My mom was the most kindhearted and caring person I have ever known. She always put everyone before herself.  In November of 2006 my mom went to the doctor for a cough she had for over 6 months. They diagnosed her with everything from allergies to bronchitis. Finally the doctor decided to do a CT scan.  In it they found that my mom had a tumor the size of a grapefruit on her ovary.  Right away the doctors told us it was most likely cancerous.  It was a crushing blow.  My mom had always been a very healthy person.  I didn’t know anything about ovarian cancer and I was devastated when I read the information on the internet.  After months and months of chemo and surgery, my mom was said to be in remission.  I was so hopeful and thought we had beat this awful disease.

But in November of 2007 my mom went for a check up and her CA125 levels were going up.  Our worst fears came true when we found out the cancer had returned in her liver.  It was a long and hard 5 months, and my mom lost her battle with cancer on April 29, 2008.  She was 55 years old.

My mom was a beautiful person.  She was positive and strong through her battle with cancer.  She never felt sorry for herself or wanted anyone else to feel sorry for her.  I never thought cancer would happen to my family.  It was the worst experience of my life.  I know my mom is in a better place.  She made a difference in the lives of everyone she ever met. She taught me to never give up and to live each day like it’s my last.  I can only hope I can grow into half the woman she was.

Story submitted by Tanya Brown