Cancer Community Loses Fighter for Patients
Hi, I’m Michelle. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in October 2002 and underwent a stem cell transplant in 2004 using cells donated by my older brother Joey.
I developed the idea for the Joey Pouch™ when I had a Hickman catheter surgically embedded in me for 2-1/2 years and realized that I needed a way to protect it.
Today I am still fighting cancer and bravely moving forward. I hope to inspire those around me and dedicate the Joey Pouch™ to my brother and steadfast supporter, Joey.
Michelle’s Visitation and Funeral
February 28-March 1
Thanks to everyone who came to visit with our family. Michelle was a wonderful person. Please view Michelle’s music and photo tribute produced by her brother Tony and a Eulogy written and read by Joey at the luncheon. Thanks again everyone. Please review this page and we really appreciate the comments!!
Cancer Community Loses Fighter for Patients
February 24, 2013
10:40 pm CST
It is with great sorrow that I am sharing this tragic news regarding my little sister Michelle Anne Salerno. She has been the strength and inspiration for many. She fought and lived a full life while battling cancer these past 10 years. Tonight she passed peacefully at 10:40pm due to complications from fungal pneumonia. She was surrounded by loving family members. More information will follow on the services. Your thoughts and prayers for Michelle and our family are greatly appreciated.
Michelle Anne Salerno
10/24/1968 – 2/24/2013
Michelle A. Salerno age 44 of Lombard, IL. Beloved daughter of Barbara and the late Joseph C. Salerno Sr. Dearest sister of Joseph C. Jr. (Lisa) and Anthony M. Sr. (Brenda) Salerno. Dear aunt of Elizabeth, Cody, Anthony Jr., Francesca, Cono Joseph, Isabella Michelle, Hannah and Gianna. Loved niece and cousin of many. Survived by her canine companion Bisou. Funeral Friday, March 1st, 2013, 9:15 a.m. prayers at Steuerle Funeral Home, 350 S. Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park, IL to Sacred Heart Church, 114 S. Elizabeth, Lombard, IL. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, IL. Visitation Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. For additional information 630-832-4161.
Please read Michelle’s My Story written by Michelle.
Steuerle Funeral Home
350 South Ardmore Avenue
Villa Park, IL 60181
Visitation Hours 3-8
Steurle350vp@aol.com
630-832-4161
Obituary
We would lover for you to post your remembrances and stories about Michelle on the guestbook.
CaringBridge
http://www.caringbridge.org/il/michellesalerno
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Michelle’s favorite charities and foundations listed below:
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Michelle worked very closely with this organization over the years.
651 W Washington Blvd
Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60661
Please make donations in memory of Michelle Salerno.
http://www.lls.org/#/waystohelp/donate/donateonline/
Leukemia Research Foundation
This organization assisted with expenses and provided services to Michelle.
Please mention Michelle Salerno on your check or online donation
http://www.leukemia-research.org/
American Cancer Society - Illinois
Please make your donation in memory of Michelle Salerno.
http://illinoiscancerhelp.org
Special thanks to:
Michelle Salerno Scholarship
AFS, Foreign Exchange Program
This organization has created this scholarship in memory of Michelle’s involvement in their program as a liaison and hostess. http://www.afsusa.org/
Loyola University Health System
Cardinal Bernadine Cancer Center
High Dose Unit
Dr. Tulio Rodriguez