Our Neighbors Jazzy Terwilliger and Sharon Yochum Need Help

Update: Sad news, friends. Jazzy passed away after only a few days of home hospice. She leaves behind a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew her. ♥️

Dear friends of Jazzy and Sharon, I would appreciate a moment of your time.

Many of you already know Jazzy has been struggling with cancer. After almost a year of chemotherapy, radiation, and participating in a clinical trial as a "Hail Mary", Jazzy has been transitioned to palliative care. She is in home hospice as of just a few days ago, with a team of health care workers, visiting family, and her long-time partner, Sharon, working to make her as comfortable as possible.

We were so hopeful we would have more time with Jazzy after nine months of chemotherapy that looked promising, but there is only so much that can be done after a stage four diagnosis of a rare cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, cancer of the bile duct. Several large tumors, and many smaller ones too numerous to count, located in her liver, lungs, and spleen, meant the cancer was inoperable. Cumulative toxicity from chemo halted life-sustaining infusions. In short, nothing was stopping this aggressive cancer, and it was just a matter of time before we arrived here -- far too soon.

For those of you who’ve lost a loved one from cancer, you know there is never enough time. Jazzy had her 57th birthday while a patient on Shadyside Hospital's Oncology floor.

Those of you who know Jazzy know she is someone who brings instant joy wherever she goes. She has a smile that hits you right in the heart. She deeply misses performing with her ukulele (and sometimes guitar) at various Pittsburgh venues, but feels contented knowing that she has taught so many to play and appreciate the mighty little string instrument. Some of you may also know of her esteemed education at MIT and years as a physics instructor at Carnegie Mellon.

Jazzy and Sharon, partners for more than 13 years, are very important to me, and, I hope, to you. The love they have for each other is one from which many other couples could learn. Sharon is quietly spirited and has managed to work her job while coordinating Jazzy’s care. She has had to take a leave from her job to help her partner through this next, very difficult phase. In times of need, one thing I know about Mr. Rogers' neighborhood, is that we help each other out. I am hoping you can pitch in to help ease some of their burden.

Jazzy and Sharon send you all of their love and appreciation!