I come from a half-Italian family -- with lots of pseudo-aunts and uncles. The lack of a blood relationship doesn't diminish the love and value they bring to my life, and the loss of such special people can be just as difficult (sometimes more so) than that of "real" family members. I've also experienced that heart-breaking time when you find yourself turning from "get well" prayers to "relief-of-suffering" prayers. I'm sorry you're going through this, and I'll keep you, your uncle, and his extended family (in its fullest definition) in my thoughts.