Help Lorelei, mother of 3 boys, fight stage 4 cancer

LORELEI’S STORY

Dear friends and supporters, my name is Lorelei Hathcoat, and I want to share my journey with you. I have been married for 12 wonderful years to my husband Andrew, and together, we are blessed with three amazing boys: Bowie, who's 7, Bonham, 4, and Crockett, who's just 18 months old.

We've built our life in Marion, a quaint town just outside of New Braunfels, where we've adored raising our boys in the country, embracing all that life has to offer. We've built a life filled with cherished memories and dreams for the future. Our greatest joys are our three boys who bring endless energy and laughter into our home.

After enduring months of debilitating back pain and searching tirelessly for answers, my world was turned upside down in July 2023 when I received the heartbreaking news of my diagnosis: stage 4 colon cancer with metastasis to my bones.

The news was like a thunderbolt, ripping through the fabric of our lives and leaving us reeling with shock and disbelief. Suddenly, our focus shifted from planning for the future to navigating the uncertain terrain of cancer treatment.

Over the past nine months, I've endured grueling chemotherapy sessions, numerous rounds of radiation, multiple tests and scans, and a recent surgery in April 2024 to remove the tumor from my colon. Each treatment brought its own set of challenges. Despite the progress we've made, the road ahead remains daunting, with the reality of lifelong chemotherapy looming over us.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there shines a beacon of hope: the love and support of our family, friends, and community. Their prayers, encouragement, and acts of kindness have been a lifeline, reminding us that we are not alone in this fight. With their support, and the boundless love of my family, I face each day with determination and courage, refusing to let cancer define me or rob me of the precious moments with my loved ones.

I am also grateful for the presence of God, whose guidance and strength have sustained me throughout this journey, and for the prayers of those who have uplifted me in their thoughts and hearts.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has offered your support, prayers, and kindness. Your generosity and love have given me the strength to keep fighting, even in the darkest moments. With your continued support and the grace of God, I am confident that we will triumph over cancer and emerge stronger than ever before.

In the wake of Debbie's passing, I reflect on her remarkable strength and perseverance, determined to carry on her legacy of resilience as I navigate my own journey.

A STORY OF LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP: CATHY AND DEBBIE

I am Cathy, Lorelei's mother, and I want to share the story of how the lives of my daughter Lorelei and my childhood friend, Debbie Reed, intersected.

Debbie and I first crossed paths in high school after my family moved to Corpus Christi. We found ourselves attending the same church and school, quickly bonding over our mutual love for laughter, dancing, and the beach. Debbie often shared fashion advice with me, and our friendship deepened to the point where I was honored to be a bridesmaid at her wedding.

As the years passed, our lives remained intertwined; our first three children were born around the same ages, and we delighted in taking them to our beloved beach.

Though life eventually led us to different paths and places, we stayed in touch sporadically. My career took me into oncology nursing, so when I learned of Debbie's stage four breast cancer diagnosis, I could intimately understand the journey she faced.

Despite the years and distance, Debbie's spirit never wavered; she remained a beacon of joy, resilience, and survival.

It was a surreal moment when, last December, she appeared on the Rehab floor where I work. Reconnecting felt as natural as if no time had passed. It was during one of our conversations that Debbie inquired about my family.

With a heavy heart and a moment's hesitation, I shared with her that my middle daughter, Lorelei, had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to her spine. Debbie's empathy was immediate and unwavering. Even amidst her own trials, she offered prayers and concern for Lorelei.

In a poignant twist of fate, both Lorelei and Debbie were hospitalized simultaneously. It was on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the very day Lorelei underwent her surgery, that Debbie passed away, leaving a legacy that intertwined our families in profound ways.

Debbie's enduring optimism and fight against cancer have inspired Lorelei with the vision of a life marked by joy, perseverance, and the determination to continue battling and embracing life.

FROM DEBBIE’S FAMILY

Debbie Reed bravely faced stage four metastatic breast cancer since her diagnosis in 2009. Undergoing treatments every three weeks, she valiantly kept the disease at bay, granting her over 14 cherished years with loved ones. This extension of life allowed her to witness and partake in countless pivotal moments, enriching the lives of her family and friends immeasurably.

Throughout her life, our beloved Debbie embodied selflessness and a profound capacity for love, often performing secret acts of kindness, her joy in giving unmatched. She left behind a legacy of compassion, always prioritizing the well-being of others over her own.

In the wake of her passing, many who were touched by Debbie's generosity have expressed a desire to honor her memory with contributions. Reflecting on what Debbie would have wished, one of her sisters suggested supporting Lorelei's family during their time of need—a sentiment wholeheartedly embraced by Debbie’s family.

We think it is beautiful that at the end of Debbie's cancer journey, that her memory could inspire others to support Lorelei, her husband, and three adorable boys at the beginning of their journey toward healing.

In memory of Debbie, contributions can be directed to assist Lorelei, her husband, and their three wonderful boys, continuing Debbie's legacy of kindness, love, and community support.