Welcome to Team Sheila
Many of you too were impacted by her presence. Her larger than life spirit and the way she just connected with everyone and anyone who crossed her path. I first met Sheila back in 2005, when she came to visit her son Michael in college. From our first encounter, she left a lasting impression. What I didn’t know when I first met her, during my college days 14 years ago, was that this captivating, big-hearted woman would become my Mother-In-Law and become such a part of who I am.
The relationship Sheila and I had is one I hope my own boys have with their Mother-In-Laws. There are in-laws and there is family and she always made me feel like another daughter of hers!
Sheila never complained of her pains, her battle was like her having a cold. When you asked her how she was feeling, she would respond, “I’m fine honey!” She truly was stronger physically and emotionally than all of us watching over her. She never let her guard down or had a bad day, even when all of us around her felt so defeated.
Nannie is what her ten grandkids (eight of which were 5 years old or younger when she passed) call her and it hurts to think she never got to meet her eleventh grandchild, Matty. If there is a grandmother in the world that knows the ropes, it’s her! She could sing a sweet tune, control them with her voice and snuggle them on her belly like nobody else every could!
Swim Across America is a way for me to continue to feel a deep connection with this incredibly special woman. It is something my husband and four boys can get involved in with me as the boys grow older, jumping in the cool waters of Nantucket Sound to always remember Nannie, while raising money for all those currently battling cancer! This will be my third year involved in SAA, in memory of Sheila Mastriano, and definitely will not be my last.
Life is precious and often taken for granted! Thank you doesn't begin to show how much I appreciate your donation towards this amazing organization!!
In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. We joined the SAA community so that, together, we can change that. We are challenging ourselves by swimming in the Nantucket Island Swim and raising as much money to fight cancer on Nantucket.
With every dollar raised from our Swim, we are changing the game of cancer care on Nantucket and we should all be proud of that. Proceeds directly support the Nantucket Cottage Hospital (NCH) and the Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket (PASCON) oncology efforts to fund vital services for local and visiting cancer patients, minimizing their need to travel for appointments, testing and treatment. Our support allows NCH oncology programs to keep more Nantucket residents on-island for their cancer care, providing them a compassionate and caring environment. We help bring world-class oncologists to the island, allowing our patients to receive treatments at home. Through PASCON, our patients and families receive important physical, emotional and spiritual care free of charge.
We are swimming in memory of Sheila Mastriano, who left us too soon after a courageous battle with cancer. Please support us by sponsoring our swim and making a gift. The money you give will go towards cancer care on Nantucket. Thank you for your generosity and may it lead to a cancer-free world!
You can make a credit card donation by clicking on "DONATE" or send a check to Swim Across America - Nantucket, PO Box 3271, Nantucket, MA 02584
Check should be made out to Swim Across America but please include a note mentioning my name as the swimmer you are supporting!
