Help Save Theresa C Gusek's Life
Donation protected
This is Theresa's brother Mike.
Although most of you have probably already heard, Theresa passed away at her home on Monday April 10th 2017 after her 8 year battle with cancer.
We didn't update this web site with information for a very long time, but there is a reason for that.
After all of you amazing people had made her dream of getting the PRRT treatment in Germany a reality with this fund raiser, Theresa had a plan. She was going to get the treatments in Germany, regain her strength, and report back with the positive news.
She did go to Germany for two treatments and the treatments were doing what they were supposed to do - halt the growth of the tumors and even start to shrink them. Unfortunately for Theresa, the treatment wasn't a cure. It couldn't undo the years of damage that the cancer (and side effects of so many medications) had already already done. Even though there were encouraging signs from the treatments, her health continued to decline. Her body had just been through too much. We kept hoping and praying that she would stabilize and eventually turn the corner and improve, but that didn't happen. Eventually she wasn't strong enough to make the trip to Germany to continue with the treatments. Theresa didn't want to send out a string of negative updates, so we didn't post any follow ups here.
One thing that Theresa told me on more than one occasion was that, as terrible as her cancer was, she felt like it was a blessing in one way. She said that most people will live their entire lives and never *really* know how much people care, but because of all of you, she knew.
These days people often have a negative view of the world that we live in. I've felt that way at times too. But this fund raiser, and the additional fund raiser (The Ashburnham-Westminster Anual benefit Hockey Game, which is an amazing group that has been raising money for people like Theresa for 16 years) have proven to me that the overwhelming majority of people are good, and that they care.
On behalf of my family, I just want to say thank you one more time.
http://www.milesfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1951578
Mike
I want to tell you how wonderful my friend, Theresa Corbin Gusek is and how we need your help to insure that Theresa can continue to be an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and one of the finest first grade teachers we have. I want to say these things now so I don't have to say them at her funeral in the near future. We hope you will help us save her life.
I met Theresa in the fall of 2009. Helping in the classroom several days a week that year, I saw what an incredible teacher she is. I also found out that she has a Neuroendocrine cancer called Carcinoid. She has dealt with the effects with a positive attitude and a determination to survive. Over the last six years I have watched her go through many different treatments and surgeries from a team of the best doctors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston to help her try to live as normally as possible. I have been with her in the doctor's office when the fear of leaving her young daughter and husband were crushing. Through all this, Theresa has continued to teach first grade and done it with grace and enthusiasm. Every child that has been through her class remembers and loves her even years later.
Mom and Daughter
Her LifeYou’re on this site because you share a love and admiration for Theresa. She has dedicated 25 years of her life to teaching; shaping the young minds of kids from the Bronx to her current elementary school in Ashburnham, MA. Teaching is not merely a career for her; it is her life and passion. Being able to continue to teach and do what she loves, has helped her survive these past six years.
Theresa lost her father at 27. It was heartbreaking and a devastating period and she can’t fathom her daughter enduring the same type of loss at such a very young age. The sudden passing of her father brought Theresa and her siblings, Mike, Brian, Dan and Mary even closer.
Theresa has been battling Carcinoid all in an effort to spend another month and another year with her daughter, Kaeli, her husband Kurt, mother, brothers, sister and friends. Doctors have exhausted their medical resources and a new course of action needs to be made.
Treatment
All hope is not lost. Though the treatments and procedures had been successful at controlling the growth of the existing tumors, her body has stopped reacting positively to the treatments available in the United States. There is a proven and successful treatment available in Europe called Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) and her doctors strongly believe that this treatment will not only extend Theresa’s life, but improve the quality of her life tremendously. Essentially it will keep the cancer at bay and prevent the disease from destroying her organs.
Costs
The reality is that this procedure is costly and health insurance will not cover the costs. The procedures, treatments and travel are estimated upwards of $110,000. It has been determined that this is Theresa’s only chance of survival.
Our goal is to raise $100,000. Many of you have asked how you can help. Please consider making a donation of any amount towards our goal. So many times we wish we could make a difference in someone's life. This is an opportunity to save Theresa’s life. We are blessed to know her and she’s made a lasting impact on so many lives. Know that your contribution will give Theresa the opportunity to watch Kaeli (now 11) grow up, to continue her life-long passion for teaching, and to inspire all who are blessed to know her.
Thank you for your continuous prayers and support.
