In April of 2011 I read a story in the newspaper about a woman who was 35 years old that stage IV lung cancer. I was immediately moved by the circumstances of this woman. She was a mom just like me who also had 3 young children. My heart was drawn to her story and I started following her blog. I would read and comment and offer my help if she needed it. I didn't expect her to ever take me up on my offer because I was a complete stranger and I assumed she had help from friends/family/co-workers as many often do when dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
In October Fawn emailed me and asked me to go with her to her chemo appointments. I was completely surprised by her email and her request but I knew I had to go. She was reaching out to me and how could I refuse? I have rearranged my schedule to be there as many times as possible on her chemo days. I have gotten to know Fawn and have been listening to her fears, her hopes, her challenges and to my surprise the lack of support she is receiving from anyone. It truly breaks my heart.
I felt compelled to help her so I hosted a spaghetti fundraiser at my cousin's restaurant "Lunch with Tony" in Alviso to try and raise funds for her. I had some generous friends who donated some great raffle prizes but I had trouble getting people to buy tickets for the lunch. I told Fawn this and her response was " Lots of people have cancer why should anyone care about me?". People did care and people showed up. People she did know but were there to support my efforts. It was truly touching to see the support.
That article connected two mothers each with 3 children who otherwise would never of met. Two people who surprisingly also share the same birthday. I never thought an article written about someone who is facing a terminal illness would inspire me to reach out. I am so thankful I did.
Fawn has become a dear friend to me in these few months that I have gotten to know her. It saddens me that she has to deal with this diagnosis and that she will not live to see her children beyond their elementary years. She said this could happen to any of us and it's so true. We never know what life is going to throw at us. We have no guarantees of a long life. Another reminder to embrace each day and live fully in the moment. It all can change in an instant. I pray Fawn is able to prolong the progression of her cancer. She knows her fate and has accepted the inevitable. Can we all say the same?
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