7 years ago, my mother was given the news of an inoperable tumor, with less than a year to live. Devastating news, to say the least, but speaking with my mother at that time, her words amazed me. She told me that the diagnosis was NOT acceptable, that she had too much for which to live. Graduation and marriages of her grand kids, births of her great-grandchildren, and the thought of abandoning even her now grown children was not an option. Who would they turn to when she was gone? As of that day, she was determined to do the medical research, eat healthy, and stay positive in an effort to live as long as possible. She sought out the best doctors, goes to support groups, seminars on new and upcoming treatments, all in an effort to stay in front of her incurable disease. I would like to be able to report that her cancer has been fully eradicated, but it's still there, but her methods are working and hopefully can be used as a pathway to longevity for others. Fight, fight, fight! It would have been so much easier to do what the doctor told her, “go home and get your affairs in order.”, but she fought for US. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and every other person lucky enough to know this shining example of a woman. As her daughter, she has shown me what life is all about….the true meaning of what family and happiness are. MOM, thank you for fighting and giving us the greatest gift ever, YOU.

Signed,
Jamie Hodges