My mom’s name is Susan Engels. She was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer on December 23rd, 2009 at the age of 49. She spent almost three weeks in the hospital after having major surgery that involved removing cancerous tumors and her ovaries. Although she has changed her routine due to chemotherapy, she still is the same loving mother she has always been. Up until very recently, she continued to work 40 hours a week, despite being exhausted, because she loved her job. This required her to drive an hour to and from work in sometimes horrible weather conditions. Even though her cancer is progressing, she is still there for me whenever I need her.

She is also a committed “Abuela” to my two young nephews, her grandsons. She makes time to see her boys no matter how she is feeling because she knows that seeing her will bring a smile to their faces. Without her support, my nephews would not be the two amazing little boys that they are. I would be nothing without her support as well.

From the time I was young, my mother encouraged me to do what I wanted in life. She didn’t object when I chose an expensive out-of-state school for college, and even helped me with my first year’s tuition. She is always available to edit my papers and to critique the work that I have created, even when she is tired. I know that being on chemo for a year and a half is very hard on her, but she never shows it because she loves to help.

My mother has been my best friend since day one, and we have always had a special bond. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her and wonder, why her? She is the glue to our family, and she is everyone’s favorite person. Even our family pets are hopelessly devoted to only her. When she was in the hospital, it took over five people just to run the household and do all the jobs that she does. This just shows how truly amazing she is. She is what has been holding our family together.

I want my mother to be featured on your website because she deserves recognition. She is the kindest, most patient and amazing woman I have ever met. She is an inspiration, and I want others to read her story.