Support Steve to stay Strong

First and foremost, to whoever is reading this - thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read about our dear friend, Steven Ferretti's story. A story of unwavering love, resilience to live, the challenging journey him and his family have had to face and the difficult one they are about to embark.

In 2008, not long after Steve became engaged to his now wife, Megan, he was diagnosed with an autoimmune hepatitis. Things quickly took a turn and his liver began to fail. As many of you may know, the donor organ transplant process is typically lengthy and not black and white. Megan, without hesitation valiantly decided to get tested to see if she was a match. You know the saying, "when you know, you know"? Well, Megan knew that Steve was 'the one' and when results confirmed that she in fact was a match, their first true trial was met. On January 6th, 2011, alongside two teams of surgeons, Megan and Steve underwent the lifesaving transplantation at New York Presbyterian/Columbia hospital. It was a success. Steve was given a second chance at life but it would not be easy.

After the liver transplant, Steve experienced various procedures and multiple subsequent surgeries including one to remove his spleen and another to open up bile ducts. It was as a result of all of these experiences that he decided that he would pursue a career in the medical field. He attended Western Suffolk BOCES and later graduated as a Certified Surgical Technologist. 11 years later and he is one of the best! Although, some may say I am biased but, that is only because I am lucky enough to work with him. He is also brilliant, handy, and can fix just about anything (we lovingly call him "Steve Musk"). And yet, despite the tough life Steve has endured, one would never know because he carries himself with such grace.

In 2014 Megan and Steve got married. On November 2nd, 2015, together they welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Anna and shortly thereafter, on July 27th, 2017, their son, Benjamin. Both are the center of Steve's universe and as a doting, loving father, he gives it his all day to day for them. Benjamin enjoys cub scouts, playing outside with his sister, riding bikes and is fascinated by school buses! Anna loves doing artwork, girl scouts and also spending time outdoors. Two young, innocent kids living their best lives as a result of the sacrifices their Mom and Dad make.

Fast forward to today. Post transplant, one is placed on anti-rejection medications. These medications prevent your body's immune system from rejecting the new organ. Medications that Steve must take everyday for the rest of his life. However, taking them also increases a person's chance of developing cancer, among other things. A daunting thought that has never stopped Steve and Megan from pursuing a fulfilled life. Unfortunately, on June 9th, 2024, Steve rushed to the hospital after discovering a painful abdominal mass. A malignant mass that has now turned the Ferretti's whole world upside down. As of right now, there are many unknown variables but one thing is for certain - Steve needs our help. Prayers, healing thoughts, love and financial support. Today I am writing to ask, on behalf of Steve and his family, for help with all of those things. The amount of time and money that will undoubtedly be devoted to Steve's treatment will be tremendous. Allow us all to come together in lessening that burden so that he can focus on fighting the good fight. Any donation, no matter how small would mean the world to the Ferretti's.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you again.