Tess' Fight for Life

I first metTess at Paul's birthday party at a bar. Like the many of us, she was enjoying the night out drinking cocktails and gettin' down on the dance floor. I thought to myself, "Who is this older woman, and how is she acquainted with our group?" So I asked Paul, to which he replied, "That's my mom!" 

If you are lucky to know Tess, I'm certain you would agree, she is undoubtedly one of the sweetest, kindest people you've ever met.  Like most moms (and grandmoms), she ALWAYS made sure you were taken care of.  Even during gatherings at my house, she went out of her way to make people feel welcomed. She is quite an extraordinary lady, and I am blessed to have her as a friend.

As some of you may have heard, Tess has been in and out of the hospital in recent months. Our greatest fear was realized when we discovered Tess was diagnosed with cancer.  To make matters worse, the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage in which chemotherapy and surgical treatments are no longer viable options.  Consequently, as result of the cancer, her liver has begun to fail.  Without any medical treatment options, efforts will be directed to keeping Tess as comfortable as possible at her home in Mansfield with her family. 

I consider myself a realist, perhaps even a pessimist to a lesser degree.  Yet I find myself clinging to any possibility of hope and optimism.  We ask that you join us in keeping Tess and her family in your prayers and to give what you can. Your gifts will go toward medical bills. and family living expenses to alleviate financial burden as Paul, Marie, and Sean take time from work to take care of Tess in her dire time of need. If you are a friend of the family, I plead that you share this message to allow it to reach the family's extended network. Thank you for taking the time to read this. We will post updates to her condition as it changes to this campaign.