Celebrate Judy by Honoring Missy

Dear Friends,

As unbelievable as it may seem, it has been 20 years since my cancer diagnosis. On July 12, 2004, I was diagnosed with Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, Stage I, Grade 2 of my left breast. It was treated first with surgery; a lumpectomy, then four rounds of chemotherapy, followed by thirty-five doses of radiation and ending with 5 years of a drug called Tamoxifen. Whew! It was a lot. As a result of the chemotherapy, I lost my hair and went immediately into a raging menopause. There were many difficulties, but through the grace of God, I survived. The incredible support I received from my family and friends was amazing and instrumental toward my healing.

Laughter really helped during my journey, especially involving wigs! I have attached pictures of my daughters, Dawn and Missy, and husband, Bruce, modeling my wigs on the very worst day of my cancer journey. I had ordered a wig for when I went bald, and I was absolutely crushed when I picked it up, because I thought it made me look hideous. I think the reality of what I was dealing with finally hit me at that moment. In a panic I went to another wig store and just randomly bought some other hair items: a wig, a ring of hair (I know, it was so ridiculous, but I was distraught!) and a bandanna. But help was on the way. Bruce, Dawn, and Missy were at my house when I got there, and we had an absolute blast playing with the wigs. Missy even wet her pants from laughing so hard. So somehow the worst day had become a joyful day. Thank you, Jesus!

So, we have come to why I am sharing this story with you. I have been struggling with how to recognize my survival from breast cancer, for you see, my precious daughter, Missy lost her cancer battle two and a half years ago. Missy was diagnosed on 9/14/2020 with Grade 4 Astrocytoma Mutant Glioma on her spine. It was an exceedingly rare and aggressive cancer. She was treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and lost her hair too. Yet despite all the treatments, plus her tremendous will to live, and all the love and support we could provide, Missy passed away on January 22, 2022, leaving behind her husband Paul, and two daughters, Cara, and Ramsey.

My daughter loved life. I have attached photos of her posing in some of her ridiculous wigs. After my diagnosis, and as a show of support for others dealing with cancer, Missy became a regular volunteer for the Norton Hospital Foundation’s Bike to Beat Cancer campaign. Eventually she took on the role of volunteer coordinator, which she held for the last 14 years of her life.

Friends, this is where you come in. On my “cancer-versary,” would you join me in paying tribute to my beloved daughter, Missy Farfsing, by donating to this GoFundMe page? All proceeds will go to Team Missy's Bike to Beat Cancer 2024 campaign.

My goal is to have 100 people donate $20, and 20 people donate $100 for a total of $4,000. But knowing donations in any amount are sincerely appreciated.

Thank you so much for your kind consideration of this request.

Judy