Relay for Life- Gale's Cancer Warriors

On June 7th, 2014 I called my mother, Gale, to check in on her after not hearing from her nearly all day. It was my birthday, and unlike her to not call and sing loudly into the phone, they way she had every year since I had moved out of the house. When she answered the phone she sounded disoriented and confused. She said that she was scared and didnt know what was going on but that something was wrong. I had a close friend who lived only a few short miles away go and check on her. When my friend got there, she thought that my mother was having a stroke and called 911. My mother was rushed to the ER and my sister, Danielle, and I showed up shortly after that. The doctors had performed a slew of tests and determined that my mother had a large tumor on her brain that had matatasizied from her lungs. She was diagnosed with stage 4 andenocarcinoma of the lungs. It was a devestating blow to our family. Only a few days before, my mother- the lively and always cheerful matriarch of our family- had been making us dinner and playing with her grandchildren, and over night she had become weak, withdrawn, and partially paralyzed. After some radiation and therepy, my mother regained the ability to walk and talk, although that only lasted a few short weeks. A few days after her last radiation treatment, she was back in the ER with the same symptoms. Her doctors advised us that it was time to make some end of life plans. We brought in hospice, and our amazing father, whom had been divorced from our mother for nearly 16 years, drove up from Florida where he lived to care for her in her last days. They had a special love and friendship that had lasted over the years, and my mother enjoyed having the love of her life at her side at the end of her life. Our mother died on September 5th, 2014, only 12 short weeks after her initial diagnosis. It was heartbreaking losing my mother the way we did. She was a centeral part of our family. I participate because I know that by raising funds and walking in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event, I will help save lives, like my mothers, from cancer. This 24 hour walk is a small battle compared to the ones that people like my mother have to/had to fight.it is also a way to inspire hope by raising funds and cancer awareness to help those facing the disease. Relay participants, including me, all raise funds because we’ve been affected by cancer in some way and because a Relay For Life event gives us the power to fight back. This is my opportunity to honor the cancer survivors in my life, remember friends and family I have lost, and help raise funds to support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission.
Every day, the American Cancer Society helps people take steps to reduce their risk of cancer or find it early, when it is easiest to treat. They provide free information and services to cancer patients throughout their journey. The organization is investing in crucial research to prevent, treat, and ultimately, cure all cancers.

I have signed up to fundraise and walk in my local Relay For Life event. I hope you will consider making a donation in support of my efforts.

Together, we can finish the fight!