Theresa Marie Marino

If you have ever found yourself needing to be seen in the Emergency or Radiology Department at either Rockville or Manchester Hospital, there is a good chance that you have met Theresa. June 28th, 2010 was Theresa's first day of work and she has yet to stop. Being part of a small Healthcare system comes with both its pros and cons. One of the many pros is that you develop a close work family. We celebrate life's ups and downs, always. We are at a time when Theresa needs our help. Theresa was recently diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. She has already undergone a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This surgery was supposed to take 3 hours. Unfortunately, the surgery revealed a mass behind her uterus which increased the surgery time from the original 3 hours to 10 hours. This ultimately caused a delay in discharge by days. Theresa has yet to have her follow-up appointment which is when she will get her official diagnosis and treatment plan. She is under the impression that radiation is not an option but chemotherapy is. However, she did receive a phone call after discharge that her diaphragm was involved. Not the news anyone wants to hear.

Theresa needs us. With limited family besides her sister who lives in New York, Theresa has fought this battle solo. Theresa's sister has been graciously helping to take care of Theresa's daughter Lucy (6). Theresa's main concern is, of course, Lucy and what effect this diagnosis will have on her both short-term and long-term. What we don't want is for Theresa to worry about her finances. She will be out of work for an unknown period. With receiving chemotherapy, there will be days that working will not be an option for Theresa, especially being a single parent with a young family.

So as her work family, I am hoping that we can stand up and help her alleviate some of the stress that comes close in-hand with this diagnosis. Please consider donating.