Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 8^th.  This Mother’s Day while spending time with your families and children please think about how many mom’s are battling blood cancers and other cancers.  How many mother’s are with their children while they are being treated for Leukemia and how many mother’s are no longer with their children to share mother’s day because they lost their battle with blood cancer.   I want to honor ALL mother’s, it is truly the hardest job in the world, but I would like to honor 2 special mother’s…Lisa…Lorenzo’s mom and Julie…Tony’s mom.

Lisa’s story is one of hope for her son Lorenzo. Lorenzo came to the US to go to college from Italy and was diagnosed with ALL.  Their story is chronicled beautifully in her letter but what I would like to share with you in the strength of this woman.  Never aggressive or angry,  her calm, strong resolve to advocate and care for her son while maintaining his dignity and spirit has really been something extraordinary to watch. This is not easy when your child is dealing with such a devastating illness and is a young adult of 20. She made it seem effortless, though I know it wasn’t.  Lorenzo and Lisa are leaving this week to return home to Italy and we are all hopeful that he will be well and resume his life, he is a beautiful young man with an amazing spirit and I embrace them both in their next step and celebrate a beautiful mother.

The next mother I would like to acknowledge is Julie, her son is Tony. Julie’s story is one of heartbreak and healing.  Tony had a long battle with Leukemia, many ups and downs but through every step, Julie was strong and by his side.  I grew close to her after many long hospital stays and long talks.  Even when she could see that some decisions he made might not be the best decisions, she supported him and helped in every way she could again maintaining a very difficult balance between being a mom of a young adult with a catastrophic illness. She never waivered in her strength and support for him no matter how tired, she was always there.   I remember celebrating Tony’s  beautiful wedding at Julie’s home and then going to his funeral not long after that.  The grief that a mother has at the loss of her child …it is really indescribable.  But life does go on and I know she finds tremendous joy in her grandchildren and family. She has been an incredible support to this campaign and I am so grateful.  Tony was an amazing person with a very strong, positive attitude.  Knowing Julie, you can see where he got it; an amazing mother who is able to smile through unbearable pain and offer love and support to those around her. 

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!  To Lisa and Julie and all the mom’s.

Love,

Lisa