LIGAWAB: Life is good and we are blessed!
Stories
Here are a few of the stories that are included in the book.
C A Cole - Breast Cancer Survivor (Toronto, Canada):
My wonderful mother, Mary Cole, and I were both diagnosed with breast cancer in January 1992. She taught me that cancer can lead to a doorway, not only a death. She remained positive to the very end and, more than 14 years later, I still walk through doorways that my mother opened for me. Some, I walk through tentatively, while I run through others. I know she is with me at every moment, and she has encouraged me to make many changes in my life. Cancer actually brought us closer to each other, and in that way, it was a gift.
S. Shorenzon - Mantle Cell Lymphoma Survivor (Ashdod, Israel):
My mother is a Holocaust survivor who battled CML (Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia) 10 years ago. She has witnessed the birth of our country Israel, sent her son to war, her grandsons to war and now has the absolute pleasure of having seen four great-grandchildren born. She took care of my father for the last seven years as he was wheelchair-bound and bedridden, and now she is battling Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and goes to volunteer three times per week with autistic children.
JP Guy (Nepean, Ontario):
When I have a seemingly tough decision, I think back to life decisions my mother made. She hopped a boat from her native Trinidad at the age of 18 to be educated as a radiologist in London. She did not agree with her family's vision of her future, so she left the certainty of their support structure, their wealth and their country for a completely foreign city in search of a life she felt would allow her to pursue what she valued. Similarly, 15 years later, she immigrated to Montreal with 3 children to escape the reach of a bad marriage. Without any local support structure, she raised her children, got her degree in social work, learned French and became one of the most senior social workers in Quebec, before going into private practice. We are fortunate as Canadians that many of our decisions are made "tough" because they involve choosing between good and very-good alternatives. The clearly evident life decisions can be the toughest, not because we're unsure of what to do, but because of the bravery required to step outside of our comfort zone to do what we know we must.
C. Coletta - Ovarian Cancer Survivor (Montreal, Quebec):
As a young woman, before the age of 20, I left my native land of Italy, and my roots, to join my husband in Canada. Our goal was to create a family, which we did with sacrifice and love, seeking within our every energy to achieve successfully our desires. For me, to be a mother three times was the most beautiful experience of my life. Experiencing motherhood allows you to love life more while respecting it with dignity. Children are our lives that continue on the journey of love.
C. Badenoch - Breast Cancer Survivor (Ottawa, Ontario):
Carol and I worked out at the same fitness club, and therefore shared a locker room and showers. We were always quite matter-of -fact about showering side by side in the shower room. In 2000, she developed breast cancer and required a mastectomy. I had always believed that to lose a breast would be the end of "womanhood" for me. Carol, though, did not change her showering habits. She did not start hiding behind a towel, and she didn't start using the private shower stalls. I took such courage from her behaviour. Two years later, I developed breast cancer! Carol had already taught me that I'd be just fine!
R.Franken - Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer Survivor (Ottawa, Ontario):
This is for my mother, she died on Jan. 14, 2004 of peritoneal cancer. She survived a remarkable and courageous 23-year battle, surpassing all of her doctors' expectations. Her life expectancy was two years, given her type of cancer and condition upon diagnosis. Yes, my mother was a survivor in the truest sense of the word. As a young teenager, she survived the concentration camps of Nazi Germany, where she lost her parents' two brothers and a sister. When she got news of the cancer, she told the doctor: "Hitler didn't get me and neither will my cancer. I have too much to live for." Her determination, will to live and relentless courage are an inspiration to me and all who knew her. To my mother, thank you for teaching me what it means to be resilient in the face of whatever adversity is thrown my way, no matter what challenges must be faced or what painful losses must be endured. Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for everything you've given to live a healthy, happy and meaningful life. Your example is, and always will be, a powerful force I know I can depend on.
Dr. J. Marlowe - Breast Cancer Survivor (Fort Lauderdale, Florida):
Mom and Dad raised 4 daughters, worked more than 40-hour weeks, sent us to a private school. Mom made our uniforms, and enrolled us in dance lessons. They showed me the importance of assuming responsibility and commitment. They've been married for 56 years! Thanks, Mom and Dad, for giving me your courage.
