After just barely 2 years Debbie was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer which meant that hers had returned to stay. Over the next couple of years Debbie bravely fought an uphill battle. She volunteered for many clinical trials, all of which helped to slow the growth of her cancer but it failed to halt it’s spread.
Debbie was a single mother of 2 teenagers and while she had a lot of support from her family and friends it was still very hard. There were so many things to consider and her children’s care was always her biggest worry. As she grew weaker, her own care became more critical and one of her concerns then became the question of where will she go when it gets really bad? At home with her kids to care for her? In a hospital? She asked me that question once – where will I go when it’s my time? Our good friend Lynne had passed only months earlier in Langley and the Hospice care she and her family received was amazing. Here in Chilliwack, the only beds with hospice care were in the hospital which, as we all know, is a great place for healing people but not so great a place to be in peace with your loved ones during those final hours or days. Debbie did try to stay home but it was especially difficult for her kids, so she then made the decision to go into the hospital when she became palliative. Debbie passed peacefully surrounded by her family and friends in May, 2006.
My wish is to help other women like Debbie in our own community. That’s why The Chilliwack Hospice Society has become an important place for me to place my support. I have been involved with other “pink ribbon” charities since being diagnosed myself and I have realized that while it’s important to think globally, I believe it’s also important to act locally.
My pendant design is called “Pink Tears for Breast Cancer”. Many of us affected by this disease have all cried many tears and they represent how we feel inside. Whether tears of frustration, fear, confusion, pain, sadness or joy and happiness, they are tears that result from incredible emotion. I chose the tear drop as a symbol of that raw emotion caused by this disease.
All of the net proceeds from this pendant will be donated directly to The Chilliwack Hospice Society in Debbie’s memory. You can choose between the High Gloss finish or the Diamond Cut finish.
Designer
Shelley A. Mohammed
