I received a phone call today from someone who had seen the 29 Days Until 29 story and wanted to talk to me about it. As the conversation was winding down I asked the question that is the focal point of my journey; what is your cancer connection? The story that was told to me in the minute or 2 after I asked that question simply blew me away.
Frankie and Sheila were long-time friends. Sheila was married, had two beautiful daughters, and was living happily ever after until she was diagnosed with leukemia. Sheila battled the disease with everything she had, but ended up loosing the fight. Sheila’s two daughters lost their mom way too soon.
In stepped Frankie! Frankie knew that the girls needed a mom and assumed the role like only a best friend could. She became their ‘new’ mom; guided them thru their teen years and all the ups and downs that comes with those years, saw them get married, become mothers, and raise families of their own. Frankie now has 6 amazing grandchildren and gets to tell them stories about their Grandma Sheila.
While it wasn’t a detailed filled, long story it was one that amazed me and gave me goose bumps. Here’s a lady who just lost 1 of her best friends but knew that her daughters needed a mom. She accepted the ultimate responsibility and changed the course of her own life in order to shape the lives of her friends daughters.
While cancer is a horrible disease, it is amazing to see the positive things that come out of tragedy. Everywhere we turn we have a cancer connection; it’s what we do with those connections that make a difference. Let’s keeping making positive connections! The doctors and researchers can keep working on better treatments and cures and we can keep working to minimize the emotional toll that cancer inflicts on all of us.
Frankie, thank you for being willing to share your story with the world.
Thank you for making our story part of your story! My name is Amber, Sheila is my mom, and Frankie is my stepmom. It’s been almost 22 years since my mom lost her battle with Leukemia. She and my Dad fought hard, but in the end, the cancer won. Thanks to cancer research they now have a very effective way to treat the type of Leukemia she had, I would like to believe that cases like my moms have helped. My sister and I were very lucky to have so many positive influences in our lives. Our dad is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known, and Frankie is one of the most giving and kind person on the planet. May your upcoming adventure be safe and fulfilling!
Hi, My name is Kim and Sheila was my moms best friend…It seems like yesterday, that me and my sister were having a sleepover at my house with Sheila’s 2 daughters. I cant believe its been 21 years…Sheila’s 2 daughters were very blessed to have someone like Frankie come into their lives….It brings me such happiness to know that there really are huge advances being made by cancer research..I love knowing that someone else with this form of Leukemia might have a better chance of survival because of Sheila’s fight…Thank you for bringing more awareness in your journey…!!