Mother's Day Profile: Jane Beeson

When I was three and my sister was eight months old, suffered the loss of our mother at the tender age of 26 years old from ovarian cancer. This was the major event of my life. The loss of my mother has had an effect on every aspect of my life. The life that followed her death was anything but normal. My dad did his very best but his manly ways often fell short of a mother’s touch. Believe me we have stories! We were the original latch keys kids. I grew up way before my time. My childhood was stolen by cancer. Because my life growing up was so abnormal, I longed for normalcy. So, it is no surprise that I married a doctor, had two children, a girl and a boy, and lived in suburbia. The Kool-aid mom.

This was what I always wanted. I loved to cook, sew, and garden. This authentic Southern lady came by it naturally being born in Mobile, Alabama. And so it went for about 20 years. Then as fate would have it, I was cooking dinner when I discovered a lump on my neck. Not really suspecting cancer, I went to get it checked out. They did a biopsy and gave me a diagnosis of a very rare benign cancer of the nerve sheath. I decided to go for a second opinion and made the appointment. Right before the appointment, being Christmas time and all, I decided to have the surgery in my home town, since it was benign. One day before the surgery, the head of the head and neck department at MD Anderson called me personally and urged me to keep the second opinion appointment before the surgery. If anyone knows anything about medical office procedure, often the doctor does not know when a patient cancels an appointment. I felt this was divine intervention. I was on my way to MD Anderson within two hours. After five biopsies,( apparently the tumor was very difficult to reach, tucked in behind a neck muscle), the tests revealed Hodgkin Lymphoma.

My life and my family’s life turned on a dime. How could this be… not now. It was Christmas, this was my daughter’s senior year in high school, my son was playing varsity sports. Could cancer again steal from my life and the lives of my children? The answer was yes. Due to the fact that I was not responsive to treatment, I had numerous chemotherapies, radiation and ended with a bone marrow transplant. I lived for the most part of a year in Houston, TX - eight hours away from my home and family. This obviously had a great impact on my children. I missed my daughter’s high school graduation, against medical advice I went to her Deb presentation in a medical mask, only to have to go to the hospital the very next day. We were all striving to keep the family going. My husband moved my daughter to UT in Austin. It was very hard for me to miss these milestones. With the seriousness of my illness, my daughter found it hard to focus on her studies, and decided to leave UT and come home to go to a local college to be by me. I read in a book that children can take a parent’s diagnosis in different ways. The author said some children act out with reckless behavior, in a way saying take me instead. That was very true in regard to my son. And because of his struggles, the situation was getting out of control. My husband put him in military school. My son took my diagnosis very hard. I will never forget the day that he spoke of anything related to my cancer diagnosis. Believe it or not, it was a year after I was home. As I was getting ready to go to a check- up he walked into the kitchen and casually said, 'I hope your check-up goes good Mom.' I just kept making the sandwich, but my heart was so touched. We were moving forward. It had been so hard for him to talk about it. Amazing how maturity can make a difference. His favorite saying now days is "Adjust and Conquer".

After my recovery, it was my passion to do everything in my power to help others diagnosed with cancer and their families. I formed a non-profit organization in my home town, and today I have been working with those impacted by cancer for almost eight years with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. So as Mother’s Day approaches, instead of gifts, I urge everyone to think about giving the gift of time. When cancer strikes it steals time from our lives. Through cancer research we can change this.

Consider making a donation in memory or in honor of a mother in your life. She could have been stricken with this disease herself, she could have been a caregiver, or if cancer has not touched your family, this donation goes a long way to make sure it never does.

Mother and grandmother cherishing every moment,

Jane Beeson

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Jane, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation online and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Rhonda Baker

Almost 13 years ago, I was diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin's lymphoma. For the next seven months, illness dominated my life and the lives of my family.　My mother, sister and son were my caregivers, chauffeurs, chefs, Christmas decorators and cheerleaders. Someone was always was available to drive me to my chemo treatments.

My mother desperately wanted to mother me, move in and take care of me.　Both my sister and I thought that would be too hard on her, and probably me too.　She had just turned 80, and we were at that precarious place in life where the children begin to take care of the parent. She did, however, sit by my hospital bed, and, when it was her turn, sit by my side in the chemo infusion room for hours. She was the first one to see the awful wig, and told me I looked pretty. She called me every morning to make sure I was awake (alive, I think), but also to make sure I was alert enough to get to work. Mostly, she just wanted to be with me, and I know she felt helpless that there was not much she could do to help me get better.

　

My sister, being the elder and accustomed to mothering me, came over whenever I wanted fresh sheets, since I didn't have enough strength to make a bed. She often would ask me over for a meal, and made sure everything she fixed was unseasoned to accommodate my chemo burned stomach.　My niece visited me every day during my short hospital stay. She would bring her three year　old and three month old. Holding that baby was better therapy than any medicine.　One of my sister's friends donated a much better wig.　When one of my friends realized I was barely eating, she would leave work early the evening before my chemo, and pick me up for a meal out.　Another friend often would surprise me with homemade chicken soup.　God bless these generous and caring women.

My son and his wife would move in and 'mom sit' for a couple of days following each bi-weekly chemo treatment. They tried to help me eat and sip water (it hurt), would sit with me when I couldn't sleep, and just comfort me with their presence. I cherish the gift of their time and care. It couldn't have been easy.

I became involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) through Light the Night and over the years we have participated in several of the annual events. In 2009, I challenged myself to get off the sidelines and participate in Team in Training, and have since walked five half-marathons - because I can! We are saving lives one mile at a time, whether it's two miles at a Light The Night Walk, or the longer miles of Team In Training events. It is my belief that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funded the research that discovered and developed the medicines that have prolonged my life and I am incredibly grateful for their mission.

For more than 12 years I have been able to experience so many of life's joys, watch my son continue on his life's journey, and for five years, known the spectacular joy of being Nana to a delightful grandson. I have felt the sorrow of saying goodbye to both my mother and sister, who each in their own way gave so much to me my entire life. I have learned that the challenge of fighting and beating cancer has helped me open doors I would never have noticed, met people who have become fast friends, and especially I have learned to appreciate that every day of life is a precious gift.

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Rhonda, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation online

or via mail and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Kirsa Williams

I remember the day Bennett was diagnosed like it was yesterday. It was a Saturday afternoon in April of 2011 and I was at the Dallas Galleria with my two older girls when my husband called me from the pediatrician’s office. Earlier that morning we had talked about taking Bennett in to the doctor’s office because he was developing red dots on his abdomen and back and had a slight fever. A rash, we thought. Keith’s voice sounded shaky as he tried to explain that Bennett needed a blood test and the doctor thought the red dots could indicate something was wrong with his bone marrow. Bone marrow? How could something be wrong with his bone marrow, I thought. Bennett was a healthy, adorable, 13 month old baby boy, who was full of energy and laughter. It was completely out of the blue when on that day, after a blood test at Children’s Medical Center, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Blood cancer.

Bennett soon had surgery to get a port placed in his upper chest area so he could begin getting chemotherapy. He also had a spinal tap to check for cancer cells in his spinal fluid and a bone marrow aspiration to detect what percentage of his marrow was cancerous. Bennett’s bone marrow was 86% cancerous. The cancer cells had almost completely crowded out the healthy blood cells. We soon learned that Bennett would require 39 months of chemotherapy to save his life. The first 10 months were the hardest to take. As a mother, I would have done anything to trade places with him. The amount of chemo he received was unfathomable, but he took it like a champ, and somehow we powered through the most difficult thing we had ever had to do.

I have learned a lot of facts about blood cancer since then. I learned that 50 years ago, the survival rate for ALL was less than 5%, now it is almost 90%. The amount of research that has gone into leukemia alone is outstanding. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has funded so much of the research that helped develop some of the chemotherapy drugs that saved Bennett’s life. My husband and I have participated in many races with Team In Training, and with our friends help, we have raised almost $160,000 for LLS. With Bennett as our inspiration, we will continue to raise money and awareness for blood cancer. We want to be a part of finding a cure!

Bennett is now three years old and has 15 months left of daily chemotherapy and monthly visits to the hospital. Bennett may have blood cancer, but blood cancer doesn’t have him. We know he will beat this, and our entire family will be stronger because of it!

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Kirsa, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation

online and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Dawn Mellon

Mothers don’t get sick.

Mothers take care of the sick.

If you’re not sure, just review the job description.

We do it all. We take care of our children, we take care of our husband, we take care of the house, and we take care of everything and anything that pertains to our family...and pretty much everything else. In fact, God specially equips us with ‘Mother’s Intuition’ because He knows the importance and complexity of our jobs.  But, what happens when someone, like an oncologist, hasn’t read the job description? When they don’t know you can’t be sick because you have two teenagers, a husband, a house and a career all of which need you?

