My name is Mary Breunig and I am both a cousin and a second sister to the Pistone family circle. For everyone who has ever spent time with any members of the Pistone family, you know how large, loving and strong our family bond is with each and also to our friends, and community.

On Friday, December 19th, 2025 our lives have forever changed. What started as being a day of remembrance for our matriarch Pat Pistone's heavenly birthday, turned out to be a day to forever change the course for Terri Schroeder. In the late morning hour of the day, Terri suffered a massive stroke in her home. Her son Andrew was the only person home with her at the time and saved her life within those critical moments in calling 911 and being by her side. She's only here with us today because of Andrew. He truly is an angel and we are so grateful he was home at the time.

Terri was rush to the local area hospital for treatment and the team of doctors immediately chose to airlift her to a top Chicago hospital that specialize in comprehensive stroke care, offering advanced technology, rapid intervention, and specialized teams. Terri underwent nearly a 6 hour lifesaving surgery where the surgeons were able to stop the brain bleed. As the hours and days so far have progressed, Terri will face immeasurable obstacles - many still unknown. Her care team is doing everything they can to monitor and treat the situation and all of us as a family are doing what we can to support Gary and Andrew Schroeder through this time.

Terri, Gary, and Andrew have touched so many lives and so many within each of her brother and sister's circle have asked what they can do. Her care is critical, the visitation to her direct hospital room will come over time, but for now, the best support we can give is to send love and prayers Gary and Andrew's way and help cover expenses they face currently with parking, hotel, food, and miscellaneous needs at home and then ultimately the expenses that will come with specialists, physical therapy, equipment needs, and beyond.

Each day the snapshot changes, but the known constant is that if we can take the burden off Gary and Andrew financially, they can devote their time to Terri and we can all lessen their stress in this area. Text messages are good as well sending your love. Showing support with minimal questions will help show them that you carry support in Terri's care while not overwhelming them.

Everything that is raised on this page will go directly to Gary. If I can be of assistance with any gifting questions or how to get something to them, don't hesitate to reach out. The biggest gift you can do right now in this moment is to share this Go Fund Me page with all of your family and friends on social media. The more we can financially support the journey ahead, the better.

On behalf of the family, we thank you all for your kindness and support. When you gather this Christmas with your family, give an extra hug, spend a little more time being present, and appreciate the health and people in your life.