A Mother...

Tonight I talked with a friend from high school who is battling cancer, breast cancer. I've known of her sickness for some time but stayed away from the situation. Tonight I couldn't help but get emotionally touched by the story.

I called to check in with the family and found out that the cancer had spread to the kidneys. I also found out that their only car was taken away from them for registration problems. It was apparent that she was trying to keep a positive voice about it but I heard her break for just a moment. It was then that I thought of my mother.

My mom is a cancer survivor. She was young and a single mother when sickness came knocking. I can hardly think about the fear she must of felt. My mom. For some reason when I was talking to my friend my mother's voice was on the other line. It wasn't really but for a moment I pictured my mother talking to some man, maybe someone like me who might be able to help and it affected me. What if that was my mom 40 years ago?

I say that because I wonder if my mom needed help way back when. If she did, was there anyone in particular that she thought might be able to help. Would she ask? Did she ask? Well my friend didn't ask but I offered to throw it out there to see if someone I know might be able to help the family with a car. For months now I never offered anything to the family. My hands were full with my own projects. I help sick kids and families with sick kids. It's my passion to ease the burden, if just a bit, for families with sick kids. But tonight it dawned on me that this friend, this mother, is a daughter of someone. She has to worry about her kids and how the sickness is affecting them. Her burden or her fright has to be overwhelming.

I cried. I called my mom and cried. It hit me hard that this friend may pass away and how shitty is it that you would have to spend any time worrying about transportation. But that is their reality and their burden combined with cancer. I hate to see it but if I can put the word out and help in any manner then maybe just maybe some of their worry might be relieved. Please help this family if you can and consider that this could be your daughter, your sister, or even your mom!

The Finish Line...

This picture is of Zach and Jeff Davidson. Zach is four years old, and was diagnosed with leukemia in November of '06. He is in remission like Kaylee and he frequents the same places as Kay, CMH. His father Jeff participates in the Team in Training event sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I know Zach's mother, Laura, from a job we both worked at in the 1990's, Dos Hombres in Brookside.

I think this picture speaks volumes, and it needs no caption. A father and son going across a finish line. Hard work, and determination gets you from point A to point B. The same characteristics that will get you through life's events. I am pleased to tell you that Zach is in the maintenance phase of his treatment and feeling great. The finish line, in this race to recovery, is in their sights.

I wish the Davidson family a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year. Thank you Jeff for being an inspiration. It is people like you that give motivation to others like me. You are making a difference and helping a cause we both are connected to. They say you lead by example and you have certainly done that my friend!

11/26/07 - 5:30 PM

We received a phone call tonight that hurt. Rachel Boyce (Rachel Rand) called tonight to let us know that her mother, Elaine Cropper, passed away from complications related to her breast cancer. Her fight ended sometime around 5:30 PM tonight. We've known Rachel since high school. We all grew up together, and we were great friends with Elaine. The news was hurtful and painful but I felt relief for Elaine. No more hurting and no more sickness.


I feel for Rachel and her family. It can't imagine the pain associated with their loss. I said a prayer for their family as we drove off from the house. I always feel so much hurt when I think about the sadness. The sadness of the first night must be paralysing. How it would feel like a nightmare when you wake in the morning, if you sleep at all.


Well I was just checking in since it seems like weeks since I've written anything. If you need me I'll be in the hospital starting Wednesday. I know many of you might know Rachel, so if you want to send her a message, her email address is rachel@cropperenterprises.com‎ . We'll talk soon.