Restaurant Team Celebrates Teammate's Cancer Victory

Megan Simandl, previously diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), marked a significant milestone on December 30, 2024, by ringing the bell to signify the end of her cancer treatment. This momentous occasion was met with an extraordinary display of support from her employer, Carmelo's Italian Restaurant.

Simandl's journey through chemotherapy, which began in the spring of 2023, was challenging. She endured 37 consecutive hospital days followed by eight months of outpatient care. Despite her illness, she continued working at Carmelo's for three years, where her managers provided understanding and flexibility, allowing her a sense of normalcy.

The restaurant team's support extended beyond understanding. They established a tip jar that raised $10,000 for Simandl during her treatment. Upon her recovery, Carmelo's owner, Carmelo Mangiafico, hosted a surprise celebration, covering her family's dinner and presenting her with a special cake.

A video of Mangiafico delivering a heartfelt speech celebrating Simandl's victory over leukemia garnered over one million views. Simandl, now 21, considers her survival a miracle and praises Carmelo's for its exceptional care and compassion, a rare find in the restaurant industry.