This is a day I will never forget. Two years ago, my mother passed away. I am sorry to lay this heavy topic on you, but it is not to bring you down. It is to remind everyone that there are still causes that need your support even in the bad economy.
I'm sure there are many others, but these get my support every year. Some places do not just need money. Many hospices will be happy to get your volunteer time or even a box of tissues.
My mother was only 56 when the cancer took her life. It was a long year starting with her diagnosis in August 2006, which we found it had returned. She had originally been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in the 90's and fought it off. After the recurrence, months of chemotherapy, doctors appointments, and two trips to San Francisco to visit her ailing mother, and then attend the funeral, then we had to a face a terrible week. On the weekend, we went to the outlet mall and had a great Sunday brunch. By Tuesday, she couldn't get out of bed, and the following Sunday we lost her.
She was a hard working person who worked many different jobs. Finally, her last few years, she worked in retail and had time to spend on her hobbies. One she was really good at and that was Chinese art/calligraphy. She had intended to sell most of these paintings, but we decided to keep them in our family.
These are some of the places that deserve support in the fight against cancer.
- John Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, where my mother got most of her chemotherapy. It is also where our Cousin H works. She graciously took time off from her job that last week to help us with our mother. Also helped us get in contact with Dr. Richard Ambinder who worked on the treatment for our mother.
- Hospice of Frederick County who do not charge for their services but helped in decision making and home hospice care.
- National Foundation for Cancer Research - working hard to raise funds for research.
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society because this is the form of cancer my mother had.
I'm sure there are many others, but these get my support every year. Some places do not just need money. Many hospices will be happy to get your volunteer time or even a box of tissues.
Hey Tony,
Thanks for the post. Hope you and the family are able to make it through today with positive memories.
Her art is phenomenal! I love it! I definitely agree that it's a good idea to keep them in the family... We should all be so lucky to leave behind such beautiful memories...
Take care,
B.J.
Thanks for the kind words BJ. You too, as I know you have gone through the same
Strong work Tony, strong work!
I am so sorry for your loss. Cancer is a horrible thing! Your mother's paintings are beautiful! If they were for sale, I would definitely buy one.:)
Thanks. That is the reason why I donate to all those places every year.