Let Steve's light keep shining

It shatters my hear to have to change the "story" or direction of this beautiful campaign, but have to recognize that is only the plot that changes because it will still end all the same: we will keep Steve's light shining - with or without his physical form. 

On June 6, 2017, Steve Panza has transcended into another dimension and departed our earthly plane. After a long, arduous struggle - despite his efforts to keep us all in high hopes, he passed away. This was not a defeat. Despite the pain (and hell, it was excruciating to hear/witness!), Steve was overjoyed with all the love and support that flooded in vast proportions - from love notes to donations big and small, he felt them. 

On May 15th Steve posted this on his FB wall:
"My body has been working a bit better, but my brain is on maximum anxiety and restlessness. Your emotional support has absolutely allowed me to make it this far. Thank you. Thank you all."

and excitedly announced on May 19th:
"I can happily say I am now lying in my own bed in Jersey City.
The road ahead is daunting and will be my toughest challenge.
But I am SO excited to be in my own bed. I have the BEST Family and friends a person dare I ask for. I love you people."

The proceeds of this campaign, originally intended for his transplant will be donated to Steve's beautiful and loving family who not only face the grief of losing an incredible light, but also staggering financial burden. Steve's medical condition was of a class of its own, and one thing for certain is that his family never fell short. His mother, Narcelle Panza, stood/sat/cried/laughed right beside him throughout his fight. Each time I checked on him, he would always, always tell me, he is with his mom, and almost always, surrounded by loved ones. All members of his family canvassed prayers, updated friends because they knew just how much we all meant to Steve. To watch your son struggle with pain and exhaust himself even just to fall asleep is unimaginable in itself. To have medical bills ammassing exponentially by the minute is even more daunting.

In proper memorial of Steve let us bid farewell in a manner that demonstrates the immense love and ever shining light he has brought into our lives. Our monetary donations will help his family and friends commemorate Steve as his flesh returns to the earth on Saturday, June 10th. It will also help give his family the jumpstart they desperately need to even begin to get back on track. The world will never be the same without Steve and thus our tasks do not end upon his departure. 

We will commemorate his colorful and meaningful life, and let his love continue our hearts, even just a corner. Steve's light will keep shining - we will  dance with a little more emotion, laugh with a little more light, love with a little less apprehension and while listening to music which he so very much loved, let it move our souls and lighten our hearts. For those of us, like me, who had the honor to feel Steve's presence on the dance floor, let's make sure to look up and smile right at him each time we dance. As we all know, when he hears those beats, he is probably trying to teach the angels how to shuffle.
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When Steve got very ill, and went into coma, those who were lucky enough to know him or even of him, felt that the world seemed a little bit dimmer, almost as though there was one less star shining in the constellation. That's what Steve is to most of us - a vibrant spirit, a mass of contagious energy, a jolly bald man full of wattage (no pun intended), and during that daunting period  when we all feared the possibility of losing a source of joy & inspiration, we collectively drew on our fond memories of and with Steve - nutty adventures, silly first impressions... across the board, we celebrated his dance moves! Strangers connected with each other, praying together for his recovery, and even in fear and anxiety, found ways to make some light out of our desperation. We all felt hopeless at one point, together. And we all fought our grief because we all know Steve would not allow us. Witnessing Steve's life in danger was eye-opening - even the strongest are sometimes vulnerable too. 
Steve has awakened, due to all the countless prayers. hugs and positive vibes sent, straight from the hearts he had touched in a form or another, from all over the world. This "miracle" has proved the power of prayer and positive energy, but our roles do not end there. Steve has a long journey ahead. Yes, he's already on facebook, commentating on politics, talking sports trash, saying yippee - we all know... being Steve. But it is because he is fighting, hard, for all of us. His health is nowhere near where it needs to be, and immediate action is necessary for him to survive, much more recover. Steve has done so much for us, and with no hesitation or expectations of return. We need him back on his feet, we need him back on the dancefloors, we need him to keep us laughing, we need to keep that light shining.