Sunday, September 8, 2013

Mary Tyler Mom

Two years ago, I stumbled across a blog written by a woman who called herself "Mary Tyler Mom." Not quite sure how I got there... but it happened to be near the end of September. Unbeknownst to me at the time, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and each day she was writing a post covering a month of her daughter Donna's cancer treatment. I was catching the it all at the tail end, but her amazing story pulled me in. I sat for hours and read each and every previous blog post for the month that I had missed, cried, cried some more, and I have been a loyal fan and Facebook follower of hers ever since. 

Why am I telling you this? Because two Septembers have passed since I first found Mary Tyler Mom. Twice I have read (and reread) the story of her beloved Donna. It never gets easier. The ending never changes. This year MTM is changing it up a little and is posting a series of "guest bloggers" writing about their own experiences with childhood cancer. I'm not going to lie. It's hard to read. For the most part, it's NOT "feel good" reading to end my day... As a mom it breaks my heart into a million pieces and makes my soul hurt in ways I can't begin to describe. But I do it because it's important. These are stories that not only need to be told, but need to be heard. While I am exceptionally blessed to have three healthy children TODAY, there is a horrifying possibility that could change... and I would want the world to know, too. I would want the world to hear my story. I would want people to be aware. To advocate for change. To fight for MY child's health. To save my baby's life. These kids (and their families) are nothing short of amazing, and I feel I owe it to them to hear their stories.... 

So.... here it is, y'all. I'm inviting each and every one of you to tune in this September. Check out MTM's blog here: http://www.chicagonow.com/mary-tyler-mom  You can follow the September Series by clicking on the link at the top of the page. I also encourage you to read Donna's story (there is a link at the top of her blog for that, too!) You will fall in love with her, just as I did, I promise. If you want, you can head on over to Facebook and "like" Mary Tyler Mom, too. While Donna is a big part of her life, you will also hear about Mary Tyler Son, fun shoes, and chocolate. What's not to love? 

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