Longtime nurse and foster mom of 20+ kids battles ovarian cancer

A longtime nurse and foster mom of more than 20 children is battling cancer with the help of the community she has served for decades.

When Shelly Sepulveda was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer nearly a year ago, her first thoughts were about her wife Tami and the family they have created – six children, five of them adopted.

“It’s a constant battle, and it is survivorship and fighting for my life,” Shelly told Boston 25 News from her Medway home Friday. “There’s a lot of people going through cancer that don’t have the support. And I do, and I’m lucky. I’m lucky I have the friends and family I have.”

Having met as NICU nurses, Shelly and Tami have been together for 22 years. Along with Shelly’s biological son Sam, the two have fostered more than 20 infants who were all born drug-exposed, as well as a child who had cancer.

The couple would adopt five of those children, determined to give them the wonderful childhoods they had experienced during their own youth.

“When Mom came home told us she had cancer, she was crying,” said 15-year-old Tyler. “I was thinking, ‘What did she do to deserve this?’”

“I feel like I was in denial for a while, because it was such shocking news,” added 16-year-old Shaelin. “She’s the person that took care of this house. So, it was very weird when people would offer help.”

Over recent years, Shelly, her family’s primary provider, had worked toward master’s and doctorate degrees and advanced her career, spending the last four years with Steward Health Care, where she worked in a corporate role as a clinical documentation manager for the northeast division.

But as the hospital chain moved toward bankruptcy and a layoff seemed imminent, Shelly resigned from her job and began to prioritize her health.

“I’m not a quitter, and I don’t want my kids to think I’m a quitter,” Shelly said. “But I want them to know it’s also okay for them to ask for help.”

As Shelly endured a 10.5-hour surgery, the Sepulvedas learned to accept that help.

Supporters started a GoFundMe account (https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-by-shelly-mother-nurse-and-fighter/donations) to help cover their mounting medical bills and give back to a couple that has served their community for decades.

“It’s very humbling,” Shelly said through tears. “It’s humbling, because I try to be good and show my kids that, and I don’t know how to repay everybody, but all I can say is thank you.”

Tami, who has been retired and taking care of the children while Shelly worked, is considering getting back into the workforce despite having experienced three back surgeries and now needing to care for her wife along with their children.

“It’s been hard to make ends meet and try to mentally pull it all together,” Tami said. “It doesn’t matter if we live in this house or where we are, so long as we’re together and everybody’s healthy and alive.”

The generosity Shelly and Tami have modeled to their children over the years has been reflected back to them. Nineteen-year-old Sam has stepped up as the man of the house.

“[The diagnosis] was a lot to process at the time. I wasn’t sure what that would mean for the future, but I just knew we’d all have to step up with chores and stuff,” Sam said. “We’ve all kind of just been working our way through it one day at a time.”

Tyler has been searching for a part-time job to support his family.

“I’m trying my best to do some work around here, keep everything afloat,” Tyler said. “And Mom… she should just rest, take her time, recover, recuperate and just get on her feet again, because I’m waiting for that day where she can just get out of bed, feel good and go back to doing things she used to be able to do, like play volleyball with me.”

While Shelly’s tumors were removed, she was told the chance of the cancer returning was about 80 percent. But, wearing a “warrior” tee shirt a community member made for her, she said she is determined to fight, with her fan base behind her.

“The everyday battle in your head, ‘When’s the cancer going to come back?’” Shelly said. “I believe what you put in in society you do get back. And I have been shown that by so many friends and family.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW