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My mother visited me from Chicago when Kai was just 3 days old (which many of you have met my now 5 month old son at the Relay). On her visit, Mom was in a lot of pain and thought she was just having stomache discomfort, and being old school, disregarded the symptoms and tended to my needs instead . This was my mom, who always put the needs of others first before her own.
I found out a month later her pain had escalated and she was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was shocked with the news and the fact she experienced symptoms on her visit. I was upset with myself that I had not clued in on her had I not been preoccupied with my post-labor pain. Mom is presently receiving treatment. And she continues to suffer. When asked, she rates her pain an 8 on a 10 scale, described as being in labor all the time...this made me cry, because I now knew exactly what it felt like. I could barely stand that pain for a few hours- so how could she live with it all the time?!!!
I invite you to view this gallery of images of the Relay For Life, which I volunteered my photography services. My goal is to bring you a better understanding of what cancer, this disease, is all about- and with the hope you could begin to understand the pain it causes and the sadness it brings to family and friends when a loved one suffers, or passes away...but to also experience the happiness and relief when the battle has been won due to medical treatments, research, and moral support.
But mainly, I did this for my Mom- to let her know that I love her, as do my siblings.
And as a message to Mom..."YOU HAVE TO WIN THIS BATTLE!!!"
Love, Arleen
(PLEASE support the American Cancer Society. Net proceeds from photographs purchased will be donated to them).
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