I had originally asked Connie to write a short bio about herself, but she has to go back into chemo this week, and I didn’t want to give her any added pressure. So I decided to write a short piece on her, and please keep in mind, there is nothing I can say or try to understand, that would even touch the surface of what she has endured.
The first time I met Connie she mentioned she had battled with cancer. We continued our conversation, talking about everything from tattoos to t-shirts as she ran about the parlor. Then after about thirty minutes, Wendy (the co-owner of this organization) mentioned her aunt had suffered from lymph edema. And how painful it was to watch her aunt suffer. Then Connie threw her leg up on the counter, and I swear it was at least twice the size of her other leg. She had been suffering from lymph edema for over six months. She gave no indication of pain, or discomfort. She just acted like it was an everyday part of life. She’s so strong-willed and courageous that it makes me feel guilty that I have ever complained about anything.
In 1994, Connie was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
In 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
In 2007, she was diagnosed with both bone and breast cancer.
In 2008, she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
I think Connie’s timeline says it all. She has dealt with cancer for over a decade. And talking to her, I knew I was doing the right thing. She’s such an inspirational person. And through it all, she has been tough, and still dedicated to helping others. She had been planning a bike event for the American Cancer Society for over six months, when she was hospitalized. The doctor wanted her to stay longer, but she said, “No I am going home.” The doctor finally agreed to let her go home, but under the condition she would spend time in bed. Do you know what she did the moment she left the hospital? She went straight to her bike event! Connie told me she wasn’t going to let anything ruin that event, not even cancer.
Connie said last time she had cancer, she swore she would never go through chemo again. In fact, her doctors and nurses said, “We won’t be seeing Connie again”. So when she got this recent diagnosis, she had a tough decision to make. It was her three-year-old granddaughter that helped her make the decision. Connie said she looked at her and said, “the doctor is going to make you all better.” Connie knew at that point, she couldn’t take any chances. She had to live, and she had to defeat this, one last time.
Last night when we talked about her starting chemo, even though she was smiling, I saw her start to tear up, but she just shook it off. I told her, cancer isn’t going to get rid of her. She has beaten it in the past, and I think, there’s a reason she has been triumph over cancer. I believe she was sent here for a reason, to help inspire people to do more. I need everyone to say a small prayer. We need selfless people like Connie in this world. Not only does she make a difference, but she inspires others to as well. WE NEED CONNIE.
