Sheila Boren Dieken's Cancer Fight
Donation protected
My name is Kristi Applegate.
After sharing my personal story, it will be easy for anyone to understand why my heart breaks for my friend Shiela Boren Dieken and her family, and why I am asking for everyone's support in helping Sheila win her fight against breast cancer.
When I was 11 years old my Mom lost her fight with breast cancer.
I am now 42, and can tell you I remember that day as if it were yesterday. A piece of me died with her.
My sister and I were her world .
Now having the privilege of being a Mom myself, to my three beautiful children, I cannot imagine the emotional pain my Mom felt when she realized she was losing her fight with cancer, and that she would not be here to wipe our tears away, see us graduate from high school and college, or help us pick out our wedding gowns.
Sheila was recently telling me about a program called Think Pink, that
Porter Memorial Hospital, offers to all its employees which includes a mammogram , bone density test, spa treatment and refreshments.
With her contagious laughter and great sense of humor she said " I needed a manicure so I thought I would take advantage of the opportuinity!" At the end of the appointment she let the staff know to only call if there were a problem with the mammogram. leaving without any concern there would be a problem.
The next day while at work, her phone rang and when she saw the number her heart sank.
They told her that her mammogram was abnormal and she needed an ultrasound, which she received that same day.
Sheila continued to be upbeat and positive believing for the best!
After more testing she was told that that she has an aggressive form of Breast Cancer and needed to begin treatment immediately.
Needless to say, my heart was broken for her and her family I desperately felt I needed to do something to help her.
The last few weeks have been full of tests, Dr's visits, oncology visits, and MRI's.
Through all of this her beautiful
smile has remained intact. Her strength and passion for life are just a few of her extraordinary qualities.
She has been married to her husband Lance, for 11 years.
They have 4 beautiful sons.
Twin boys, Josh & Jake 15,Jaxon 10 and Justin 9.
Sheila has been employed at Porter Memorial hospital in Valpo, for 27 years., she began her career in the ER as a patient registrar, completed her Nursing degree in 2002, and worked in the ICU for 10 years and 4 years ago was promoted to Nursing Adminstrstion.
Sheila does not know a stranger, there is nothing she wouldn't do to help someone. She consistently puts others before herself and no matter what life throws her way she remains optimistic and strong and continues to persevere.
Although her life has a Nurse keeps her very busy, she has never missed any of her son's football games, school plays, or the chance to be home to kiss them good night!
When telling them of her diagnosis, one of her boys said, You got this, Mom" , we got this.. our family.,"
Her boys are a reflection of her strength, love and character"
Many of you know the personal pain that having cancer can cause, or watching someone you love fight this awful battle.
Sheila had her first chemo treatment, 3 weeks ago, she will be having 6 chemo treatments 3 weeks apart, surgery, radiation, oral chemo for 1-5 years and anti- hormonal medication for life.
No doubt, this is a huge mountain for her to climb mentally, spiritually, physically, and financially.
Sheila is always doing for others and never expects anything in return. Right before her first treatment her husband Lance, was laid off from his job.
Again, Sheila remained positive.
Sheila is wanting to continue to work her 12 hour shifts while going through her treatments. However, she may not be able to as she was very sick after her first treatment.
It is my hope that all of you reading this will offer your love, friendship, prayers, and financial support.
Let's team together to support Sheila and her family in their fight against breast cancer. Let's surround her with the same strength she gives others.
Let's help her fight so her boys can continue to have their Mom by their side.
Thank- you in advance for making a difference in Sheila's life.
After sharing my personal story, it will be easy for anyone to understand why my heart breaks for my friend Shiela Boren Dieken and her family, and why I am asking for everyone's support in helping Sheila win her fight against breast cancer.
When I was 11 years old my Mom lost her fight with breast cancer.
I am now 42, and can tell you I remember that day as if it were yesterday. A piece of me died with her.
My sister and I were her world .
Now having the privilege of being a Mom myself, to my three beautiful children, I cannot imagine the emotional pain my Mom felt when she realized she was losing her fight with cancer, and that she would not be here to wipe our tears away, see us graduate from high school and college, or help us pick out our wedding gowns.
Sheila was recently telling me about a program called Think Pink, that
Porter Memorial Hospital, offers to all its employees which includes a mammogram , bone density test, spa treatment and refreshments.
With her contagious laughter and great sense of humor she said " I needed a manicure so I thought I would take advantage of the opportuinity!" At the end of the appointment she let the staff know to only call if there were a problem with the mammogram. leaving without any concern there would be a problem.
The next day while at work, her phone rang and when she saw the number her heart sank.
They told her that her mammogram was abnormal and she needed an ultrasound, which she received that same day.
Sheila continued to be upbeat and positive believing for the best!
After more testing she was told that that she has an aggressive form of Breast Cancer and needed to begin treatment immediately.
Needless to say, my heart was broken for her and her family I desperately felt I needed to do something to help her.
The last few weeks have been full of tests, Dr's visits, oncology visits, and MRI's.
Through all of this her beautiful
smile has remained intact. Her strength and passion for life are just a few of her extraordinary qualities.
She has been married to her husband Lance, for 11 years.
They have 4 beautiful sons.
Twin boys, Josh & Jake 15,Jaxon 10 and Justin 9.
Sheila has been employed at Porter Memorial hospital in Valpo, for 27 years., she began her career in the ER as a patient registrar, completed her Nursing degree in 2002, and worked in the ICU for 10 years and 4 years ago was promoted to Nursing Adminstrstion.
Sheila does not know a stranger, there is nothing she wouldn't do to help someone. She consistently puts others before herself and no matter what life throws her way she remains optimistic and strong and continues to persevere.
Although her life has a Nurse keeps her very busy, she has never missed any of her son's football games, school plays, or the chance to be home to kiss them good night!
When telling them of her diagnosis, one of her boys said, You got this, Mom" , we got this.. our family.,"
Her boys are a reflection of her strength, love and character"
Many of you know the personal pain that having cancer can cause, or watching someone you love fight this awful battle.
Sheila had her first chemo treatment, 3 weeks ago, she will be having 6 chemo treatments 3 weeks apart, surgery, radiation, oral chemo for 1-5 years and anti- hormonal medication for life.
No doubt, this is a huge mountain for her to climb mentally, spiritually, physically, and financially.
Sheila is always doing for others and never expects anything in return. Right before her first treatment her husband Lance, was laid off from his job.
Again, Sheila remained positive.
Sheila is wanting to continue to work her 12 hour shifts while going through her treatments. However, she may not be able to as she was very sick after her first treatment.
It is my hope that all of you reading this will offer your love, friendship, prayers, and financial support.
Let's team together to support Sheila and her family in their fight against breast cancer. Let's surround her with the same strength she gives others.
Let's help her fight so her boys can continue to have their Mom by their side.
Thank- you in advance for making a difference in Sheila's life.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kristi Applegate
Organizer
LaPorte, IN
Sheila Dieken
Beneficiary