February 2018 I came from work and the TV was turned off. My family was already gathered around the table. My dad standing, leaning against his chair. My mother sitting with a knot in her stomach, and my sister slumped at her chair. Growing up if the tv was ever off, bad news was to follow. Instantly I had a gut feeling that I didn’t like what was going to be said. My mother couldn’t get the words out. My Dad spit the words out that none of us wanted to hear— “Mom has Cancer..” It felt like I couldn’t breathe. My thoughts racing, my heart pounding— I felt powerless.
From that day on we knew my mother had only one thing to do— Fight. I am proud of my mom for fighting everyday. She keeps setting small goals. “I am going to make it my nephews wedding.. I am going to make it to your sisters wedding.. i am going to make it to my nieces wedding. I am going to make it to my grand babies birth.” With each small goal she sets, she keeps pushing through.
Because of my mom as well as many other people near and dear to me, I continue to advocate and help bring awareness to Lung Cancer/Lung Disease. I will continue to fight and advocate until no one has to endure this awful journey.