Our Mom, Our Hero

How does one begin to put into words what cancer does not only to the person diagnosed, but also to their family, friends and even co-workers? You constantly hear and read stories of those affected by this awful disease but honestly, never think that it will be you or someone you love. My beautiful mother Jayne aka Bebe, had to break this news to us a couple weeks ago. She has been diagnosed right now with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. As we wait anxiously for her to get in with a medical and surgical oncologist, we continuously are praying that the cancer has not spread to any vital organs or her bone. Due to the size of my mom's tumor and it being attached to 3 lymph nodes, a total mastectomy can not take place until rounds of radiation and chemo are completed in hopes to shrink the size of the mass. Any funds raised will go toward her treatment regimen, medications and surgeries, because as many of you know, insurance only pays so much and there will be many days she will not be able to work. She will not ask for any help because that's just the person she is, but as her daughter, it is my turn to help and support her, and to be her rock and greatest supporter as she has ALWAYS been for my sister and I. Let me begin with saying that my mom is the prime example of "Treat others the way you want to be treated." She has always put everyone else before herself even if she barely knows you. Jayne has been a Labor and Delivery/OB nurse for 30+ years and I cannot tell you how many of her patients continue to keep in touch with her and thank her for saving not only their lives but their baby's lives as well. This is her passion though, and anyone who has EVER had the honor of meeting my mom, will say just that - she cares about everyone, wanting their happiness over her own and is truly a genuine and down to earth person. She has the biggest heart and has made such an impact in so many people's lives. Despite any chaos or stress in her own life, she always has a smile on her face and remains optimistic; I honestly don't see how she does it. Therefore, I strive every day to even become half of the woman that she is. When one thinks of what a perfect mother would look like, my mom is her. From the day my sister and I were born, she has sacrificed and loved us with all of her being; she has showed us what true and unconditional love really means. From every school or sporting event, school projects or driving us to and from wherever we asked, she was there. With every heartbreak, tear, smile, laugh and accomplishment, we always knew she would be by our side and that nothing would ever have to faced alone. This woman, who I am so blessed to call mom, is absolutely beautiful from the inside out. She is my constant supporter and continuously encourages me to follow my dreams and aspirations to be the best me possible. My mom is not only my mom either, but my very best friend. I just can't imagine doing life without her yet and I feel we still have so many memories to make. Her first grandchild will be here in April and I know she will fight as long and hard as she can to be a part of and watch this child grow. She deserves that, plus more! My mom is truly an inspiration. She loves fully and whole heartedly and lives her life through Christ. She has touched the hearts of so many and now I want to show her how many people love and support her, and will be there every step of the way to overcome this battle with her and beside her. Our family truly appreciates and thanks each and every one of you who donate or even share her story. She is already my hero and angel, and I could never write in enough words how much she not only means to me but so many others. She keeps our family whole and even with this diagnosis, remains positive, happy and full of love just like she always has. It's nothing short of amazing how this beautiful individual lives life. As we have said from the get go, "We Got This!" Nothing will tear us apart and together, we can get through this like we have many other obstacles throughout life.