Fight with Michelle
Donation protected
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
- Mother Teresa
Hello dear family and friends,
Just when you think you may have life figured out…
Michelle, our little ray of sunshine, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage III breast cancer in September 2016. Although this news was shocking, Michelle accepted the challenge with positivity and determination and faithfully committed to beating this unexpected life obstacle.
Michelle has endured five months of chemotherapy, extensive breast surgery, and weeks of radiation therapy. Ongoing doctors' appointments, a chemo port surgically implanted in her chest, constant fatigue, and hair loss did not stop her from meticulously caring for her family, effectively representing Atlas Travel, and embracing each day with a pleasant attitude and deep appreciation. Not once did she complain or question her destiny.
Michelle approached the final weeks of this crazy ordeal with cautious optimism and slight excitement that “maybe” this would soon be over. Planning to ditch the wigs, to go back to Pilates classes, and to socialize with family and friends more actively appeared to be in the near future. However, with two weeks of radiation to go, Michelle experienced visual disturbances & ongoing headaches. The MRI revealed two large tumors and multiple smaller ones indicating that that the breast cancer metastasized to the brain. Everyone was devastated by these findings since there is only a 1% chance of an occurrence of this nature which now meant her case was terminal. Michelle immediately started whole brain radiation treatment. Since seizures and visual impairments are common complications, Michelle's team of doctors advised her to resign immediately from work and refrain from driving…a blow beyond belief.
As most of you know, Michelle is the kindest and most giving individual with a huge and loving heart who would do anything for anyone. Her sparkling and warm personality have touched innumerable people throughout her 49 years. She is a constant stream of sunshine and energy. Happily married for 26 years to Sal, her teenage sweetheart, they raised two amazing kids and share a passion for good Italian cooking. Michelle is a fabulous mom who adores her two children, Nicholas, a sophomore in college, and Casandra, a senior in high School. She is a devoted daughter and sister to her family members and a faithful and unparalleled comrade to her friends.
As Michelle undergoes daily extensive radiation treatment to her breast and whole brain, her life, as well as her family's life, has been turned upside down. Since metastatic breast cancer is not curable, her future is uncertain now. Despite this new prognosis, Michelle has informed us that her fight is not over, once again, demonstrating her extraordinary passion for life.
Michelle considers each day a gift and bravely faces her daily challenges with optimism. Nevertheless, the increasing medical bills, along with the reduction of an income, will be overwhelming. Many of you have been inquiring as to how you can help the family, and we thank you for you for your outpouring of love, prayers, and concern. As you all know, Michelle is a giving and generous soul and she is not very comfortable accepting assistance from others. After multiple persuasive discussions, Michelle gave us her blessing to reach out and connect with you. Our goal is to provide financial support and relieve some of the stress created by the enormity of this situation.
Any contribution will be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. God bless you for your generosity and open hearts.
- Mother Teresa
Hello dear family and friends,
Just when you think you may have life figured out…
Michelle, our little ray of sunshine, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage III breast cancer in September 2016. Although this news was shocking, Michelle accepted the challenge with positivity and determination and faithfully committed to beating this unexpected life obstacle.
Michelle has endured five months of chemotherapy, extensive breast surgery, and weeks of radiation therapy. Ongoing doctors' appointments, a chemo port surgically implanted in her chest, constant fatigue, and hair loss did not stop her from meticulously caring for her family, effectively representing Atlas Travel, and embracing each day with a pleasant attitude and deep appreciation. Not once did she complain or question her destiny.
Michelle approached the final weeks of this crazy ordeal with cautious optimism and slight excitement that “maybe” this would soon be over. Planning to ditch the wigs, to go back to Pilates classes, and to socialize with family and friends more actively appeared to be in the near future. However, with two weeks of radiation to go, Michelle experienced visual disturbances & ongoing headaches. The MRI revealed two large tumors and multiple smaller ones indicating that that the breast cancer metastasized to the brain. Everyone was devastated by these findings since there is only a 1% chance of an occurrence of this nature which now meant her case was terminal. Michelle immediately started whole brain radiation treatment. Since seizures and visual impairments are common complications, Michelle's team of doctors advised her to resign immediately from work and refrain from driving…a blow beyond belief.
As most of you know, Michelle is the kindest and most giving individual with a huge and loving heart who would do anything for anyone. Her sparkling and warm personality have touched innumerable people throughout her 49 years. She is a constant stream of sunshine and energy. Happily married for 26 years to Sal, her teenage sweetheart, they raised two amazing kids and share a passion for good Italian cooking. Michelle is a fabulous mom who adores her two children, Nicholas, a sophomore in college, and Casandra, a senior in high School. She is a devoted daughter and sister to her family members and a faithful and unparalleled comrade to her friends.
As Michelle undergoes daily extensive radiation treatment to her breast and whole brain, her life, as well as her family's life, has been turned upside down. Since metastatic breast cancer is not curable, her future is uncertain now. Despite this new prognosis, Michelle has informed us that her fight is not over, once again, demonstrating her extraordinary passion for life.
Michelle considers each day a gift and bravely faces her daily challenges with optimism. Nevertheless, the increasing medical bills, along with the reduction of an income, will be overwhelming. Many of you have been inquiring as to how you can help the family, and we thank you for you for your outpouring of love, prayers, and concern. As you all know, Michelle is a giving and generous soul and she is not very comfortable accepting assistance from others. After multiple persuasive discussions, Michelle gave us her blessing to reach out and connect with you. Our goal is to provide financial support and relieve some of the stress created by the enormity of this situation.
Any contribution will be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. God bless you for your generosity and open hearts.
Organizer and beneficiary
Gulmira Maioli
Organizer
Danvers, MA
Michelle Fazio
Beneficiary