“We’re not meant to know everything, we’re just people. We’re meant to rely on each other” 

- Teresa Michelson 

In March 2020, at the very beginning of the pandemic, Mom noticed mouth pain that was pretty unbearable. She even thought it was signs of covid. Due to non essential businesses being closed at the time, there was a wait period before she could see her primary, dentist or specialists. In June 2020, Mom was officially diagnosed with stage 2 mouth cancer. In less than a year it has rapidly metastasized and progressed to terminal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. 

During this period, close family members have taken medical leave of absences and made themselves available to care for Mom throughout various surgeries (biopsies, removal of the tumors multiple times, bottom teeth removed, chin removed and reconstructed with her leg bone, shoulder drain surgery, feeding tube surgery, lymph nodes removed in her neck.) Toward the last few weeks, after undergoing intensive radiation and three immunotherapy treatments, her disease spread rapidly, growing in different directions - reaching her clavical bone and brain. 

Her daughter, Anna Silva, went on a long term leave of absence to stay in the home and be her primary care giver. Her first born daughter, Adelle Mason made arrangements to be available as a secondary caregiver also taking a leave of absence from her obligations and work schedule. Her youngest daughter, Tiffany Michelson made strides cleaning and doing house errands when Mom was unable to stand or do tasks on her own. 

Insurance has covered most, but not all

Medical bills. Currently, she is in private hospice care, which is not fully covered by insurance. We are coming together as a family, humbly asking if those who come across this can contribute in any way- whether sharing this fundraiser or contributing a dollar. She has wishes to be buried in her home town, next to her father, family members and her son, Carl with a full mass, wake and burial.  As you know, funeral arrangements are pricy and we are doing our best to follow her wishes. 

Teresa was a flower child of the sixties, artistically creative. For her college thesis she created an original pencil sketch of her  depiction  of Neptune- The God of the Sea,  characterized by hundreds of hand drawn sea shells. It was one of her proudest artistic accomplishments.  She was a proud captain of Food and Beverage in the hotel industry. She earned her bachelors of art Degree from Emmanuel college in the 80’s. She was a breast cancer survivor in remission for 8 years and an active donor to the American Cancer Society. She loved crosswords, cross stitching, judge Judy, the price is right, family feud, and cooked her Fanny off! She always had fresh home made tomato sauce in the freezer. There wasn’t a day where she didn’t indulge in fine chocolates and creamy ice creams. (Can’t forget her fresh cold cuts from the local deli!) She is and always will be remembered as a strong and determined whitty riot, who thought quickly on her feet and as she would tell you: “I think of everything!” 

Our mother has taught us that it takes a village. (And a well stocked purse - hehe) And connection to others, relationships, and coming together are often forgotten when we allow ourselves to be too busy to recognize the love around us. With that, we ask that each of you pray for her peace and the end to her suffering, and share this link with your loved ones. So we can share her legacy and let you all know just how much she is loved. And, as a token of our deepest thanks, We will be hand picking a few generous donors to receive a copy of her precious artwork. 

God bless.

Anna, Tiffany and Adelle 

Daughters of Teresa Michelson