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Shannen Doherty’s doctor and friend, Dr. Lawrence Piro Open She spoke to People magazine about the love of her life and her final moments.
Doherty died Saturday after a years-long battle with cancer.
Piro said of her optimistic nature: “She wanted to live each day not as if it was her last, but as if it was the beginning of a new chapter for her.”
He explained, “We carried on until the moment we thought we couldn’t do it any more. When we finally spoke, she was beginning to realise that things had changed quite dramatically. The conversations were about love and support and compassion, and continuing to fight. She wanted to continue treatment and keep fighting, even though she was feeling a little bit worse, so we did.”
Pirro said that over the past few weeks “things have become much more difficult” and that “it’s become clear that we’re moving in a different direction.”
Piro spent his final hours with Shannen, her loved ones and her dog, Bowie.
“In her final hours, she was surrounded by very close friends in a very comfortable place to sleep and transition,” he said. “The room was surrounded by select friends who were giving her so much care and support. It was solemn and sad, but beautiful and loving. The hardest part about this is that she loved life and wasn’t ready to leave.”
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He said of her legacy, “This incredible love of life was born out of a love of people and a love of being cared for, and I think it was born out of being in the public eye from a young age and feeling misunderstood for most of her life. She would have wanted us to be as strong as we can, to stand up for what we believe in, and not let other people label us or misunderstand us and stop us from living our best lives.”
Shanann’s mother, Rosa Doherty, also spoke to People magazine, paying tribute to her daughter for the first time in an exclusive interview. statement.
“She is my beautiful daughter and my heart,” Rosa said. “Our family would like to thank everyone who has shown love and support to Shanann throughout her life. We are so grateful.”