Wakefield Woman 'Thankful For The Gift Of Life' After Battling Illness

WAKEFIELD, RI — Showing thankfulness, whether by sharing blessings around the Thanksgiving dinner table or through some other deed or action, is an important part of Thanksgiving and the holiday season in Wakefield.

Patch and T-Mobile are teaming up to bring your moments of thankfulness from the dinner table to a wider audience. Spread the spirit of thankfulness this holiday season by sharing this link with family and friends. Together, we can inspire gratitude and overall goodwill toward one another in Wakefield.

This submission comes from Kerry Villanis in Wakefield.

As we approach this holiday season, what are you thankful for?

I am very thankful for the gift of life. For the past four years, I’ve been very ill and hospitalized so many times that I lost count. Currently, I am surviving with the help of great doctors and 25 different daily medicines.

Last year I was in the hospital and was supposed to be released when my husband received a call, the doctor said that your wife’s not breathing. I woke up in ICU and intubated. Scariest day of my life.

Fast-forward one year later, and I am so grateful for the gift of living. Every day, I enjoy things I took advantage of in my prior life. I am blessed with a loving family, friends and my church family including many compassionate priests who visited me.

Also, thankful for the ability to enjoy the world around. Simple things like animals, beaches and just simply floating in my pool in the summer. God continues to bless me, and I am thankful for the precious gift of life! Happy Thanksgiving!