Turk here, and I want to share the story of my incredible wife, Debra Carney Komenda, who has devoted her life to helping others. Years ago, she took in a baby who wasn’t biologically hers but loved and raised her as her own. Today, that child is a wonderful young woman of 22, all thanks to Debra's nurturing spirit.

Debra spent years working as a cook and waitress at Cozy Corners in Springville, NY, and later as a dedicated custodian at St. Aloysius. She worked tirelessly up until the day she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. Despite the grueling treatments, including radiation that caused third-degree burns and the removal of all her lymph nodes, Debra pushed through with remarkable strength. Even in the midst of her own battle, she continued to care for our children and grandchildren.

A few years later, our lives took another turn. Doctors found a tumor on her gum. Though not cancerous, it aggressively ate away at her jawbone. Debra underwent a grueling surgery to remove her jaw, leaving a scar from ear to ear. Reconstructive surgery followed, a 13-hour procedure that used bone and ligaments from her leg.

The journey to recovery has been long and incredibly challenging, with mounting medical bills adding strain to an already difficult path. Despite everything, Debra’s spirit remains strong, and she continues to fight every single day.

I’ve survived Vietnam, but nothing compares to watching the woman I love face such relentless obstacles. I’m asking for any support you can offer to help Debra on her road to healing. Every contribution, no matter the size, means the world to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of her fight.

Sincerely,

Mike "Turk" Komenda

Debra Carney Komenda