I know what happens…because it happened to me.

The oncologists says, "You have Stage Two Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and you have a 70% chance of surviving."

And, in a split second your life changes, your children’s lives change, your husband’s life changes, your own mother’s life changes.

FOREVER.

Now that I’ve received 100 hours of chemotherapy, dealt with all its horrible side effects, and have been in remission for nearly two years, I can honestly attest that having cancer was more of a life sentence than a death sentence.

While I could write pages and pages worth of reasons to back up this claim, I’ll share just a few.

When my husband and I told our then 12 and 14 year old children I had been diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening disease, they were transformed before our eyes. They were no longer naïve and innocent children. They were now exposed to the ‘other side.’

It was ugly. It was hurtful. It was everything from which you shelter your children. Worst of all, not only could I no longer shelter them, I was actually the one removing the shelter and throwing them outside to a horrific world children shouldn’t even know exists.

But, as the shock wore off, and the reality of my illness played out before their eyes, I saw another transformation. I saw God sweep up my children with both hands. Then, ever so gently, I saw Him take one hand and covered them…all the while securing holding them in the other.

I knew they would be taken care of.

And, they were…by countless angels sent in the form of friends and family, some who lived as close as a block away and others who traveled from different parts of the country; all with one objective: to take care of us. They made us meals, ran errands, took my children wherever they needed to be, and most important, showered them with love.

In fact, my children got to experience things some children never have an opportunity to witness: the goodness in people. They saw a community ban together to support a family in their darkest hour.

They saw their father stand by their mother’s side, living out the vow he took 24 years before then: ‘…in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad…" He taught my son what is expected of him as a husband. He taught my daughter what she should expect in a husband.

They saw their grandmother take care of her daughter. Regardless of the fact that I was a grown woman, my mother put everything in her life on hold in order to take care of me. She, clearly, knew the job description.

So, as I reflect on this Mother’s Day, I am filled with gratitude for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who healed me from this awful disease; for my husband whose love and support I couldn’t live without; for my children who bring me incomprehensible joy every day; for my sister and son’s Godmother and for my best friend and daughter’s Godmother, both of whom went above and beyond to care for me and for my family; and for my mother’s whose love is unselfish, unconditional and never ending.

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Dawn, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation online

 and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Candice Stinnett

Being diagnosed with cancer was debilitating in itself… but when it continued to come back after I thought I had conquered it, sometimes, the only thing that kept me fighting was a five-year-old boy who called me momma.

I was 21 years old when I was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. My boyfriend at the time (now my husband) and I had a three-year-old son, Jonathan. The cancer recurred after six months in remission. Then, I had an autologous stem cell transplant. On my one-year scan, the cancer was back. Lastly, (third time’s a charm!) I had an allogeneic stem cell transplant from a non-related donor. Recently, I reached my 2 ½ years in remission and ran my first marathon in Paris, France through Team in Training.

People often ask, "How did you talk to your son about it?" He was three when I received my diagnosis and six when I finished treatments. The word cancer was just as common in our house as the word ice cream. When his classmates questioned why I didn’t have hair, he wondered why this was even a question.. Nonchalantly, he would say, "She has cancer." I was his blue eyed, bald and tall momma. When my hair began growing back, it was similar to peach fuzz. Jonathan rubbed the top of my head and said, "Oh, momma, you need to get a haircut." Communication and understanding came naturally. We didn’t make cancer out to be a big scary thing so as a result, our son wasn’t scared. Little did I know that by doing this, I was helping myself more than we helped him. He was my reassurance, my strength, my laughter, my determination, and my cuddle Bunnie (our endearing nickname for him) at a moment’s notice.

In good times and bad, he reminded us that a prayer was all we needed. When my husband’s fingertips would hurt to the touch due to blood cell growth injections, my son’s sweet pat on my chest and kiss on the cheek made the pain subside. Jonathan sang "Just dance, it’s gonna be okay," frequently. Sometimes that was the only thing that made me believe it really was going to be okay. I can never give him back the hours his little body waited in waiting rooms and the countless nights he had sleepovers in the hospital. However, I can give him many more years of his momma. I wouldn’t have fought as hard and I wouldn’t have a goal worth living for – being there when he gets married. God gave me the greatest gift of all, my husband. Together they, God and my husband, gave me the biggest blessing to date, our son. They are the reason I am alive today.

