Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.
I am fundraising to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of my Mum, Glenis, who died on 16th February 1989 aged just 32 years.
I was 18 months old when my Mum was told (after a period of misdiagnosis) that she had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, which is a form of cancer of the lymphatic system. Although my memories of childhood are sketchy, I remember the endless hospital visits and periods when she was unable to get out of bed whilst she underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and eventually a bone marrow transplant. The treatment she received was followed by a period of remission. Unfortunately, shortly before being due to receive the all clear, there was a relapse and, by that stage, the disease was terminal. Three days after my 11th birthday my Mum passed away. Looking back I realise that I was shielded from the worst of my Mum's suffering. It is only now, piecing the memories together, that I can get some understanding of what she went through bravely and without complaint.
It is difficult to explain how it feels to grow up without a Mum. The impact of her death on our family has been profound. She was an only child as was I and I know that my grandparents have never recovered from their loss. Having become a mother, and given that I am approaching the age at which my Mum's life ended, I often wonder how she felt knowing that she would have to leave me behind - this is something that I cannot even comprehend.
I do not doubt that treatment has moved on remarkably since 1989, however, there are still many people, both patients and their families, who live with the effects of Lymphoma each day. The Lymphoma Association provides accurate medical information and emotional support to those people to help them understand this disease and face their own personal journey. For many, the first they hear of Lymphatic cancer is on diagnosis, a fact that only adds to the anxiety they feel. My aim is to raise as much money as possible in my Mum's memory to help with this valuable work.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to make a donaion: Lymphoma Association gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Thank you for your support.
Michelle
