Food for the event was donated by the church, and over 150 baskets were given by the community as part of a raffle.

"There's hope in the world when you see this kind of turnout and all the people that have donated their time here," Calabria said.

Following insurance denials preventing him from accessing specialized facilities, the family said that all funds raised online and at the event go toward the various expenses related to Mediati's condition and ongoing well-being.

With over $42,000 raised via the GoFundMe campaign as of Sunday, March 8, the goal is set at $75,000. Anyone interested in donating to Mediati's cause can do so by clicking here for the official donation page.