Geneva’s Courageous Battle with Brain Cancer

Hello, my name is Dante Anderson, and I would like to tell you about the most thoughtful and courageous woman that I have ever known.

 

This woman is my mother, Geneva Anderson, and this picture was taken in May 2019 when I walked for my unofficial graduation, with only an internship needed to complete my degree. This moment would also be one of the last times I saw my family happy.

 

In December 2019, as I prepared for the end of my college career, I received a frantic call that my mother had a seizure in the middle of the night. Two months later, after many tests and procedures, we received the devastating news that she had an aggressive form of brain cancer with a life expectancy of one year. This disease is called Glioblastoma or GBM. The exact form of brain cancer killed Senator John McCain and President Joe Biden's son, Beau.

 

The doctors recommended chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which my mother received for about one year. There were highs and lows with these grueling treatments. However, not once did I hear my mother complain. She was in it for the fight, even though the inevitable could be foreseen. My mother always had kind words for everyone and never failed to tell me her only wish was for me, her only child, to be okay. She would say, “I love you more,” every time I told her, “I love You.”

 

As you can imagine, these changes were challenging for us, especially with the pandemic rolling in and creating more havoc in our lives. The treatments took their toll on my mother, and I watched her deteriorate both physically and mentally by myself. However, she always tried her best to remain positive, holding on to her independence the best she could. Despite her courage and determination, we would never wish such a challenge on anyone in this world.

 

Two years later, with my mother continuing to beat the odds and show her courage, we both remained optimistic and grateful! She never forgot who she was and who I was. She took every chance to tell me, "I love you more." Everything was going as well as could be expected. Until recently, when my mother developed Covid and two other severe infections. Unfortunately, in April 2022, the doctors confirmed that the cancer was no longer in remission and spreading again.

 

I affectionately call my mom by her first name, "Geneva," because she is more than a mother. She is a sister, neighbor, worker, and friend. My mother practiced what she preached and demonstrated her teachings to me when she gave a portion of her kindly donated groceries to neighbors she felt would benefit from it the most. She taught me always to do my best and show compassion.

 

A mother's love is unconditional, and I want to reciprocate my love to her during these difficult days ahead. Now being the single member of my household, I am working to cover medical expenses, day-to-day finances, and other bills, which has added a lot of stress. I also have plans in mind to honor her memory when fate takes its course. I am asking for your support with these expenses if you are willing and able. Any amount, large or small, will help with what lies ahead for her. As my mother's caregiver, son, and best friend. In the end, I thank you for allowing me to share her story. Please continue to pray for Geneva, the person I am grateful to call my mother, as she continues to fight her greatest battle. At the same time, we proceed to navigate through uncharted territory, thick and thin. Knowing we have one another. Thank you all for your time. Have a great rest of your day.

Update: Unfortunately, after fighting her battle for over two years. My mother was called to the great beyond in August of 2022. She will be remembered gracefully for her compassion, her love, her endurance, her strength. And most importantly; what guided her the most, her faith. I will never forget you mommy. I love you forever. 

Sincerely, 

Your son 

#genevascourage