Fighting Alongside My Cousin's Wife

Everyone who knows me knows my personal health story of battling Multiple Sclerosis since the age of 8 or 9 and finally being diagnosed in 2003 only to then have a routine knee surgery in 2004 go horribly wrong resulting in continuous severe infections. The infections ultimately led to the amputation of my leg above the knee, over 50 surgeries, severe arterial hemorrhages, several bouts of sepsis, and finally reaching the point where there is nothing more doctors can do to save me from these vicious infections. Those who know me also know I am not a religious person and have had many crises of faith and HATE religious platitudes about letting go and letting God or if God brings you to it He'll bring you through it. I almost never ask for anything on my own behalf. I share my story but not in the hopes of gaining prayers, good vibes, or pity but because if I can help even one other person then this was all for something.

Today, however, I come to you with a request for just that…prayers, good vibes, and best wishes as well as one other favor which I will get to in a moment. First, let me explain why I'm writing this post. I will try to keep it as short and simple as I can so bear with me for a moment.

In 2013 my cousin's wife, Shannon Romanchuk Saturno, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 while 26 weeks pregnant with their first and only child. Siena Hope was miraculously born happy and healthy while Shannon continued her fight against cancer. Shannon finished chemotherapy and seemed to be on the road to recovery but in 2014 a routine test showed a small amount of cancer on a lymph node which meant further treatment. Scans now show that the cancer has metastasized to her liver, lung, femur, brain, adrenal gland and spine. She spent over a week in the ICU enduring strokes, seizures and other problems associated mostly with the tumors in her brain. She is now under the care of hospice in Huntington, Long Island.

All of this has struck me very hard not only because Shannon is essentially my cousin but because in 2014 my own oldest sister was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme which is a highly aggressive brain cancer. She too endured strokes and seizures and spent about a week in ICU before being brought home for hospice care. She passed away in our house not even a full two months after her diagnosis. I have a nearly photographic memory which is a large part of why I suffer from PTSD from my own health problems but it also means that with each update on Shannon I am transported to the videos and pictures stored in my memory of my sister's battle. I understand what Shannon, her family, and mine is going through on a level many can't.

Shannon has vowed to keep fighting for as long as she is able to as the cancer ravages her and her loved ones watch face the reality and horrors of this incurable monster of a disease. Several months ago I had a conversation with her in which I made sure she understood the difference between giving up and letting go because I had to learn that lesson with my sister who I was originally angry with for what I thought was giving up but came to understand wasn't giving up but instead, letting go. There is no shame in letting go when the time comes which I understood for my sister, understand for Shannon, and understand for myself in my situation.

Shannon is a 32 year old wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, cousin, and warrior. She deserves a final wish which brings me to the favor I started this post for. Shannon is a huge Yankees fan and huge Derek Jeter fan. It has come to my attention that people have been making requests on her behalf to have Derek Jeter visit her while she can still enjoy it. 

I do not know anyone connected to the Yankees or Jeter himself, personally, but I'm hoping that someone will read this who DOES have those connections and will help us help Shannon get her wish. Please, if you think there is any way that you can help make this come true get in touch with me or if you know her family, get in touch with them.

People have asked me over the years what wish I'd like and if there's anything they can do for me as I fight for my life. I honestly have never come up with an answer for them other than that obviously it would be amazing to meet Ellen DeGeneres or Robert Downey Jr but I can settle for dreams of those things. I'd love, however, to help make this wish of Shannon's happen and not just be a dream.