Anita's Fight Against Cancer
Donation protected
La Familia. When I hear “La Familia,” my good friend Anita Merlino immediately comes to my mind. Anita is blessed with a very close-knit and loving family. Since the passing of her husband suddenly in 2004, Anita has been mother and father to her three children. They have all grown to be successful adults; teacher, graphic artist and nurse. 2017 started out as a bright beginning with Anita helping her daughter plan her September wedding. The feelings of anticipation and joy became clouded with the sudden diagnosis of liver and bone cancer in March. Anita has been on a rough road ever since. She was recently accepted into a clinical trial in New York which necessitates travel to New York weekly with occasional overnight stays.
Due to the need for emergency surgery on her leg and both radiation and chemo treatments, Anita was forced to retire just shy of 20 years with Allegheny County. Through the years she has always worked a second job. Her latest endeavor was as a Pampered Chef consultant, which she has not been able to actively pursue due to undergoing extensive medical treatment. Her COBRA health insurance cost is taking the major chunk of her retirement payments. Add to that the cost of travel to New York and a mortgage and the cost of daily living – well, I’m sure you know when you can’t work and you’re sick, the pressure is daunting.
Anita needs your help. Any donation is gratefully accepted. Prayers for continued healing are also appreciated. As I said, Anita is blessed with a strong faith, a terrific family and close friends who are helping in every way they can. But at this time she needs more. She needs the help of the community, too. As Maya Angelou has said, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” Thank you for your kindness.
Due to the need for emergency surgery on her leg and both radiation and chemo treatments, Anita was forced to retire just shy of 20 years with Allegheny County. Through the years she has always worked a second job. Her latest endeavor was as a Pampered Chef consultant, which she has not been able to actively pursue due to undergoing extensive medical treatment. Her COBRA health insurance cost is taking the major chunk of her retirement payments. Add to that the cost of travel to New York and a mortgage and the cost of daily living – well, I’m sure you know when you can’t work and you’re sick, the pressure is daunting.
Anita needs your help. Any donation is gratefully accepted. Prayers for continued healing are also appreciated. As I said, Anita is blessed with a strong faith, a terrific family and close friends who are helping in every way they can. But at this time she needs more. She needs the help of the community, too. As Maya Angelou has said, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” Thank you for your kindness.
Organizer and beneficiary
Noreen Re
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA
ANITA MERLINO
Beneficiary
