Cancer Comes Home
I received a surprise package in the mail at work today.
It felt a little bit like Christmas. I wondered, who could this be from?
I was delighted to find inside a nice note from a woman I had just interviewed and
a pretty pink necklace her sister had made.
The necklace is called a "Love for Lisa" pendant, made by Krissy for her sister, Lisa Carmody of Tigard.
The necklace is inspired by the pink ribbon symbol of breast cancer awareness,but it has
its own unique interpretation with silver leaves and pink flower petals to signify life, with the petals forming hearts representing love.
It's a perfect symbol for a courageous woman, wife and mother, who is facing breast cancer with more strength and grace than I could ever imagine having myself.
41 year old Lisa Carmody learned she had breast cancer at Thanksgiving time.
She had her first chemotherapy treatment on December 6th.
That coincidentally is my birthday.
When I heard this, I thought while I was worrying about turning another year older, Lisa was dealing with losing her hair and how to tell her three precious daughters, that their Mommy has breast cancer.
Lisa got some help in this difficult situation from her oncologist, well-known breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Nathalie Johnson.
Dr. Johnson is the Medical Director for the Legacy Cancer Program, and somehow found the time to write a book, "Mommy Found A Lump".
It's designed to help young moms diagnosed with breast cancer explain what is happening to their Mom and their family.
I spent an afternoon with Lisa as she read "Mommy Found A Lump" to her daughters, Nicole, age 7;Kayla, age 5; and Christine age 3.
The story is told through the eyes of 7 year old Julianna, and helped Lisa's girls ask their Mom
questions.
"Mommy how long will you be in the hospital?"
"Is that where you get your medicine, Mommy?"
Lisa and her husband,Pat, inspired me with their courage and optimism in the face of what could be a family crisis.
Through their love, their family's support, and their doctor's skills and compassion; the Carmody family is turning the experience into one that is making their family even stronger.
Please join me for a Newschannel 8 special report, "Cancer Comes Home" at 5pm on Tuesday,February 5th, and meet the Carmody family.
I think the two minutes you spend watching their story will leave you uplifted.
It certainly affected me in a profound way and I will proudly wear my
"Love for Lisa" pendant.
Somehow it seems by showing our support for Lisa, she is giving us strength.
Comments
This was such a touching story. I can't wait to purchase the book. Dr. Johnson is an amazing Doctor and I played a big part in saving my Mom's life. My Mom has battled breast cancer twice and both times was very hard not only on me her 30 year old Daughter but her Grandchildren. I think this book is amazing and I can't wait to puchase it. My thoughts and prayers are with the Carmody family and to you channel 8 for doing such a touching story.
Jessica Hess
Posted by: Jessica Hess | February 5, 2008 5:49 PM
Laurel ~ Thank you for doing a beautiful story on Lisa Carmody and the book that Dr. Johnson wrote.. I know by the pictures and interview people will see how beautiful Lisa is. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Lisa is selfless and couragious. We are honored to be her friend and neighbor.
Love YOU LISA!
Posted by: Shar Bannan | February 5, 2008 7:14 PM
If this story touched you and you want to contribute to this cause, please think about getting involved in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk coming up this May. Its a great way to get people involved and give back to your friends and neighbors who have been afflicted with this terrible cancer.
www.cancer.org/stridesonline
Posted by: Amy Theberge | February 8, 2008 11:57 AM
Hi Laurel,
Thank you for taking a personal interest in this family's story. It is so much like many others experience with husband's and children. I know because my wife is currently fighting the beast of ovarian cancer and my kids, although older have been told and understand the possible outcome. The silver lining is that my wife, as an educator, has never stood by or kept silent. She took action and started the first and only ovarian cancer foundation in Oregon. Known as the SHOC (Sherie Hildreth Ovarian Cancer) Foundation her team has raised and directly donated to OHSU over $107,000 in the past 2yrs. She has a story and it is powerful. We were standing in your lobby at KGW on Wed.13th about 4:30pm and you look out and saw us. Naturally you saw people, but I saw you "Wow,there is Laurel Porter." The reason I am emailing is to let you know my wife and her team are taking it up a notch and partnering up with KINK FM in an effort to reach all those families that have a mother, daughter, sister, auntie, or any woman in their life that they love. The SHOC Foundation's mission....simply to educate women about this silent killer, find the answer to early detection, and of course fund the research to find a cure. Thank you for your time to read this and perhaps make a difference.
Kind regards,
Bruce
Posted by: Bruce Hildreth | February 15, 2008 9:23 AM