Yesterday afternoon my late hubby's sister and her husband arrived here from Colorado. They came to town for a class reunion. When the plane touched down my sister-in-law turned on her cell phone to see a voice mail alert. The new message had been sent many hours ago. It was from her son-in-law. Their daughter Betsy, had died in her sleep.
Betsy was only 35 years old. She had been fighting breast cancer since she was 24 when a Doctor mis-diagnosed a lump in her breast. Told her it was only a cyst. She believed him until a year later there were more lumps and it was too late.
Betsy refused to accept this prognosis and decided to live her life. She continued on with school and became a Physician's assistant. Although her fiancee at the time of the diagnosis called off the engagement (he couldn't deal with the cancer and his dad was part of the oncology group that misdiagnosed her in the first place...but we won't even go there....) she went on to meet a wonderful guy named Jeff. Four years ago they flew to Hawaii with his family and hers and were married on the beach on New Years Eve.
Betsy continued to swim (she was an avid swimmer) and starred in a Nike commercial doing just that! She was featured on a television show a while ago about cancer survivors and Haley Berry read her story. She was so positive and so smiley and we all believed she would beat this. She never asked "Why me?" She just lived her life and wouldn't even consider the alternative. But last night the alternative came. And her poor parents had to learn the news as the de-boarded a plane in Rochester New York. Thousands of miles away.
Besty's wish was to donate her body to cancer research. She hated the disease. I hate it too. It took both of my grandmothers. It took my mom. It took two of my uncles and it took my late husband. The next time you have the opportunity to donate to the American Cancer Society...please do so. For Betsy. And all the other wonderful people that have been taken from us too soon.
13 comments:
That is truly tragic! I am so sorry...
That is so sad. How hard this much be for her family but maybe they will share some of her strength through this difficult time.
My son's school is having a mini relay for life this coming week. We are working on donations all weekend.
Cancer took my father's life 10 years ago this July--it is a monster.
But, how fortunate are we to have been blessed with these amazing people in our lives! Thank you for sharing Betsy's story.
I was glad to see you posted today. So sorry though about Betsy. What a hard terrible thing. I hate cancer too. It took my Father and Grandfather and many of my friends over the years. Hope you are doing well. Spring is here. School is almost out. Have you finished your paper?
Cancer is such a scourge.
So sad for you all to learn of the death this way. My brother died at 35 with cancer. I was 2 years older and we were very close as children. I remember totally losing it when at another funeral many years later. I was standing near his commemorative plaque and looked down reading his age. It hit me how young 35 is and how much he would have done with his life had he lived, and the years we were robbed of his company.
Cancer is a thief and a robber. How do people live without the knowledge of the Good Shepherd?
Such a sad story, but what a wonderfully resilient and strong woman! Thank you for sharing her story.
Oh, I am so very, very sorry, Laurie. I can't even imagine such a sad thing. Please know I am praying for your family. Hugs, Debra
so heartbreaking.
Carla
I am truly sorry. Betsy sounds like was a fabulous courageous woman.
Sorry for your loss. Relay for life fund raisers are all over the place here. I don't know a family that has not been affected by some sort of cancer.
That's sad. But at least she didn't just accept it and waited to die. She had a full life! :o/
So sorry for your loss. I will keep Betsy and your family in my prayers.
checking back in on you.
hope youre hanging in there.
Carla
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