Stephen’s family: Generations of Devotion and Favors

At age fifteen Stephen was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. His treatment included four surgeries, seven weeks of daily radiation, and seven cycles of chemotherapy, each requiring four-day hospital stays. Throughout his treatment, Stephen kept a relic of Blessed Solanus Casey close to him, which brought him comfort during his illness. Stephen is now cancer-free!

This is not the family’s first gift from Fr. Solanus. Stephen’s grandfather was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Stephen’s great-grandmother brought him to see Fr. Solanus. When the great-grandmother asked Fr. Solanus “what about my boy?” the Capuchin smiled and simply said, “He’ll be fine.” The boy was healed, went on to marry his high school sweetheart, and lived to 80 years old. Stephen’s family remains forever grateful for the intercession of Blessed Solanus Casey, whose presence and prayers have accompanied them across generations.

In the picture Stephen is surrounded by family after learning about his cancer diagnosis. He is proudly wearing that same grandfather’s sweater.