Author: integritivity

Cory was diagnosed with stage four neuroendocraine cancer in 2015.  He was in severe pain and the emergency room visit showed two tumors in his sacrum, which broke his tailbone in two places.  He was no longer able to drive himself until his treatment in 2017 at Mayo Clinic finally helped relieve his pain.  Cory was off work for three years and then went back to work in 2018, but then his tumors started growing again and he has now been off work since November 2019. He worked really hard as a welder. Even while still in severe pain, he still faithfully served in the parking lot at his church, directing traffic.  He is an inspiration to so my people because of his loyalty and dedication.  He also helps his family foster puppies and dogs.  One of his dreams is a trip to the Grand Canyon (wheelchair accessible) or Yellowstone National Park (wheelchair accessible) with his wife and two teenage daughters.

Here is what a church member commented on Facebook:

“I’ve been so amazed by your whole family. Seeing Cory serving out in the parking lot. If he has strength to do only one thing that day, he chooses to serve there…You all are a huge blessing to our church family. We love you and pray fervently, asking God for a miracle. Thank you for serving and loving God and each other so well. May He bless you and keep you ❤️🙏”

Stella’s Wish Foundation is granting Cory’s wish with a family trip to the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park.

Ms. Jones is currently receiving chemotherapy for her stage IV cancer and has undergone surgeries as well as radiation therapy. She is well known and well loved in her small town because of her big heart and open hands. Ms. June, as she is affectionately called, would love a trip to Nashville. She stated she would like to visit the Grand Old Opry, Music Row, the Blue Bird Cafe, and to tour Loretta Lynn’s homestead.

Stella’s Wish Foundation is helping the family with a trip to Nashville, TN so that they can see some of the sights.

 

Katy Brent was diagnosed with appendix cancer in September, 2015 when her second child was just 6 weeks old. She had cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC in October 2015 which required a 10-month recovery. She was again diagnosed with recurrence in May of 2018 with another surgery and lengthy recovery. Katy has endured this disease all the while trying to care for and raise her two young children as well as caring for herself and her husband.  She had a third surgery in December 2019.  Her cancer is no longer operable.
Family has pitched in to help and Katy continues to try and fight the disease all while continuing her career as a full-time math/science teacher. Katy’s surgeries have made it difficult for her to digest food, resulting in weight loss, pain and reduced energy.

Stella’s Wish Foundation is granting a wish to have her house cleaned for 3 months so that she can save her strength.

Bridget Pritchett has recently been given news that she has “months to live.”  Her daughter wrote that as a single parent, Bridget worked endless hours to provide for her children. She has made peace with the fact that her sons have both matured into men and has comfort in knowing that she has, “done her job as a mother.”

Bridget is too ill to travel but would love to spend special time her two grandbabies, a 2-year-old little boy and 10-month-old baby girl.

With the help of Stella’s Wish, she and family members will go to Branson, Missouri to see Christmas lights at Silver Dollar City.

Pam was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer in 2019 at age 24. She has been fighting for almost 2 years! As her cancer started progressing more rapidly, she and her now husband moved up the date of their wedding and are now trying to plan a special honeymoon trip. Their dream is to go to Maui, HI. Her husband is also a Navy Veteran and is now in school to become an Oncology Nurse.

Stella’s Wish Foundation is helping to fulfill their dream by getting them to Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki Beach.

Joseph McElroy’s sister submitted a wish for him to fly to Missouri for their father’s funeral. Stella’s Wish was able to provide an airline ticket for him.

Jeremy Goskie has been diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma cancer and his most recent scans show metastasis cancer.  Jeremy has been the main financial provider for 5 kids and 2 young grandchildren. He has been dedicated to helping everyone no matter the circumstances. He and his wife wished for one last memory-making opportunity with their children and grandchildren.

Stella’s Wish foundation has arranged a cabin in Tennessee for the family to stay in.

 

 

Suzanne Kroll is in treatment for stage 4 endometrial cancer and is grateful for each day. Prior to her diagnosis in July 2020, when a time when much of our world was shut down, she still worked, volunteered and did whatever she could to help others before herself.

Suzanne’s sister submitted a wish to make a special memory for her.  Suzanne loves the Buffalo Bills, so Stella’s Wish is sending Suzanne and her sister to a Buffalo Bills football game on October 31, which is Suzanne’s birthday!  They will also get on-field passes before the game.

Thank you so much for the on field passes to the game that you granted my sister Suzanne and myself.  Here are a few photos from the game.  Buffalo best Miami!!! Go Bills!  We had a great time, thank you for all your support and what you do for those of us stricken with cancer.  It means a lot to have folks like you who go above and beyond to help others.  You are truly blessed.  Again thank you!

Sincerely,

Christina & Suzanne

 

Daniel Burrows is fighting Stage 4 Lung Cancer and was diagnosed in May 2021.  His daughter nominated him for a wish and says “My dad is always thinking of everyone else and taking care of us and right now he is fighting for his life but to be here for us!”

Daniel is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan; he loves to watch the games and has Cowboys gear everywhere. He would love to go to a game but unfortunately his cancer has made his mobility decreased with terrible lymphedema in his legs, and with COVID as well, going to a game isn’t really in the cards for him right now.

Stella’s Wish Foundation has arranged for Daniel to receive a care package from the Dallas Cowboys.

Melissa Castrello is described by her sister as “the giver and most selfless person you could ever meet.” She has a wonderful husband who works hard to maintain their home and helps with their very active 6-year-old sweet daughter.

Melissa is a 40 year old woman who was diagnosed with Triple Positive Breast Cancer stage 3, a very aggressive form at the age of 35. She will be now receiving weekly chemotherapy to battle metastatic stage 4 breast cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 4 just 2 years later after being in remission from breast cancer. This disease has spread to the liver, bones, brain and now the spinal fluid.

Melissa has has only one child and had dreamed of bringing her to Disney. They had a big family trip planned to Walt Disney World last July when she was more stable but COVID hit and everything was halted. Now that flying is getting back to normal, it’s a financial strain and Melissa has taken a turn in her medical diagnoses. She doesn’t want to leave this world without bringing her baby girl to Disney at least one time to give her a happy memory to hopefully remember forever.

Stella’s Wish Foundation has arranged for Melissa Castrello, her husband and her daughter to go to Walt Disney World, with 4 nights and 3 days at Animal Kingdom Lodge, 4 day theme park passes and a memory maker photo package.  The family was presented with this wish at our annual fundraiser banquet.