Michael and Maureen Fitzgerald share with us the story of Maureen’s miraculous healing of metastatic liver cancer that occurred after a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. But this story doesn’t end there. Three years ago, Michael had his own battle with a rare form of colon cancer and at this point is cancer free.
The news of Maureen’s illness came to the couple when an upset stomach and a workup revealed advanced incurable liver cancer. As it doesn’t respond to conventional treatment, she decided to try her chances with immunosuppressive therapy. However, there is not a plethora of data on its effectiveness. Prior to treatment, she had a markedly elevated alpha feto-protein level (a marker used for liver cancer). She had her first treatment and the levels dropped but were still massively elevated. After her second treatment, however, she experienced a severe reaction requiring hospitalization. Her condition continued to deteriorate and alpha feto-protein levels remained elevated. At this point, no treatment plan was even available to her, and the couple felt deeply discouraged.
Although resigned to God’s will, Maureen decided to go on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, still remaining hopeful. Once arriving, she was prayed over by a priest and felt a warm feeling throughout her body, and noticed later that her significant leg swelling began to lessen. She returned home and continued to improve, and saw her doctor who ordered repeat scans. At this point her scans showed no evidence of cancer, and her alpha feto-protein levels were completely normal.
Muareen and Michael emphasize the attitude of gratitude. When they went to Mass after being home, the gospel reading was on the healing of the ten lepers, yet only one returned to give thanks. They feel they have a mission to spread the mercy of God and let all know how much Jesus and Mary love them.
Today we speak with Mary Jane Zuzolo about her book, “Unveiling the Sixth Station of the Cross - Reparation to the Holy Face, Mother of All Devotions.”
Chris Sparks is Senior Books Editor at the Marian Helpers Center. He has written a timely book, How Can You Still Be Catholic? 50 Answers to a Good Question.
Bobby Schindler, the brother of Terri Schiavo, became known to the world during the early 2000s, when his sister's case brought global attention to St. Petersburg, Florida.