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Candice, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation

online and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Stacey Campbell

It was a beautiful day. I was out working in the garden of our new home, our first home, while my oldest daughter, age 4, was in preschool and my little one, age 2, was napping when my husband uncharacteristically arrived home from work in the early afternoon. He had a swollen lymph node on his neck that he went to the family doctor to check out and we were waiting on results of the x-rays she took earlier that week. He came over to me and asked me to drop what I was doing and come inside to talk. The doctor had called him at work to tell him that the x-ray revealed a tumor in the center of his chest and he should see an oncologist right away.

　

This began a flurry of doctor's appointments, scans, biopsies, surgery to place a mediport in his chest and talk of chemotherapies rendering our chances of a third baby virtually impossible. Doug was diagnosed with a stage IV follicular small B-cell non-Holdgkins lymphoma and it was incurable but very treatable we were told. I cannot even describe the horror of this time, the thoughts of raising my babies alone after being a stay-home mom for several years, living in a state far from home, no family to support us through this trial and having to consider banking sperm if we wanted that third child. What?!? No, if my husband is not going to survive, why would I want another child!

　

The next six months were filled with 4 to 8 hour sessions of chemotherapy, followed by days of my husband unable to do much but grateful he had the strength to get to work most everyday. All household chores--mowing the lawn, taking out garbage, dealing with kids, preparing meals that he would not or could not eat, making appointments, keeping up with insurance claims, paying bills…..everything, EVERYTHING fell to me. Gratefully, our insurance proved to be awesome and his bosses were more than understanding under the circumstances. The kids, what do we tell the kids? How do we explain that Daddy may not be around to see them grow up or tickle them every night or read them bedtime stories? We chose to tell them the truth. We explained that all living things have life cycles just like in the Lion King (thank God for Disney!). Some living things last a long, long time like an elephant and others only briefly, like a butterfly. No one knows when they are born how long their life cycle will be, that is why we need to treat every day as a blessing. Doctors are going to try to help Daddy's cancer go away but the medicine will make him very sick too and he will lose his hair. We will need to work as a team to get through this together. So, Go TEAM Campbell!! They helped Daddy buzz cut his hair before the chemo took it….they thought that was fun. I worked very hard to keep them occupied and in their little routines to minimize the impact of this disease on them. Friends and neighbors helped by taking them to gym class or on play dates for me especially when we had our long days in the infusion room. Doug made it through those first very dark hours with a three year reprieve. In that time, we celebrated our five year wedding anniversary in Hawaii and conceived our third daughter despite the odds.　

Little did we know that the next decade or so of our lives would revolve around this cancer. Eight chemotherapy regimens later, we knew there were no more chances for remission. Thankfully, an amazing man by the name of James Murray, whom we have yet to meet face to face, registered as a marrow donor somewhere in Canada and was Doug's only perfect match. In 2010, Doug got this second chance at a life free from cancer with the hope that he might live long enough to see his girls graduate high school, go to college and one day walk each of them down the aisle at their weddings. The road has been arduous and frightening, but we remain strong and vigilant. People tell us our daughters are the most mature, compassionate, respectful teenagers they have met. There is nothing that makes me prouder as a mother than to hear those words from others about my children. We never hid the truth from them. They were always allowed to ask questions and tell us how they felt. 　None of them have a memory of their Daddy before cancer. Our oldest is a junior in high school now and plans to become a doctor some day, our middle one is a freshman full of character and our little one is 11 and full of spunk. They are so very different and so very amazing. They are what has kept their Daddy pushing through some very hard and deadly days. They are what keeps me looking forward and standing firm determined for cancer not to take its toll on their lives and to reveal the blessings amid the storms so they can see the hand of God at work in sustaining our family along the way.　

For the last 13 years, our family has dedicated time, talents and funds to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to spread the word about their work in blood cancer research and hopes for a cure. We have also registered hundreds of new marrow donors with Be The Match so others may be given the gift of life if their cancer journey leads them there as ours did. What better time than Mother's Day to consider a donation to this worthy cause and help end the plight of blood cancers for families everywhere?　

God bless.

