Wednesday, October 12, 2011
With me
"So I won't say goodbye to my brother, I'll simply say,
see you in the next life, further on up the road, where we will once
again pick up that work, and get it done."
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Today, 47 in Heaven
"And now I, I look at the night, And it don't seem so lonely. We fill it up with only two, And when I hurt, Hurting runs off my shoulder, How can I hurt when holding you." --Sweet Caroline
Friday, April 1, 2011
April 7th - Honoring Jerry's Memory
On April 7, what would have been Jerry's 47th birthday, there will be a mass said at St James Church in Totowa, NJ, at 6:00 pm. All are invited. In other parts of the world, "Sweet Caroline," one of his favorite songs to sing, will be sung in his honor and many glasses will be raised in his memory. Say a prayer, sing a tune, or raise a glass to a relentless man, gone too soon....As his SWAT brothers like to say, "Bon Jovi, Jerry."
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Ongoing Visitors to this Site
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Looking back
It was with a heavy heart that I looked back to the first post for this site. March 9, 2010. Less than a year ago, I started this blog to help keep track of Jerry's transplant journey. Along the way, Kristen and Michelle launched a facebook site and created a "show us your wrist campaign," inviting people to post photos of themselves donning the NHL "relentless band" Jerry wore. Along the way, the facebook site got 8,000 hits a day, and the photo campaign boasted hundreds of photos from around the world. Along the way, one of Jerry's biggest fans, our dad, passed away. And then the worst day of all, January 19, 2011. It has been the longest year of my life.
When we first took Jerry's story public, he was reluctant. Accustomed to protecting and leading, he didn't want "to be that guy," the one people felt sorry for. He never was. "I feel great," he routinely told me, even when it was difficult for him to get out of bed. "I feel great," he would say to anyone who asked and on every post he wrote. He never once complained and did not tolerate over-protection, characteristic of an older sister. "Vinnie," he would say sharply. Just that and no more would silence me. And it was oddly comforting. Because I knew he was in charge and determined. I knew he was a warrior who would fight with dignity and courage. I knew he would never give up.
Over time, he found strength and solace from what he came to call his "Join Jerry family." In the dark transplant days when he was weak and sick, he would ask me to read posts or describe photos. In the darker final days, it was his family who went to the web to ask for prayers and to post updates.
Until the last minute, he said he felt great. What he really felt, I am not exactly sure. But I know he actually was great. He launched a national bone marrow drive for all FBI agents. He volunteered time to help young cancer patients. He reached out to the National Lymphoma Society to provide them ideas on how they can help others. He started writing a book about his journey and the "good" that he perceived he got from having cancer. He reached out to other 9-11 responders to learn of their own cancer battles. All this he did in the time when he was suppose to be recovering from a transplant. He was not one to be idle.
His journey touched thousands. Other potential bone marrow recipients have referred to this blog and the facebook page to learn about what to expect of their own procedures. Others have copied the idea of "Show us Your Wrist" to support their own causes and loved ones. And all of us who loved Jerry came to realize the importance of living life like there's no tomorrow. Because that's what he did. And he lived with good humor and optimism. He looked to create a better tomorrow for strangers, as well as for himself and his young family.
During the transplant procedure, he would find strength each day to work on school papers that were due. He was trying to complete his master's degree and would not let anything get in his way -- not cancer, not chemo, not fever, not nausea, and certainly not me telling him he was supposed to be resting. Less than two weeks after his passing, his wife phoned to tell me that Jerry's diploma came in the mail. We were both overwhelmed at what he had done--quietly, when no one was looking.
Cards, letters, posts, messages come in every day describing a contribution that Jerry made or a life that he touched. One person wrote to tell me how Jerry saved his life. I had to stop opening cards after that...My brother was always my personal hero, but I never knew he was a hero to so many others.
