My mother and I are honored to walk the Ridgefield Playhouse's runway to raise money for Ann's Place. Cancer is personal to our family and the support Ann's Place provides to patients and families affected by cancer is invaluable.
My mother is my hero. She is the epitome of grace, strength, dignity and an utterly unselfish love that transcends all obstacles. This is her story:
"When I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in April 2009, my world was shattered. I was filled with fear and overwhelmed by the reality that I needed surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. But a diagnosis of cancer taught me many things.
I was amazed by the courage of my daughter, Kristin, continuing to plan her June wedding and never foregoing the opportunity to assure me that I would look beautiful. I was inspired by the strength of my daughter, Jillian, who on a beautiful sunny afternoon, shaved all of my hair off withought flinching in the least. It meant so much to me when my husband, Gerry, gallantly planned a special day and dinner for us at my favorite Montauk restaurant. He assured me that it was fine to remove my wig in the heat of the day. My son in-laws, Matt and Allan, did anything they could to help - even sitting with me during chemotherapy treatments. All of these small moments made me feel as though I could not let them down. My love for my family was and is my greatest source of hope and strength.
Cancer opens your heart and your mind to greater patience, understanding, strength and forgiveness. It instills in you the knowledge that the little things are not as important as they often seem to be.
As I walk the runway with my daughter, Kristin on April 25, 2019, I will be 10 years cancer free. The journey was long and I am eternally grateful to the doctors of MSKCC. They have given me the world."