Stacey Campbell

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Stacey, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation

online and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Rainey Fogiel

Three years ago (2010) I had the honor to be asked if I would chair the fabulous Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). I immediately declined, as I had done for other wonderful charities requests in the past.  I have a full time business and cannot imagine chairing an event unless I can put 100% of my heart and time into making it the success it deserves to be.

I discussed it further with my family and was eaten up with remorse as if there was to be any charity that I would want to embrace it had to be this one, as my sister-in-law and my best friend both were in the middle of fighting a blood cancer. My sister-in-law had in fact benefitted by receiving a couple of grants from the monies raised at this Luncheon for LLS.

My daughter Natalie, 25 years old and at the time just enrolled in the MBA program at SMU, was my cheerleader. I finally conceded and told her that I would take it on if she were to be my co-chair. She happily agreed and we were excited to be the first mother/daughter co-chairs. We adored working on this event side by side for close to nine months with the tremendous help and support of the local LLS team of Michelle, Stacey and Libby.

Our event fell in the midst of the biggest snowstorm in decades and it still was a whopping success due to the many loyal longtime supporters, sponsors and friends. Crawford Brock of Stanley KORSHAK and Jan Strimple are the backbone of this successful event

Natalie and I felt blessed to be part of such an amazing organization and still get chills when we discuss the tremendous gratification it brought the two of us, in addition to the most special bonding experience.

Rainey Fogiel

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Rainey, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation

online and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Renee Cooper

Mother's Day means different things to different people. As a mother it reminds me, of the amazing human beings that have been put in my life. Human beings that I call my children. Their smiles and laughter remind me why I get out of bed in the mornings and why I stay up late at night to make things perfect for them. It is also their smiles and laughter that get me through the hard times. We all have them. The times that we would rather just go back to bed and pull the covers over our heads and stay there until things are better. But that's not reality.

All four of my children are amazing. They are the reason I keep breathing. They amaze me with all their accomplishments. Each child has a different personality and looks at the world in such a different way. They all make me a better person. When you have a child you want to protect them and you'll take out anyone who tries to do otherwise. So, when you hear the words "Your child has cancer", it takes all you have to keep going.

My youngest daughter; Kaitlin, was diagnosed, less than a month after her third birthday. A time that is supposed to be the best time turned into a nightmare. The moment I heard the words Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, my heart sank. That can't be MY DAUGHTER..that's someone else's. But no, it was about my baby girl! With this diagnosis, life became chaos. I had to learn to trust strangers who I had never met. To trust that what they were recommending to do to Kaitlin, what was best, in order to not only fight this horrible diagnosis but to also keep her alive.

I heard survival rates and percentages. I was told what would happen to her. I was told what side effects they thought might happen and what they said there was very little chance of happening. But Kaitlin being the stubborn and complicated little girl she is, she made a liar out of many things I was told. That first time having to let go of her and watching her wheeled into the operating room (which would not be the last). The times of having to watch the nurses; who later would later feel like part of our family, access her port which meant shoving a needle into her chest..now that hurt. All the trips made to the ICU because things were not going as they were planned. And even having to tell my daughter that it was ok to let go. Because that is what needed to be done since doctors said she would not see morning. Yet she did...because of that stubbornness. One thing you learn very early...NOTHING goes as planned. To enjoy every single itty bitty event more than ever because you don't know if that's the last happy moment you will experience with your child.

Spending a year straight in the hospital became second nature.  To be home was weird. Kaitlin went through numerous rounds of chemotherapy and too many blood and platelet transfusions to count. She made friends with other kids on the floor and she also said goodbye to these same friends. She is such a strong little fighter. She never once lost her smile and always told everyone that "It's a happy day because I woke up." She is nothing short of a miracle!! She always wore her dresses and had her headphones hooked to her ipod dancing around-entertaining anyone around. She reminded me it was alright that all her hair was gone because that just meant we saved money on shampoo and she didn't have to worry about brushing tangles out of her hair. What an amazing daughter I have-so brave!!

Someone asked me recently, if I ever wish my child had never been diagnosed, my answer is easy...of course I wish she hadn't. But yet I believe challenges are only given to those who can handle it and I know that even those days that I feel very alone and just tear up knowing my daughter lost her childhood, those are the days I draw on Kaitlin's strength because she is a HERO beyond heroes! I will always cherish each day more and Mother's Day will mean that much more because; unlike too many we know, I still have four amazing children on earth that I can talk to and look at anytime I want.