Most days I struggle to find an answer for all the effort and all the suffering. It is his last facebook post that I turn to for comfort. I know now that he wrote it even as his body was starting to be attacked by an aggressive and rare virus, a sneaky intruder he never saw coming. I will repost Jerry's words here in hopes that the hundreds of you who still check this blog each day will find comfort as well. Despite everything, my brother, who passed away at 46, truly believed he was one of the luckiest men on Earth:
To my Join Jerry Family:
On this Christmas, more than any other, I am thankful for the many blessings in my life, including my Join Jerry family. You helped me take a year of challenges and turn them into triumphs. You helped me laugh at bad news and embrace good news. You showed me even tough guys can use help. Your Relentless photos made me smile on most days and cry on others. After 2 ½ years of this, I occasionally find myself on the dark side; being sick and tired of waking up sick and tired. Then, without fail, someone says something via phone, email, text, FB, card or in person, that puts me back on the right track. Thanks. I know exactly how Lou Gherig felt on July 4, 1939. Merry Christmas to you and your families. Jerry
When we first took Jerry's story public, he was reluctant. Accustomed to protecting and leading, he didn't want "to be that guy," the one people felt sorry for. He never was. "I feel great," he routinely told me, even when it was difficult for him to get out of bed. "I feel great," he would say to anyone who asked and on every post he wrote. He never once complained and did not tolerate over-protection, characteristic of an older sister. "Vinnie," he would say sharply. Just that and no more would silence me. And it was oddly comforting. Because I knew he was in charge and determined. I knew he was a warrior who would fight with dignity and courage. I knew he would never give up.
Over time, he found strength and solace from what he came to call his "Join Jerry family." In the dark transplant days when he was weak and sick, he would ask me to read posts or describe photos. In the darker final days, it was his family who went to the web to ask for prayers and to post updates.
Until the last minute, he said he felt great. What he really felt, I am not exactly sure. But I know he actually was great. He launched a national bone marrow drive for all FBI agents. He volunteered time to help young cancer patients. He reached out to the National Lymphoma Society to provide them ideas on how they can help others. He started writing a book about his journey and the "good" that he perceived he got from having cancer. He reached out to other 9-11 responders to learn of their own cancer battles. All this he did in the time when he was suppose to be recovering from a transplant. He was not one to be idle.
His journey touched thousands. Other potential bone marrow recipients have referred to this blog and the facebook page to learn about what to expect of their own procedures. Others have copied the idea of "Show us Your Wrist" to support their own causes and loved ones. And all of us who loved Jerry came to realize the importance of living life like there's no tomorrow. Because that's what he did. And he lived with good humor and optimism. He looked to create a better tomorrow for strangers, as well as for himself and his young family.
During the transplant procedure, he would find strength each day to work on school papers that were due. He was trying to complete his master's degree and would not let anything get in his way -- not cancer, not chemo, not fever, not nausea, and certainly not me telling him he was supposed to be resting. Less than two weeks after his passing, his wife phoned to tell me that Jerry's diploma came in the mail. We were both overwhelmed at what he had done--quietly, when no one was looking.
Cards, letters, posts, messages come in every day describing a contribution that Jerry made or a life that he touched. One person wrote to tell me how Jerry saved his life. I had to stop opening cards after that...My brother was always my personal hero, but I never knew he was a hero to so many others.
Most days I struggle to find an answer for all the effort and all the suffering. It is his last facebook post that I turn to for comfort. I know now that he wrote it even as his body was starting to be attacked by an aggressive and rare virus, a sneaky intruder he never saw coming. I will repost Jerry's words here in hopes that the hundreds of you who still check this blog each day will find comfort as well. Despite everything, my brother, who passed away at 46, truly believed he was one of the luckiest men on Earth:
To my Join Jerry Family:
On this Christmas, more than any other, I am thankful for the many blessings in my life, including my Join Jerry family. You helped me take a year of challenges and turn them into triumphs. You helped me laugh at bad news and embrace good news. You showed me even tough guys can use help. Your Relentless photos made me smile on most days and cry on others. After 2 ½ years of this, I occasionally find myself on the dark side; being sick and tired of waking up sick and tired. Then, without fail, someone says something via phone, email, text, FB, card or in person, that puts me back on the right track. Thanks. I know exactly how Lou Gherig felt on July 4, 1939. Merry Christmas to you and your families. Jerry
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Join Jerry Foundation
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Join Jerry Foundation. A generous donor will match all donations dollar for dollar, thus doubling the amount. The money will go to help the Senatore family and, specifically, to set up an educational fund for Jerry's children. Join Jerry Foundation, 703 Highview Drive, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.
