The following is Therese's Letter to the Catechists of St. Luke's Catholic Church, informing them of her illness:

JMJ

Dear friends,

I want to take the opportunity to thank you once again for saying yes to teaching our St. Luke children and youth. I am always so impressed with the fine people God puts in place as catechists.

I have some bad news to share with you, and didn't want you to hear it from anyone else, although I do regret that I am sending it through an email. As the saying goes, bad news always travels fast, so I am trying to use the most expedient means available for me to tell all of you.

I have been diagnosed with kidney cancer. It is in the liver and both lungs as well - stage 4. The doctors said, "6-9 months." I ask first and foremost for your prayers for me and my family.

My "saint" of choice is Pope John Paul II and my prayer of choice is the Divine Mercy chaplet.

Obviously, things will be changing as I will be stepping down as DRE - I cannot tell you how and when that transition will take place. I will be talking to Fr. Bob as soon as he comes back from his vacation, and will keep you all abreast of any changes taking place.

Thank you as always for all you do for the Church, for your love, support and prayers,

Therese

John Paul II, pray for us!