In February 2003, my mom was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. She was immediately hospitalized and went through months of treatment. While she was still in the hospital, my brother passed away from complications from idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. In 2006, my mom was told the leukemia was back full force and that she needed a bone marrow transplant. After months of waiting, Mom had her transplant in October 2006. It was a long, hard road, but she fought and made it through.
My father was a rock through all of this. He stayed by Mom's side, was there for her emotionally, physically and mentally. This July, my parents will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, and my dad decided to make it a trip to St. Lucia for 10 days. My dad has taught me the true meaning of life and love.
— Jacqueline, Endicott, New York
