Guest post by Lisa Frank. You can follow Lisa on Twitter and find out more about what she’s up to on her blog.
I am intrigued that a location or a song can remind me of a loved one so much that I can almost feel their presence.
The sewing room in my parents’ home holds much more than fabric and books. On the back wall hangs a meticulously pieced quilt and the sewing machine is always at the ready. Bookcases overflow with design books collected over a lifetime of creating handmade items.
I can walk into the room, close my eyes and immediately feel connected to my mom – crafting is her passion. Over the last three years and through her frequent hospitalizations, this room has also become my refuge. Sometimes I pray, sometimes I cry and other times I just run my hands over the last things she touched. Amidst all what to me is the essence of my mom, I have to face one undeniable fact: my mom has cancer and a cure is not in sight.
Nothing in life prepares you for the illness of someone you love and the moment of diagnosis becomes forever ingrained in your mind. In the fall of 2006 my mom was diagnosed with myelofibrosis , an extremely rare form of cancer that impacts only 1-2 people in every hundred thousand. Our lives now play out on either side of that diagnosis – the before and the after.
Life in the after has involved many difficult times, such as seeing my mom persevere through, among other things, a splenectomy, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. The times have been gracious as well. I will never again underestimate the strength of both of my parents and I will always treasure seeing the way my father has cared for my mom.
Finding A Cause For Hope
Given the opportunity, I would love for my mom to not be ill. While that is not possible and I often feel helpless, I find strength and purpose in channeling my energy toward the A Cause for Hope project.
This project aims to contribute funds for myeloproliferative disease research through the collection and resale of handmade items. Donations go to the MPD Foundation and 100% of new funds raised goes toward research. What better way to honor and involve my mom than through incorporating her love of things handmade. To date, we have collected close to $650 through the sale of these gifted pieces at craft fairs and in our Etsy shop.
My mom created over 50 pieces for the project so far to give back and help others with her disease. The next phases of my mom’s illness are still unknown, but she continues to fight, be strong and create her beautiful handmade pieces.
I encourage you to learn more about A Cause for Hope and if you feel compelled, to spread the word about our mission.
Laura used to work with my mom at a doctor’s office in our home town. Since learning about my mom’s illness, she has followed the ups and downs. Laura – thank you so much for this opportunity and for being such an amazing and supportive friend.
How have you discovered hope in difficult times? We’d love to hear your strength and story.
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