LungLeavin’ Day

Yesterday I heard a story about a mom, a dad and a little girl and I thought others should hear it too. It’s a story about cancer and courage and perseverance.

Eight years ago the mom, Heather, was diagnosed with mesothelioma which is a rare cancer that kills most people within 2 years of diagnosis. Heather was 36 and had just given birth to the little girl, Lily and was only given 15 months to live. Heather had successful surgery that included removal of her lung and on February 2, she, Lily and Cameron, the dad, celebrated her eighth cancer free year.

This family celebrates with something they invented and call “LungLeavin’ Day.” Every year on the anniversary of Heather’s surgery, they gather around a fire in their backyard along with friends and family. Everyone there writes their biggest fears on a plate and then they take turns smashing those plates into the fire. They started LungLeavin’ Day as a celebration of life and a way to confront their fears but have now turned it into a fundraiser for mesothelioma awareness. This past year over 75 people attended and they raised more than $4500.00 for the cause.

I love to hear stories about people who have beaten their disease and their diagnosis. I have such admiration for the courage and strength they display and the inspiration they create for others. The Von St. James family has setup an interactive webpage that tells the story of their battle with cancer and of LungLeavin’ Day. It is very well done and you should all take a look at it. Cameron also has a blog of his own where he posts about being a dad, husband and caregiver.

Congratulations to Heather, Cameron and Lily and to all cancer survivors and families. Let’s make more of them!

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