Hope After Tragedy: Woman Battling Cancer Receives Gift Of Love From Best Friend

NORTH FORK, NY - Hearts were broken in Greenport in December when Mary Ann Costello died suddenly — but now, her generous heart lives on in a gesture of love she would surely have applauded.

Costello was beloved by her adoring family and sea of longtime friends, who struggled to grapple with the loss of her joy and beautiful spirit. But out of darkness, came a ray of light: Costello had planned to take a Disney cruise with her niece Patricia Sledjeski, in April.

And now Sledjeski has decided to turn sorrow into a shining memory by inviting her best friend, Danielle Harrison-Meraz, who is battling cancer, on the cruise with her instead, something that would undoubtedly have brought a smile to Costello's face.

The Disney cruise is a wonderful surprise, Harrison-Meraz said.

"My best friend Patricia Sledjeski's aunt, Mary Ann Costello, was going but passed away unexpectedly a few months ago. So I was offered the spot. I have never been on a cruise. I probably won't do too much but intend on making sure Pat has a good time and getting up some strength myself."

Harrison-Meraz has been undergoing arduous chemotherapy.

She added: "The whole trip will be exciting and I'm sorry of the circumstances leading to my going. But we will honor Aunt Mary Ann and have a great time."

The pair will fly to Cape Canaveral Friday, and the cruise departs Saturday. "The best part will be a week with my longtime best friend," Harrison-Meraz said.

The community has opened their hearts for Harrison-Meraz, who has cancer of the brain, lungs and spleen, organizing fundraisers and supporting her throughout her journey with messages of love and an unending outpouring of support.

In recent months, a team of angels has organized a fundraiser in Greenport attended by hundreds, a Yogurt Bowl organized by Kait's Angels, and a "Play for the Cure" event organized by the Greenport/Southold varsity and junior varsity girls basketball team. Friends were there to share her joy at a concert when Harrison-Meraz even got to meet Donny Osmond.

Harrison-Meraz has faced her challenges with her trademark positivity and loving heart. “Be grateful, always,” she reminds friends daily, always thankful for her blessings, even in the face of trials.

Of the outpouring of love from near and far, Harrison-Meraz has said she’s rarely speechless.

“I have no words to ever say what’s in my heart. I love them all so much. I am so overwhelmed that I can’t even process it all. I can only pray that God blesses them as they are blessing me. I’m so grateful.”