Here are a few of the stories that are included in the book.
C A Cole - Breast Cancer Survivor (Toronto, Canada):
My wonderful mother, Mary Cole, and I were both diagnosed with breast cancer in January 1992. She taught me that cancer can lead to a doorway, not only a death. She remained positive to the very end and, more than 14 years later, I still walk through doorways that my mother opened for me. Some, I walk through tentatively, while I run through others. I know she is with me at every moment, and she has encouraged me to make many changes in my life. Cancer actually brought us closer to each other, and in that way, it was a gift.
S. Shorenzon - Mantle Cell Lymphoma Survivor (Ashdod, Israel):
My mother is a Holocaust survivor who battled CML (Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia) 10 years ago. She has witnessed the birth of our country Israel, sent her son to war, her grandsons to war and now has the absolute pleasure of having seen four great-grandchildren born. She took care of my father for the last seven years as he was wheelchair-bound and bedridden, and now she is battling Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and goes to volunteer three times per week with autistic children.
JP Guy (Nepean, Ontario):
When I have a seemingly tough decision, I think back to life decisions my mother made. She hopped a boat from her native Trinidad at the age of 18 to be educated as a radiologist in London. She did not agree with her family's vision of her future, so she left the certainty of their support structure, their wealth and their country for a completely foreign city in search of a life she felt would allow her to pursue what she valued. Similarly, 15 years later, she immigrated to Montreal with 3 children to escape the reach of a bad marriage. Without any local support structure, she raised her children, got her degree in social work, learned French and became one of the most senior social workers in Quebec, before going into private practice. We are fortunate as Canadians that many of our decisions are made "tough" because they involve choosing between good and very-good alternatives. The clearly evident life decisions can be the toughest, not because we're unsure of what to do, but because of the bravery required to step outside of our comfort zone to do what we know we must.
C. Coletta - Ovarian Cancer Survivor (Montreal, Quebec):
As a young woman, before the age of 20, I left my native land of Italy, and my roots, to join my husband in Canada. Our goal was to create a family, which we did with sacrifice and love, seeking within our every energy to achieve successfully our desires. For me, to be a mother three times was the most beautiful experience of my life. Experiencing motherhood allows you to love life more while respecting it with dignity. Children are our lives that continue on the journey of love.
C. Badenoch - Breast Cancer Survivor (Ottawa, Ontario):
Carol and I worked out at the same fitness club, and therefore shared a locker room and showers. We were always quite matter-of -fact about showering side by side in the shower room. In 2000, she developed breast cancer and required a mastectomy. I had always believed that to lose a breast would be the end of "womanhood" for me. Carol, though, did not change her showering habits. She did not start hiding behind a towel, and she didn't start using the private shower stalls. I took such courage from her behaviour. Two years later, I developed breast cancer! Carol had already taught me that I'd be just fine!
R.Franken - Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer Survivor (Ottawa, Ontario):
This is for my mother, she died on Jan. 14, 2004 of peritoneal cancer. She survived a remarkable and courageous 23-year battle, surpassing all of her doctors' expectations. Her life expectancy was two years, given her type of cancer and condition upon diagnosis. Yes, my mother was a survivor in the truest sense of the word. As a young teenager, she survived the concentration camps of Nazi Germany, where she lost her parents' two brothers and a sister. When she got news of the cancer, she told the doctor: "Hitler didn't get me and neither will my cancer. I have too much to live for." Her determination, will to live and relentless courage are an inspiration to me and all who knew her. To my mother, thank you for teaching me what it means to be resilient in the face of whatever adversity is thrown my way, no matter what challenges must be faced or what painful losses must be endured. Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for everything you've given to live a healthy, happy and meaningful life. Your example is, and always will be, a powerful force I know I can depend on.
Dr. J. Marlowe - Breast Cancer Survivor (Fort Lauderdale, Florida):
Mom and Dad raised 4 daughters, worked more than 40-hour weeks, sent us to a private school. Mom made our uniforms, and enrolled us in dance lessons. They showed me the importance of assuming responsibility and commitment. They've been married for 56 years! Thanks, Mom and Dad, for giving me your courage.