It is with the heaviest heart that I share the latest news about my mom, Carolyn. Let’s be honest…the last week has been hell. Mom was taken into the hospital earlier this week for severe weakness and the inability to move one of her legs. During her stay at the hospital, we were informed that her cancer has spread down her leg and down her spine. After some targeted radiation and more tests, it was determined that the cancer has entered her spinal fluid. Once there, chemo no longer can reach it to fight off the cancer cells.

Mom is going to be released from the hospital and placed into hospice care. Her time left with us is very limited and we are trying to soak up as much time with her as we possibly can before she is gone. She has told us she is not afraid of dying…but that she is actually fascinated by it (a total Carolyn thing to say). Everything just feels kind of surreal. I know that so many people know and love my mom. Her smile is infectious and her genuine personality always shines through. She never fails to light up a room or make someone feel like they matter. There aren’t even words for how much she will be missed.

Right now, our family asks for time. Time to spend with her in her last days. Time to say a couple more jokes. Time to see her smile a few more times. A little more time to have her.

In lieu of flowers and sympathy gifts, we are asking for help with hospice costs, memorial costs, costs for clearing out her house and moving costs for my dad.

Though I know many will want to, please do not try and reach out to her. If you have anything you’d like to say, you can let me know and I will pass it on.

Thank you all for loving my mom as much as we love her. She is truly the most special person I’ve known and we are happy that we got the chance to share her with all of you