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Lucky to Live Here

On a cold January evening in 2016, I received a call from my daughter’s oncologist that would change my family’s life forever. She was calling to tell me my youngest child, who also happens to have Down syndrome, had blood work results that required us to pack our bags and head into the Emergency Department at 10at night. That evening we would begin the long, two-plus year journey that goes along with a leukemia diagnosis.

I would quickly learn the reality of cancer (leukemia is a blood cancer). I also learned the meaning of community, as our friends, family and even strangers reached out and gathered around us to show support. Gifts for seven-year-old Chloe and her siblings started rolling in. Donations of food, money, and time surrounded us and we began to understand how lucky we are to be in this town. Fundraisers and pep rallies were organized and support from our community helped us to focus on what we needed most—to heal.

On May 24, 2018, Chloe took her last dose of chemotherapy and became an official survivor. I honestly believe we couldn’t have done it without the love and support of our community. We are lucky to live here. Lucky to be in a town that understands the meaning of community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

As a way of thanking the community, we will be holding a celebration in honor of Chloe, and a fundraiser to give back by providing chemo-friendly apparel to pediatric cancer patients free of charge. I encourage your readers to join us Saturday, June 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus East Creek Landing Banquet Facility. The event is free and open to the public. Facebook users can visit Fight for Chloe for more information.

Amy Mason-Mann

Guilford