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Renee, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation

online and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Britt Hemsell

Life is perfect! This was my perspective at age 34, married to the man of my dreams, enjoying our beautiful baby boy (22mo.), and praying about having another one. In February of 2004, I went in for a routine physical feeling great having just lost all the baby weight. My doctor visit went well and I was sent on my way with a clean bill of health. Yay! The next day my physician called and expressed some concern that my white count was a bit high at 25,000. It looked like I might be fighting an infection and should start on antibiotics. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of what was yet to come.

A few days later, I was back in my physician’s office getting more blood drawn for more tests. Still taking antibiotics, my white count had increased a little up to 27,000. I still felt fantastic. What could be wrong? She was determined to figure out what was going on. So, after a week worth of testing and more blood drawls, she sent a blood sample for a second opinion, along with doing a few more tests herself. Sitting in my physician’s office for the fourth time in the past 10 days was a bit unsettling. We discussed the results from my tests, all were negative. The second opinion’s results were a different story. I was told that he saw an "abnormality in some of my blood cells", mentioned the word myelodysplasia, and that he would like to see me.

I waited till 5:30p.m. that evening to call, thinking that I would hear back the next day to set an appointment in the next month or so. They called back 10 minutes later to come in that Thursday to visit with a hematologist/oncologist. They had been expecting my call. Chills ran up my spine. Never has a doctor’s office called back and scheduled an appointment so quickly. It was at this point that I realized that whatever was going on with me just might be serious and started researching. Words like myeloproliferative and pre-cancers like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) popped up. I don’t even know how to spell this stuff! Ok, whatever this is, surely it’s not cancer. I’m too healthy. I’m too young!

Thursday’s appointment couldn’t come quick enough. I want to know I’m ok and get back to my perfect life. The appointment proved to be anything but. It was confirmed abnormal blood cells present and a high white count. To help figure out what is really going on, a bone marrow biopsy was needed. During my biopsy I finally broke down and realized that this was serious and all really happening. I was scared. A week later it was time for the results. It was this visit, on March 19, 2004, that I learned I have a cancer called Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Diagnosis date is a date every cancer patient remembers. Thankfully my husband had come with me to share the blow to our lives. I was numb. I needed to start a new type of oral chemotherapy called Gleevec right away, as 100% of my cells tested positive for CML. Before this targeted therapy became available, it was stem cell transplantation and maximum five year prognosis. Getting pregnant was now out of the question due to the impact the chemo would have on the baby. I also needed to see a Bone Marrow Transplant specialist and get typed for a possible stem cell transplant as a backup. What??!! My perfect world had just come crashing down. My life would never be the same.

I started on 400mg Gleevec daily that evening. I am so blessed to have loving family, friends, and church that helped out, as the next three months proved to be physically and mentally challenging. Nausea, fatigue, bone and joint pain, anemia all took their turn as the chemo worked to eradicate the cancer cells from my body. Hungry for information to help make better informed decisions and learn how to adjust, I read and researched, and learned everything I could about CML. This is how I came to learn more about The Leukemia Society (LLS) and what they had to offer. They had the most up-to-date information regarding CML and treatment with Gleevec. The LLS helped fund the research that made Gleevec a reality. I was able to talk and get reassurance from another mom with CML through their First Connection Program. LLS sponsored local support groups for blood cancer patients provided me with a much needed outlet of support, understanding, and encouragement at a level that my family and friends could not provide or understand. Instead, my family and friends were able to rally and support me through the Light the Night campaign.

Fast forward nine years. I’m happy to say, "I’m still alive and thriving!" I thank God, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the researchers, my oncology team, family, and all the wonderful people that helped me get through those tough times, and who continue to support me though the ups and downs of living as a survivor with CML. My now 11 year old son continues to be my biggest source of inspiration and encouragement. He has always helped me be brave since the beginning. As you can imagine, the past nine years have changed my life in profound ways. It is my hope and prayer that a cure will be found in my lifetime. I strive to give back and help others going through the shock of a cancer diagnosis. While I no longer consider my life to be perfect, it’s a new kind of perfect because of the people in it, the richer and deeper relationships, and cherishing each day as a wife, mother, and survivor.

Britt Hemsell

9 yr. CML Survivor

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Britt, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation online

and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Shaena Campbell

Below is a Facebook post by Shaena Campbell on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.  Her daughter, Shadoh, is currently at MD Anderson in Houston awaiting a stem cell transplant after her second round of Hodgkin's lymphoma.  Shadoh, who is also a mother, is 23 years old.

