Teresa's Cure

My name is Ralph Ciotola.  I am probably the luckiest person on the face of the earth, not by any doing of my own, but simply because I have the privelege of being the husband of the most amazing, beautiful woman that has ever lived.  My wife Teresa is the kindest, most caring, thoughtful and selfless person I know.  Anyone who has ever come in contact with her cannot deny that their life was made better.  As a mom, a teacher and a wife, she is constantly putting the needs of others ahead of her own.  I've never met a person who so regularly thinks of others before herself or someone who works so hard to make others happy, even if it means she suffers.  Her long list of loving, committed friends can truly attest to this.   She is simply an incredible human being.

Unfortunately now, she is need of help.  Teresa was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last July 2015.   Sadly this has become an ever more common occurrence for women today, but the sound of those initial words is still devastating.   We have tried various forms of treatment during the past year and to no avail.   Although she has felt healthy and remained very active during this whole time, she recently suffered two seizures while we were visiting with some friends.  This lead us to discover that the cancer metastasized to the brain and she had a tumor on her left frontal lobe.  We quickly had surgery to remove this tumor, and initial scans post-op revealed no residual lesions or tumors.   That's the good news.  However...full body CT scans revealed lesions in other parts of her body - liver, ovaries, back, etc.   In other words, the cancer has spread to more than just the brain.   We quickly realized we are in a very serious situation now.   As anyone would be, Teresa is scared, we all are.  However, we also have a strong faith and a peace knowing that she is in God's care and He will honor and bless the treatment plan we pursue in order to recharge her immune system,  kill the cancer cells and restore her back to full health.  

But it won't be easy.  In fact it will be an extremely grueling, difficult and long journey.    The treatment plan we have chosen will be a hard-core, intense process designed to not only attack and destroy the cancer in her body, but restore her back to full health so that it never rears it's disgusting ugly head again.   This will be a long, two-year journey.  It will come with pain, with struggle and with stress.  Fortunately for Teresa she has an amazing group of friends and her children and step-children who love her and will be there to support her every step of the way.  It's through this loving support system and God's direction and love that she will get through this. 

Now, to the part I hate.   The last thing any person wants to do is ask for financial help.  We are no exception.  We are grateful and thankful for all that we have been given in this life, we have been blessed.  If love, friendships and children were currency, our cup would be running over. But we are in need of help right now.   By all estimates, this treatment plan will come with an out of pocket expense of nearly $60,000.   We are in need of about half of that amount.   Teresa's situation is very urgent, so a good portion of that is needed soon.   This is not easy for me to do, but my love for my wife is far bigger than the foolish pride I might carry around. 

Why does this mean so much to me?   Well, anyone who has come in contact with Teresa could easily answer that.  But it is so much more than that.    Teresa is a mother of three young, beautiful children ages 16, 14 and 12.   They are her life.  She is relentlessly dedicated to each of them with a love and a passion that no words can do justice.  These children need their mommy.   She is also the most amazing step-mother to my three sons. She knows how much I love my boys deeply, and she only enhances that love because she loves and cares for them as if they were her own.   And they love her.   Teresa has a core group of friends that, frankly, if everyone had friends like them, this world would be a a truly happier place.  They need her and she needs them. Finally,  Teresa is not just my wife, she is the very breath inside my lungs.   This first time I laid eyes on her on August 21st, 1986 my whole body stirred.   Like a lightning bolt went through me.  I remember it vividly.    So while it is very difficult to ask for help like this, your support will mean everything to me, not only because it will help save Teresa's life, but it will help save mine as well. 

I am truly honored and grateful for any help you can provide and may never be able to express enough thanks. 

Sincerely, 

Teresa's husband (Ralph)