5 Things Merrimack Valley Patch Readers Are Grateful For

ANDOVER, MA — In Dec. 2020, Andover's Charissa Rigano traveled to Mexico to receive treatment for her multiple sclerosis.

Today, she is grateful for her daughter, Ananda Kao, who traveled with her to care for her, Rigano said.

"I am forever grateful to my daughter, Ananda Kao who saved my life in December 2020," Rigano said. "We travelled from Boston, Massachusetts to Clinica Ruiz in Puebla Mexico in November 2020 so I could receive a Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) and halt the progression of my Multiple Sclerosis."

Her story and others like were shared with Patch as part of "30 Days Of Gratitude," a Patch series exploring the intentionality of gratitude and featuring bits of wisdom from Patch readers. Go to Across America Patch every day through November and read more.

Living with gratitude goes beyond merely being thankful. It doesn't mean pretending bad things don't happen, but rather savoring the goodness, according to experts on the topic, including Robert Emmons, a Unviersity of California, Davis, psychology professor who is known as the "father of gratitude."

Want to share your own message of gratitude?

• Tell Someone You're Grateful For Them: 30 Days Of Gratitude

Rigano shared more about her gratitude, as did other Merrimack Valley Patch readers.

Charissa Rigano, Andover:

I am forever grateful to my daughter, Ananda Kao who saved my life in December 2020. We travelled from Boston, Massachusetts to Clinica Ruiz in Puebla Mexico in November 2020 so I could receive a Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) and halt the progression of my Multiple Sclerosis. Ananda volunteered to be my caregiver for the 4-week procedure. At the time, Ananda was a college junior at Tufts University. She explained the situation to her roomates, coach and professors and packed her books to finish finals remotely from the clinic.

I decided to do HSCT to beat my Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the chronic disease that ravaged and took my father Richard Rigano (1940-1992) far before his time. He died when he was 52 – the same age I am today. I received my stem cell transplant on December 6, 2020, in hopes of halting the progression of my MS.

Why Mexico? Today, the American medical community offers many pharmaceutical drugs to address MS symptoms, but is still not much closer to curing or halting the disease progression. Countries like Mexico and Russia have been performing HSCT for autoimmune diseases including MS for decades. I was the 1,000th patient treated for MS at Clinica Ruiz in December 2020.

As we were packing up to return to Boston, Ananda and I were reflecting on our time in Puebla. We met amazing people we now consider friends for life. These people were from all over the world and I am now lucky enough to I call them “stemmie” brothers and sisters. I received the best medical care of my life and we were fed like kings. Ananda was my brave caregiver who diligently kept track of the medications I needed daily and took me to receive chemotherapy and daily injections. She was also there to watch ER and friends in the afternoon. She is a rock star.
My amazing daughter is about to start her final semester in college and then will be off to NYC for her first job. I am forever grateful for her strength and bravery.

Here is a quote from Ananda describing why she runs the MS fundraiser with her lacrosse team at Tufts University:

“For people with MS every day is a new battle. MS is a disease that has affected my family in many ways and is something that has taught me what real strength looks like. Every day I am grateful that I am both mentally and physically healthy enough to step on the field and compete with my teammates by my side and loved ones cheering us on. Each time I get to play I am playing for those who cannot."

Lori A, Tewksbury:

For the entire past 18 mos., the valiant staff at McDonald's on Main Street has strived to serve customers with a smile...against incredible struggles with staffing and the pandemic. They are absolute heroes! So many times I'd go through the drive-thru to find the business staffed with only 3 managers, working incredibly hard to keep the public served. They deserve a huge 'Bravo!'

Erica Dellorusso, North Andover:

Cindy Ward is an all-around amazing mom, neighbor and friend who does anything she can for anyone!!!! She is owed sooooo many thanks!

Linda Thomas, Tewksbury:

Thank you to all the teachers, aides, and staff in the Tewksbury Public Schools!

Mary Stackpole, Somerville:

I would like to thank Patrick and Jamesy Callahan for all their food donations to "Neighbors in Need", through the Woodhill Elementary School for the last few years! They are a great example of kindness and a generous heart!!

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