My mom was one of the strongest women I have ever known.  She endured much sickness in her life and sadly, she was taken from us too soon.  She passed on December 10, 2008 from ovarian cancer. She was 56 years old and had gone through more than most people could.  She was a diabetic and had been for over thirty years.  That disease in itself had already wreaked havoc on her body. When she was in her early 40′s, she was rushed to the emergency room and ended up having quadruple bypass surgery.  She was in the ICU for two weeks, but overcame all the obstacles placed in her way.  She eventually went back to her very stressful job, working full-time and caring for her family.  I don’t know many people who could handle all that.

In July of 2007 she was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer and was determined to fight! She had surgery and went through chemo.  I know it’s hard on everyone, but it was worse for her because of all the other medical problems she had.  She never complained! She wouldn’t talk about life and death or cancer with me, but she went through each day like it would be over soon.  She did get better and even went back to work! I couldn’t believe it!!

In June of 2008, her CA125 started going back up and she was told that the cancer was resurfacing.  She was to begin a different type of chemo, but she just couldn’t handle it.  She began to get weaker each day.  The Friday after Thanksgiving, she went into the hospital and never came home.  I have to say that I love my mom more than words anyone will ever know.  She was a true fighter and my hero!

Story submitted by Deonna Crider