I Want to Live!
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When diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2009, Librado (Vito) Saucedo made one thing very clear ... "I want to live."
As many of you know, a cancer diagnosis is scary and stressful. But Mosaic staff members and Vito's family came together in a blanket of support that wrapped around him 24 hours a day. Now, less than two years later, I am thankful to report that Vito is cancer-free and a happy man.
"It was a long road that we all went down," said his cousin, Carmen Puentez. "But we went down that road hand-in-hand. We cried together and we laughed together, and he was the strongest of all."
Vito's cancer diagnosis came after many frustrating trips to different doctors trying to figure out why he was losing weight and wasn't keeping food down. Mosaic was persistent, Carmen said, until they found an answer. That was in October 2009.
After hearing the doctor explain the cancer and his options, Vito was clear about his choice. Mosaic responded immediately and, within three hours, there were four different meetings with staff, family, and Vito's housemates. Vito wanted his five housemates to know what was happening so that they didn't think he was getting special treatment.
That December, Vito had surgery. Anxious Mosaic staff members waited alongside his family and were relieved when the doctor came out of surgery giving Vito a good prognosis. Happily, his Christmas gift that year was to be released from the hospital and allowed to return to his Mosaic home on Christmas Eve.
But recovery still was rocky. Within a few days, Vito was back in the hospital with an infection that required another abdominal surgery, this time followed by 29 days in rehabilitation. After that, Vito started chemo and radiation therapies. Both of those left him feeling sick and weak, so sick that sometimes Vito was too ill to attend his day program. On those days, staff and family members made themselves available so that he could stay home.
Though the treatments successfully fought the cancer, several months of invasive therapy took a toll on Vito.
The man who was routinely upbeat and ready to laugh just wasn't returning to his old self. He was worn down to the point where he was feeling like he might die. He had trouble putting weight back on and wasn't building strength.
Creative, determined staff started keeping extra food in the house, hoping something might appeal to him. If he had a craving for a hamburger or burrito, staff would make a fast-food trip even if he only ate a bite or two. Mosaic staff were not going to give up.
The persistence worked. Today, Vito goes out to movies, attends dances, and even competes in different Special Olympics games, where he recently took second place in a race. "I enjoy life," Vito said.
"He is very, very happy," Carmen added. "Anytime any one of us calls, he never lacks for a story to tell us. He never once tells us he is bored and has nothing to do. You kind of have to make an appointment to see him."
Carmen praises the Mosaic staff for their work to help Vito return to health and for being supportive to his family during his illness.
"When we found out about the cancer, everyone was on board," she said. "There wasn't a time when the staff members weren't there for us as a family."
Faith tells us that everything relies on God. But we also know that we have a part to play in God's work in the world. I am proud of the work Mosaic staff members did to help Vito. His story is a good reminder that Mosaic's mission affects not just the people we support, but their families and friends as well. I hope you will make a gift to Mosaic. and help us continue to provide the life-affirming services to people like Vito -- and to those who love him.
Sincerely, Linda Timmons
President and CEO
PS -- I wish I had room to tell you all of Vito's interesting life story. He grew up on a Texas ranch with his grandparents after being orphaned at a young age. When his grandmother died and Vito needed a place to live, Mosaic had no openings, even though it had been her wish that he move to Mosaic. When he finally had the chance to move in and came for a visit, he knew he had found a home. In fact, he refused to leave when the weekend ended. "Coming to Mosaic has been a godsend," Carmen said.
