When Shirley received a fatal cancer diagnosis in October 2021, her life took a tragic turn. After she was gone, what would happen to Steven?
At the age of eleven, Steven experienced a life-altering event that severely damaged his brain and left him in a coma. Despite several operations,
He was left with persistent impairments including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mobility problems, and learning problems. With little help from adult social services,
Shirley took on the role of full-time caretaker for Steven after the death of her husband from cancer. A System That Did Nothing Shirley’s fight against cancer was quick and fierce.
Her brain, spine, and pelvis were all affected by the illness when she was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer. She kept taking care of Steven at home despite her deteriorating health.
Shirley had been experiencing despair and suicidal thoughts, according to a Domestic Homicide Review, but crucial chances to provide her mental health treatment were lost.
