Get Back Up Again
Donation protected
Three years ago, 2 children, 2 son-in laws and 2 grandchildren embarked on the treacherous journey of battling breast cancer with our mother. Our mother had been supported by her husband of 15 years at this point. We all had a plan, we were ready with our proverbial weapons: knowledge, determination and the love of a family.
From her diagnosis, to her double mastectomy, countless chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and numerous and on-ongoing reconstruction surgeries, our weapons were working, we were winning the battle. Mom has been cancer free for one year. Though we are not done with the reconstruction surgeries, we were able to find solace in each other and the fact that as a family, we were going to beat cancer.
Yet, 3 weeks ago, her husband (the man I refer to as “dad”, the one my children call “grandpa”) decided, “I don’t want to be a part of your cancer anymore.” He asked her to move out by May 30th, leaving her with nothing.
Our family structure has now been dramatically redefined, we are now without a father, grandfather and husband. And, while myself, my sister and our husbands struggle with anger and resentment toward this man, we still hold what has always gotten us through: knowledge, determination, and the love of a family.
We are now fighting another battle, the legal battle of getting Mom what she deserves. But, while we fight this battle, she would prefer to NOT have to live with this man!
Your donations would help Mom get a new place to live, furnishings for a house, kitchen utensils, appliances, and dishes, electronics (computer and TV)…yeah, he took all of that!! But, above all, Mom needs to believe that this man does not define her, that she can (and will) Get Back Up Again! Because the fact is that cancer does not affect only the person with cancer, its tendrils reach far out into the family structure and the community. I want to help my mom and the greater community of cancer patients understand that while cancer and its effects are treacherous, light can be found in the darkest of dungeons. Cancer does not have to win!!
From her diagnosis, to her double mastectomy, countless chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and numerous and on-ongoing reconstruction surgeries, our weapons were working, we were winning the battle. Mom has been cancer free for one year. Though we are not done with the reconstruction surgeries, we were able to find solace in each other and the fact that as a family, we were going to beat cancer.
Yet, 3 weeks ago, her husband (the man I refer to as “dad”, the one my children call “grandpa”) decided, “I don’t want to be a part of your cancer anymore.” He asked her to move out by May 30th, leaving her with nothing.
Our family structure has now been dramatically redefined, we are now without a father, grandfather and husband. And, while myself, my sister and our husbands struggle with anger and resentment toward this man, we still hold what has always gotten us through: knowledge, determination, and the love of a family.
We are now fighting another battle, the legal battle of getting Mom what she deserves. But, while we fight this battle, she would prefer to NOT have to live with this man!
Your donations would help Mom get a new place to live, furnishings for a house, kitchen utensils, appliances, and dishes, electronics (computer and TV)…yeah, he took all of that!! But, above all, Mom needs to believe that this man does not define her, that she can (and will) Get Back Up Again! Because the fact is that cancer does not affect only the person with cancer, its tendrils reach far out into the family structure and the community. I want to help my mom and the greater community of cancer patients understand that while cancer and its effects are treacherous, light can be found in the darkest of dungeons. Cancer does not have to win!!
Organizer
Rachel Gates
Organizer
Roosterville, MO