Rest in Peace
My brother faught an extremely rare and aggressive virus far beyond what doctors thought was medically possible. In the end, his body simply could not keep up with his relentless spirit. He passed away yesterday, peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Jerry was a protector and leader, a champion of people and causes, who believed in fair play. His energy and optimism were boundless; his laughter could light the darkness. Jerry faced life's hardships with strength, dignity, and optimism, without complaint, placing the needs of others before his own. He was my he...ro, but these last few weeks have demonstrated that many hundreds of others saw him in the same way. Thank you for supporting Jerry all these months. I will post, once again, his final facebook message in which he thanks his facebook family and refers to himself as a lucky man. See More
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Saturday, January 15, 2011
Holding on to my little brother
We have been told that Jerry's virus is particularly rare and particularly aggressive. It is an invader that does not play fair or by any set of rules, and it has taken a grip on his lungs. He continues to battle it, and we are with him in awe of his tremendous spirit and will. He is a hero and a warrior. And when I hold his hand, noticing the two relentless bands on his wrist, I am humbled by his tremendous strength and so proud to call him my little brother.
update january 15
Jerry has just been given a new trial drug in the hopes that it will do what the other drugs have not: fight a nasty virus that is in Jerry's lungs. Jerry continues on a ventilator, fighting every minute of every day. He is behaving like the warrior we all know him to be.
Your messages and support have sustained us all...Keep the faith.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Update of January 10
It is still a bumpy road for Jerry in his fight against the lung infections. His temperature is down today, and his lungs look a touch better. Overall, we are in a far better place today than we were last Monday when we flew down to Duke in a panic, with heavy hearts. We maintain our optimism, knowing that Jerry is fighting with all his might and that people around the world are pulling for him.
Today is the 13th birthday of my nephew, Jerry's son, Michael. Keep the faith, little man.
Today is the 13th birthday of my nephew, Jerry's son, Michael. Keep the faith, little man.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Update of January 8
More than 1,500 of you have been to this blog during the past week. I am in awe. Your support of my brother is a testament to the person he is and to all of you who know him. He has long said that he considers himself a "lucky man," despite cancer...In some ways, he has convinced me.
Jerry remains at Duke, fighting every step of the way. He is surrounded by his family, his friends, and his "band of brothers." He is facing tough odds and amazing his doctors. Each day, about there are about 7,000 views to his facebook site. We are posting daily updates there. Please go to the link below, and thank you for your prayers and support these many long months.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/JOIN-JERRY-2010/114293245252169
Jerry remains at Duke, fighting every step of the way. He is surrounded by his family, his friends, and his "band of brothers." He is facing tough odds and amazing his doctors. Each day, about there are about 7,000 views to his facebook site. We are posting daily updates there. Please go to the link below, and thank you for your prayers and support these many long months.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/JOIN-JERRY-2010/114293245252169
Monday, January 3, 2011
1/3/11 Update
We are with Jerry, his family, and his FBI brothers and sisters. He is fighting and we are all pulling for him. The news today is better than yesterday....We believe it has more to do with prayers than medicine. On a lot of meds, and still on a ventilator, but we KNOW he can hear us. His father is pulling for him with his Father. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. There is hope.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
My little brother...
Jerry's condition is very grave. Please pray for him. We can't thank you enough but we know that you share our love for him and that no thanks are necessary.
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