(Tisha May and I met up met up recently at Rooster Moon and enjoyed two of their tasty Chai Tea Lattes and got to know each other a little better. Since this month’s focus is “gratitude” it was inspiring to hear Tisha’s take on living a life with gratitude. As you will read, Tisha is grateful for family, friends and community.)

In the mid-1950s a beautiful baby girl was born to a very loving Italian family in the City of Pittsburgh. Since the family was anticipating a baby boy this time, it took them several days to decide on a name. The hospital stated they would not release a baby without a name. On a telephone conversation with family members, a cousin’s voice was heard in the background pleading, “name her after me!” And so, it came to be. Patricia Schifino was named for her cousin and would both be called Tisha.

Her family was thrilled to bring Tisha home from the hospital and settled in to enjoying and delighting in the newest member of their family.   That joy was interrupted when at nine months old, Baby Tisha was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer. At that time, the survival rate for infant neuroblastoma was very low due to limited treatment options. Even today this type of cancer accounts for 15% of deaths due to cancer in children.

Tisha’s survival did not come easily for her family or herself. Upon her diagnosis, Tisha’s family went into fight mode determined that their baby girl would receive the best medical care available.  Doing everything in their power to assure her survival, Tisha’s determined father arranged for a cancer specialist from Boston to come to Pittsburgh to treat his daughter, even taking on extra work to cover the cost of the doctor’s hotel accommodations. And Tisha’s mother, totally committed to her daughter, was an unwavering support and constant presence during Tisha’s three surgeries and 30 radiation treatments. No matter the cost or sacrifice, every effort was made to enable this baby to survive. And survive she did.

The radiation treatments saved Tisha’s life but resulted in long-term side effects. Since the treatments were done at such an early age, growth plates were significantly damaged. Like TV actress Lindsay Wagner’s depiction of “The Bionic Woman” who is saved from death after receiving experimental medical implants, Tisha has many titanium parts that allow her to live fully and make a difference in the world.  Tisha’s very own superpower is her ability to face her challenges with strength and gratitude.  She not only survives, but she thrives at living her best life.

When asked, where she gets the strength to meet the challenges that come each day, she replied, “Gratitude is incredibly powerful, and it makes me strong.” Tisha expresses deep gratitude for the family into which she was born. Her parents were willing to do whatever possible to save her life against all odds. Their extended family and friends were supportive and always assisted in whatever way was needed.

Tisha eventually met and married her forever soulmate Dan. Her grandmother had a saying that “there is a lid for every pot” and Dan is that lid for Tisha. With Dan she feels well cared for and complete. A time came when Tisha needed to give up her volunteer position that she loved at The Red Cross. Dan supported her need to step down to take care of her health and worked hard to keep things going. He supports her in every challenge, and she expresses great gratitude and love for him.

After Tisha and her husband moved to Frederick and then Hagerstown, her mother would travel from Pittsburgh to spend time with them and assist in Tisha’s care. She was a vigilant angel to Tisha.  After her mother’s passing, Tisha got a tattoo of an angel on her shoulder to keep her mom present with her forever.

Tisha’s sister Linda, who some of us met at book club, has always been very loving and generous. Tisha expresses great appreciation for Linda, who consistently provides guidance and support. While they now live hours apart now, they speak every day. Linda took Tisha to Italy for her 60^th birthday to celebrate that her younger sister who wasn’t supposed to live was celebrating that milestone.

Being part of Prime Time for Women (PTFW) is another item Tisha puts on her gratitude list. All of the opportunities and friendships made through PTFW play a key role in Tisha’s life. Tisha was one of the initial members of the PTFW Book Club that many of us have come to love. Following a recent surgery, Tisha is now part of Walking 2 Wellness, PTFW’s weekly walking program “Where Health Happens and Connections Matter!” She is proud that she is now able to walk four laps and grateful for all the new friendships!

When asked about words of wisdom for others, Tisha shared a belief in not looking at the mountain in front of you. Instead, she recommends “looking at the mountain you’ve already climbed.”  Tisha says she tries to be kind to her body while at the same time pushing herself. Sometimes it can be difficult to know that it’s time to rest or step back from the hustle and bustle of life – especially as we go into the holiday season.

Tisha’s journey continues as she strives to meet challenges straight on each day. She still dreams and has a bucket list of places to which she’s hoping to travel in the future. On her itinerary are Ireland, Croatia, and the small hometown of her grandparents in Italy. With Tisha’s amazing spirit and life of gratitude, I just bet she’ll get to them all.  Let’s watch for the pictures. This Thanksgiving season may we remember to be grateful and to support our loved ones and friends.