LOVE BIG In Loving Memory of Nancy (Clouse) Trumm

As many of you know, Nancy was diagnosed with stage four metastatic carcinoma cancer of the uterus last October. At the time of her diagnosis, the cancer had already spread to her rib cage and both lungs. Her journey has consisted of two separate rounds of chemo, a full hysterectomy, radiation treatment to the rib cage and another to her brain - quickly bringing her to the final chapter of life. Nancy was admitted for her final 6-day hospitalization at UIHC this past week due to severe dehydration, lack of nutrition, a significant blood clot in her lung causing major blockage and stress on her heart/brain, the need for 24/7 oxygen support, and swelling in her brain.  All of this has left her feeling weak, severely dizzy, and nauseous.  We were then told the cancer has taken over and she would have few days remaining.

We were blessed with having the opportunity to honor my mom’s wishes of bringing her home via ambulance on Wednesday, September 25th, so she could peacefully make her walk to heaven from the comfort of her own home, while surrounded by her husband, two children, her mother and grandchildren.

During mom’s journey over the last year, she has displayed admirable strength, an endless amount of courage, and grace, always continuing to put other's needs and wants before her own. For those of you who have had the honor of knowing my mom, it’s safe to say that at one time or another you had the privilege of experiencing her love for you, others, or simply witnessing her zest for life. My mom had an endless amount of love for so many people in this world and without the blink of an eye, would unselfishly step in to help, lend a listening ear, or be your biggest champion in life!

Throughout this time, she and my family have been touched by the overwhelming number of people offering to pray for her and wanting to help. We have witnessed an abundance of beautiful moments from having complete strangers wish my mom luck during her journey, to having people all over the world praying for her, and now being comforted during her final days by reading messages received from friends and family sharing their fondest memories of her and reminding her just how many people she’s impacted during her time on earth. I firmly believe these endless acts of kindness are my mom’s way of reminding us all there is so much good that remains in this world and it starts within each of us by unselfishly offering the simplest gestures of our love onto others. She has a quote posted to her computer at work that says, “Making one person smile can change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. Start small. Start now.” I have a feeling that we will all continue to receive her never ending love from heaven too. Simply put.......SHE IS AN AMAZING WOMAN and I’m honored to get to call her ‘my mom’!

Up until now, there has been very little my family has needed in terms of assistance with my mom’s care, but now is your opportunity to help out and continue to love BIG, just as mom would have.

We appreciate everyone’s ongoing support, love, and prayers. Please know, as my mom makes her walk to heaven, she is thinking of you and the memorable moments she shared with each of us. She most certainly knew how to LOVE BIG!

We love you Nancy - wife, mom, daughter, co-worker, and friend to so many. You will be missed, but your spirit will most certainly live on!

Sending you a hug or a squeeze (as mom always calls it)

Jenny