This week she [Shadoh] is finishing up on some necessary testing and we have a few classes to take (on transplant care, etc) Friday (as in day after tomorrow) she will be admitted and Saturday (-1 day) she will receive her first dose of high dosage chemotherapy. She will receive high dosage chemo everyday for six days, making the last one given Thursday, May 9 (day 0). The transplant will begin May 10th (+1 day).

Wow. It's here. The day we have fervently prayed for and I feel excited and sick at the same time (and I'm not gonna lie...weighing heavy on the sick). Your gut and your heart seem to have a HUGE connection when it comes to these matters. They both feel very uneasy. ~ Specific prayer request: for Shadoh to be able to keep the same 'push through' attitude and unwavering stamina. I know she's tired and I know she's scared. As her momma, that rips at my soul to its very depth. I have no way to tell her how she may feel or any stories to share that may relate. I am sitting in my closet with the doors shut so she can't hear me cry. How can I tell her everything's going to be fine when I am terrified?  I know. I've been here. I get up outta the floor, wipe my face, pray for strength and have faith. He has never let me down before. He knows my heart and mind right now. Also, praying all goes as smooth as glass Saturday.

I will be flying home for Sage's prom [Shadoh's sister] and Shadoh will have her boyfriend and numerous other family members here for the first day. I have consulted with her doctor and he assures me all will be fine. Juggling not missing everything of my Sage & Shel while being in Houston is almost impossible, it seems. My heart literally aches at times. Shadoh said I never missed her prom and she didn't want me to miss her sisters, either. So, praying for a smooth first day of chemo, beautiful prom for Sage and a few minutes spent with Sheltyn Brynne, too. There are so many more, I will start with those specific ones today. I am eternally humbled and grateful for the AMAZING amount of support our family has been given. We are blessed beyond measure. I know there are so many of you helping him...thank you, thank you, thank you!! Much love and gratitude.

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Shaena, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day.

Make a donation

online and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation. You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mother's Day Profile: Kristy Borden

My name is Kristy Borden and I am a mother of three absolutely amazing beautiful children. In 2008 our lives were considered "normal" - busy, self-consumed, and on the fast track. My youngest daughter Kelcey was enjoying her freshman year of high school, cheering for the Valley View Football team when she came home from practice one evening and mentioned that her under arm hurt from cheering and lifting.  I gave her Advil and thought no more of it until about a week later she mentioned it still hurting so I made an appointment to see our family doctor.  Our physician was glad we had came in, thinking it could be a staph infection under her arm. That was not the circumstance and over the weekend she was in more pain and discomfort. We knew it was time to seek more specialized treatment and we were then referred to Cook Children’s in Fort Worth.  After being admitted, doctors began performing tests and trying to diagnose her condition, and after what seemed an eternity the results from a biopsy came back.  We received a diagnosis that we were not in any way prepared for and as a result had changed our family’s focus.

Kelcey was diagnosed with stage 3 Non Hodgkin’s Larger cell Anaplastic Lymphoma Tcell.  That was a lot to process and I had no idea what it was, why it happened to my baby, or what was ahead of her. The worst day of my life.  As parents you never want to see your child in pain far less fighting for their life. I went into research mode.  I needed to know what this was and what to expect, that is when The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) became a valuable resource of information.

I am happy to report that today Kelcey is attending her first year of college and has plans to pursue a career in the medical field. She will celebrate her fourth year cancer free this October.

During one of Kelcey’s weekly visits to her oncologist I picked up a brochure for Team In Training (TNT) and held onto it.  I told myself that is something I would like to be involved with someday in the future.  So here I am.  I have now completed several events with TNT and have no plans to stop.  My biggest reason for joining TNT was to raise funds for much needed research and awareness as I am very passionate about the LLS mission and I have had the opportunity to witness the impact that LLS is making in the lives of many.  Kelcey is my hero, my inspiration and motivation to never give up until there is a cure so that someday no mother’s child will have to battle a blood cancer. This is my prayer and I am relentless for a cure!

If you would like to take time to honor a mother, like Kristy, in your life please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this Mother's Day. 

Make a donation online or via mail and a letter of recognition of your gift will be sent to the mother you are honoring with your donation.  You are also welcome to mail in a donation to: LLS, Attn: Mother's Day, 8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251.

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day from the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.