- L
I was blessed to have Gina and Grace enter my life in 2011 when I was first introduced to my now husband's mother and family. Gina and Grace were born as super premature, surprise twins. Gina, born with Cerebral Palsy, can't get around without canes or a wheelchair. Grace, born weighing less than 2 pounds, spent her early months in the NICU. Her brain will never develop past an 8 year old's mental capacity.
Despite their disabilities, both Gina and Grace have a thirst for life. They are avid Disney fans, fawn over all animals (especially their newly-adopted kittens), and love their family above all else. Their presence in my life has taught me patience, acceptance, and given me a tiny glimpse into how so many people can struggle in their daily lives, and yet still greet each day with a smile.
As my relationship with my then boyfriend, now husband Mike grew more serious over the years, I understood that most likely one day we would be in charge of his sisters' care. We never expected that day to arrive so early on in our marriage.
Three years ago, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. She spent the last three years of her life battling to defeat her cancer, undergoing multiple rounds of chemo and an extensive operation. She even battled her cancer back enough to achieve her last wish - for us to be able to take her to Paris in the spring of 2019. What a blessing to have so many fun memories from that trip!
Gina truly stepped up and cared for my mother-in-law during her illness, even going so far as to quit her volunteer work to stay at home full time and meet my mother-in-law's needs as best as she was able with her disability. She spent her days brushing hair and teeth, doling out medicine, and changing clothes. I know this experience has left Gina exhausted, but also proud that she did what she could in the situation.
In November of 2019, my mother-in-law's condition started to rapidly decline, leaving her bed-ridden and extremely uncomfortable most of the time. We were thankfully able to go see her several times in November and December. My mother-in-law, Laurie, passed away from her battle with cancer on December 23, 2019.
Since my mother-in-law's passing, we have inherited full care of Gina and Grace for their lifetime. It has still been an extremely challenging transition to move them from Houston to Colorado Springs and get them set up in their own apartment with next to no household items to start from. While our journey of providing care is just beginning, we are already getting to watch Gina and Grace blossom in their new environment. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for them in their new lives.
While we do have some limited resources set up for Gina and Grace's care, we don't know what their future will hold. Mike and I would ask that you would consider making a donation to support Gina and Grace's long-term care. Any donations made will go directly to their care accounts and help establish funds for their lifetime.
Thank you so much for anything you are able to give, even if only well wishes or prayers, in support of our family during this difficult time.
Despite their disabilities, both Gina and Grace have a thirst for life. They are avid Disney fans, fawn over all animals (especially their newly-adopted kittens), and love their family above all else. Their presence in my life has taught me patience, acceptance, and given me a tiny glimpse into how so many people can struggle in their daily lives, and yet still greet each day with a smile.
As my relationship with my then boyfriend, now husband Mike grew more serious over the years, I understood that most likely one day we would be in charge of his sisters' care. We never expected that day to arrive so early on in our marriage.
Three years ago, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. She spent the last three years of her life battling to defeat her cancer, undergoing multiple rounds of chemo and an extensive operation. She even battled her cancer back enough to achieve her last wish - for us to be able to take her to Paris in the spring of 2019. What a blessing to have so many fun memories from that trip!
Gina truly stepped up and cared for my mother-in-law during her illness, even going so far as to quit her volunteer work to stay at home full time and meet my mother-in-law's needs as best as she was able with her disability. She spent her days brushing hair and teeth, doling out medicine, and changing clothes. I know this experience has left Gina exhausted, but also proud that she did what she could in the situation.
In November of 2019, my mother-in-law's condition started to rapidly decline, leaving her bed-ridden and extremely uncomfortable most of the time. We were thankfully able to go see her several times in November and December. My mother-in-law, Laurie, passed away from her battle with cancer on December 23, 2019.
Since my mother-in-law's passing, we have inherited full care of Gina and Grace for their lifetime. It has still been an extremely challenging transition to move them from Houston to Colorado Springs and get them set up in their own apartment with next to no household items to start from. While our journey of providing care is just beginning, we are already getting to watch Gina and Grace blossom in their new environment. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for them in their new lives.
While we do have some limited resources set up for Gina and Grace's care, we don't know what their future will hold. Mike and I would ask that you would consider making a donation to support Gina and Grace's long-term care. Any donations made will go directly to their care accounts and help establish funds for their lifetime.
Thank you so much for anything you are able to give, even if only well wishes or prayers, in support of our family during this difficult time.