Cards4Cancer

audraleo — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:42:01 +0000

When I was 11 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the next 8 years I watched her battle this disease with everything she had. She tried everything from macrobiotics to jazzercise, and at the end to just becoming more spiritual. I watched as she did chemo and radiation to her head as the cancer went to her brain. Unfortunately she lost that battle when I was 18 and in my first week of college. My worst day ever. I vowed to try to make a difference someday.

Now I am a mom to 3 little ones, ages 2, 3 and 4. I’ve been lucky and healthy so far but feel I may have a ticking time bomb just waiting to be found. My sister and I along with my dad and his wife walk the Susan G. Komen Race for the cure every year in San Francisco. I feel that is not enough even though with 3 toddlers, my time is sparse.

Then one day I am on twitter and find Layla Grace. She is a beautiful 2 year old battling Neuroblastoma, the evilest of evils. I read for almost 3 weeks as her parents watched her die slowly but bravely. I haven’t cried that much since my mother passed away 20 years ago. Unfortunately Layla lost her battle a few days ago. There is something about this little girl and her fight and her amazing family that has touched so many people, thousands of them, and it touched me too. It made me love my kids more, I’m trying to be a better mother because of Layla. I even prayed once for Layla to be healed. I haven’t prayed since before my mother died. This little girl inspired me to do more.

Then on another twitter I see Cards4Cancer and I know this is something I can do! I know moms of little ones who will want to do this with me. I emailed all the moms I know and made flyers for my kids preschool in hopes of reaching as many people as I possibly can.

I went to the art store and bought stuff and we as a family will be making cards this week. I have friends who are making cards who may enlist their friends. I want to deliver them to the cancer center at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital. I want to cheer up these kids even if it is just for a few minutes or an hour.

Thank you Layla Grace for inspiring me to do more! I will never forget you!

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Cards4Cancer