Supporting Cheryl and the Loshnowsky Family

Hi! I’m Melissa Marazas and, together with Melissa Firman, we would like to tell you about Cheryl McCloskey Loshnowsky – a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, Girl Scout leader, swim mom, accounting whiz, volunteer, and most importantly, a loyal and caring lifelong friend.

(Full disclosure: we’re not biologically related, but sometimes family is who you choose. And for our entire lives, Cheryl has been our family, along with her husband Erik of 19 years and their 17-year-old daughter Maura.)

In July 2021, Cheryl had plans to meet her sister, Melissa Firman, for dinner but needed to cancel due to a bad headache. The next day, a large tumor was discovered in Cheryl’s brain, and she underwent surgery. Despite a promising recovery, the tumor returned less than three weeks later. A second surgery was followed by a third recurrence that November. A third surgery. Throughout 2022, she fought like hell through Keytruda and Avastin infusions, radiation, treatments, therapies – suffering brain necrosis, loss of mobility and memory, disability, and being let go from her accounting job.

Those who know Cheryl would agree: her inherently tenacious personality, pragmatic nature, and strong character carried her through many difficult days. Her husband Erik, daughter Maura, Stewie (their fur-baby), and friends rallied around Cheryl to beat this cancer, even organizing a benefit to help.

Around Thanksgiving 2022, a 4th tumor was discovered; however, experts at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania offered some hope for regaining mobility. Ever the fighter, Cheryl again, endured what would be her 4th craniotomy in 18 months. Complications arose: despite a shunt inserted to reduce hydrocephalus, her brain swelling continued and she declined quickly.

We’re deeply saddened to share that, in the early hours of December 31, 2022, my Aunt Cheryl’s long fight against an aggressive brain cancer ended. Her body and mind have put up one hell of a fight; Cheryl will now get the rest and peace her body and mind deserve.

While most people are celebrating a new year, Cheryl’s family is facing exorbitant medical bills, educational expenses for Maura, the potential sale of their beautiful home, and significant loss of income. Sadly, they did not have life insurance.

Will you help support the Loshnowsky family? Your generous gift of any amount will be used to pay medical bills, funeral costs, and the living expenses for Cheryl’s husband Erik and their daughter Maura.

Let us tell you a little more about our beloved Cheryl. She was…

…and most importantly, a much loved person to many.

Thank you for helping us to honor the incredible life and legacy of Cheryl McCloskey Loshnowsky while supporting her family’s needs.

Melissa Marazas and Melissa Firman