Young Cancer Patient Defying The Odds, Determined To Celebrate Her Sweet 16

MONTVILLE, CT — Back in June, Marissa Satiro's family had been told by doctors they were unsure the young cancer patient from Montville would make it to her 16th birthday this month. She had previously made headlines as her story spread across the state this summer in hopes she would get to meet pop star Justin Bieber, the top item on her bucket list.

Though she has experienced a number of scary moments since that horrible day, recent updates by her family on social media indicate she may be able to celebrate her special day this Friday. For those unfamiliar with her story, Satiro was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma when she was just 13 years old.

The soon-to-be-16-year old has undergone many surgeries since her initial diagnosis, and was just recently brought back to the hospital in late June after new bleeding on her brain was discovered.

See also: Young Montville Cancer Patient's Last Wish Is To Meet Justin Bieber

"On Friday, June 9, Marissa's parents were informed that Marissa's candle would burn out soon," according to a video made by family friend Jason Henriksen in June. "The cancer is so aggressive and she has fought it so hard, but it is spreading despite treatment now. The doctors can't even say with any degree of certainty that Marissa will make her 16th birthday on August 11."

A Scary Incident

On July 18, Satiro's family reported more unfortunate news on the Satiro Strong Facebook page.

"[Monday, July 17] was a scary day for us all," the post said. "Marissa was found...on the floor, unresponsive at first, by her sister. She was taken by ambulance to L&M hospital. They did a bunch of tests and found a new tumor on the right side of her brain."

The post said Satiro collapsed due to the tumor pushing on one of the nerves in her brain, which causes her to have a hard time breathing and speaking. She was able to hear her family when they found her that day, however she was paralyzed and could not speak to them.

After returning to the hospital that day, her family was told by doctors there was not much that could be done. She was then sent back home where her family could watch her closely, leaving them shaken from what the post described as a "very scary" moment for everyone involved.

Yet on July 27, things thankfully appeared to be looking up. The page's most recent post indicated Satiro has been doing much better since that frightening moment.

"She has been taking [medication] to help keep swelling and pressure on her brain down," the post said, "so far it's doing good. She's able to walk, just not long distances, and managing her pain well."

Birthday Bash And Bieber

A post was made on July 4 that indicated Satiro's family would hopefully be able to throw her the huge birthday bash she deserved. The day after Satiro's frightening ordeal on July 17 however, her family reached out for support in making this a reality.

" We are trying to get [Satiro's] birthday party moving and could use any help offered," the post said. "We really haven't started any planning, everything has been so hectic and crazy! I need to get this done; it's her Sweet 16!"

The post received support from a number of followers, garnering 259 shares and 143 comments of encouragement. A little more than a week later, the family indicated that a celebration was now in the works.

"Thank you all for reaching out," the post said. "We are planning a benefit/big bash for [Marissa] to see everyone who is behind her; she's so excited! We will keep you all posted."

The family is also still encouraging people across Connecticut to spread Satiro's story, in hopes that she might meet still get the chance to meet Bieber.

"Please please keep reaching out to #justinbieber," the post said. "Share posts [and] get the word out. The time is coming close! We need her dream to come true."

For those looking for further ways they can help Satiro and her family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been set up to go towards completing her bucket list. As of Tuesday afternoon, the page has raised $4,270 of a $15,000 goal.

Image via Facebook/Video created by Jason Henriksen

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Originally published August 8, 2017.

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