Three Generations
Family
Although most of you have probably already heard, Theresa passed away at her home on Monday April 10th 2017 after her 8 year battle with cancer.
We didn't update this web site with information for a very long time, but there is a reason for that.
After all of you amazing people had made her dream of getting the PRRT treatment in Germany a reality with this fund raiser, Theresa had a plan. She was going to get the treatments in Germany, regain her strength, and report back with the positive news.
She did go to Germany for two treatments and the treatments were doing what they were supposed to do - halt the growth of the tumors and even start to shrink them. Unfortunately for Theresa, the treatment wasn't a cure. It couldn't undo the years of damage that the cancer (and side effects of so many medications) had already already done. Even though there were encouraging signs from the treatments, her health continued to decline. Her body had just been through too much. We kept hoping and praying that she would stabilize and eventually turn the corner and improve, but that didn't happen. Eventually she wasn't strong enough to make the trip to Germany to continue with the treatments. Theresa didn't want to send out a string of negative updates, so we didn't post any follow ups here.
One thing that Theresa told me on more than one occasion was that, as terrible as her cancer was, she felt like it was a blessing in one way. She said that most people will live their entire lives and never *really* know how much people care, but because of all of you, she knew.
These days people often have a negative view of the world that we live in. I've felt that way at times too. But this fund raiser, and the additional fund raiser (The Ashburnham-Westminster Anual benefit Hockey Game, which is an amazing group that has been raising money for people like Theresa for 16 years) have proven to me that the overwhelming majority of people are good, and that they care.
On behalf of my family, I just want to say thank you one more time.
http://www.milesfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1951578
Mike
I want to tell you how wonderful my friend, Theresa Corbin Gusek is and how we need your help to insure that Theresa can continue to be an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and one of the finest first grade teachers we have. I want to say these things now so I don't have to say them at her funeral in the near future. We hope you will help us save her life.
I met Theresa in the fall of 2009. Helping in the classroom several days a week that year, I saw what an incredible teacher she is. I also found out that she has a Neuroendocrine cancer called Carcinoid. She has dealt with the effects with a positive attitude and a determination to survive. Over the last six years I have watched her go through many different treatments and surgeries from a team of the best doctors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston to help her try to live as normally as possible. I have been with her in the doctor's office when the fear of leaving her young daughter and husband were crushing. Through all this, Theresa has continued to teach first grade and done it with grace and enthusiasm. Every child that has been through her class remembers and loves her even years later.
Mom and Daughter
Her LifeYou’re on this site because you share a love and admiration for Theresa. She has dedicated 25 years of her life to teaching; shaping the young minds of kids from the Bronx to her current elementary school in Ashburnham, MA. Teaching is not merely a career for her; it is her life and passion. Being able to continue to teach and do what she loves, has helped her survive these past six years.
Theresa lost her father at 27. It was heartbreaking and a devastating period and she can’t fathom her daughter enduring the same type of loss at such a very young age. The sudden passing of her father brought Theresa and her siblings, Mike, Brian, Dan and Mary even closer.
Theresa has been battling Carcinoid all in an effort to spend another month and another year with her daughter, Kaeli, her husband Kurt, mother, brothers, sister and friends. Doctors have exhausted their medical resources and a new course of action needs to be made.
Treatment
All hope is not lost. Though the treatments and procedures had been successful at controlling the growth of the existing tumors, her body has stopped reacting positively to the treatments available in the United States. There is a proven and successful treatment available in Europe called Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) and her doctors strongly believe that this treatment will not only extend Theresa’s life, but improve the quality of her life tremendously. Essentially it will keep the cancer at bay and prevent the disease from destroying her organs.
Costs
The reality is that this procedure is costly and health insurance will not cover the costs. The procedures, treatments and travel are estimated upwards of $110,000. It has been determined that this is Theresa’s only chance of survival.
Our goal is to raise $100,000. Many of you have asked how you can help. Please consider making a donation of any amount towards our goal. So many times we wish we could make a difference in someone's life. This is an opportunity to save Theresa’s life. We are blessed to know her and she’s made a lasting impact on so many lives. Know that your contribution will give Theresa the opportunity to watch Kaeli (now 11) grow up, to continue her life-long passion for teaching, and to inspire all who are blessed to know her.
Thank you for your continuous prayers and support.
Three GenerationsFamilyOrganizer and beneficiary
Janet Corbosiero
Organizer
Rutland, MA
Theresa Gusek
Beneficiary