Cancer Steals: Let's Fight Back!

Cancer is a robber. It steals life. It robs futures. It takes and it destroys. My father passed away when I was only two months old. He was taken in the absolute prime of his life. He never saw me crawl, walk, say my first word, grow up, graduate from college, or get married. I can’t honestly tell my children that much about their grandfather because I never knew him myself. Cancer stole him from me – from us.

Cancer also stole from my husband. His father passed away from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when he was only seventeen years old.  Instead of enjoying his high school years, he was watching his father unsuccessfully fight for his life. His father left behind a wife and thirteen children. He also now has twenty five grandchildren – he never met any of them.

Sadly, our stories are all too common. I'd like now to share with you the story of my amazing friend Rebecca. I am honored to share her story and learn from her strength....

"As mothers we tend to be so busy with working and keeping the home clean or taking care of our children, spouse, and parents, sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves.  I am sharing my story to remind women that cancer can hit at any time in our life.   If we don’t take some time to take care of ourselves how can we be there for the ones that need us!

After many years of trying, I found out I was pregnant with our first child in January 2010. I was filled with joy- finally I would be a mom! Then, 10 weeks later I found a lump in my left breast. Within 2 weeks I saw my doctor and was told to have a breast ultrasound and biopsy. At 13 weeks pregnant, 34 years old, I was diagnosed with Her2+ invasive breast cancer.  No family history.   2 days later I was told start thinking about my mastectomy and terminating my pregnancy. I had just told my friends and family I was having and baby and now I had cancer and had no idea if my baby would be born or if I would live to hold her in my arms. My life stopped.

The next day we called Dana-Farber and made an appointment with Dr. Ann Partridge. This second opinion changed my future! She had dealt with many women who were pregnant with breast cancer. It is not as rare as one would think. Immediately I knew I would be going to Dana-Farber for my care. I wanted to do everything I could to keep my pregnancy and be able to live a long and healthy life. While pregnant I was given 4 doses of chemo over 12 weeks, and had two lumpectomies. On July 30th, 2010, Emelia came into our life! In 18 months, I completed 3 surgeries including my mastectomy, over 30 doses of chemo, and 33 radiation treatments.  I am on my way to conquer cancer! My treatment has completed but as many others the chances cancer will resurface is still a huge concern.

Everyone knows someone who has struggled with cancer.  They know how it can change a family’s life.   It can happen to any race, any age, sex or at any time if your life.  Months after my diagnosis my sister Sarah, my friend Amy and I started “We will not lay down 2 cancer” because we were sick of seeing people we love go through this scary battle.   We have held 2 Annual 5K ‘Run, Walk or Crawls’ and have raised over $35K for cancer research benefiting Dana-Farber.

Our 3^rd Annual Run, Walk or Crawl will be held in Franklin, Ma on Saturday July 21^st.  We have a certified course with professional chip timing starting and ending at the High School.   We have music, vendors, T shirts, raffles, food and more but most of all, families and friends come together because we all want to help with this great cause.   Visit our website www.wontlaydown2cancer.com or our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/304787306277232/   to learn more about our event, to donate or to sign up.  Join us for a great cause and wonderful event!  

I look at my life a little differently now.  My daughter will turn 2 in a few days.  It is important to me to spread awareness, remind women to check themselves monthly and schedule yearly doctor visits.  It is important to me to give back and raise money for cancer research in hopes that my daughter and many others will never have to go through this battle! And is it important to me to love my child, to hug her and kiss her daily, to play with her, take her places and enjoy this wonderful life we have together.    

Rebecca"