After I told this story to some of my nurse friends, one of them contacted our local newspaper. One columnist promised he would write their story, but added, “This will be my last column of this sort. These stories just don’t sell papers anymore.”
That’s when Becky, our determined angel, arrived. She was a vibrant, talkative and charming volunteer. We talked, and immediately she had some excellent ideas. As we concluded our conversation, she said, “Oh, by the way, I have cancer, but I’m under treatment.”
Despite her condition, Becky took charge. She not only found housing for Olga and her f***ly, but also helped with everything else they need. I asked myself, how could this woman do so much when she had such difficulties of her own?
Becky got the children enrolled in a bilingual program and was able to find the mother a job close to home. When winter set in, Becky would go home from work, start dinner, check on the children and then call Olga’s mother to see if she had a ride home from the hospital. If she didn’t, Becky would bring her home.
In April 2000, I was invited to attend the annual Jefferson Awards luncheon. Five outstanding volunteers from each state are nominated, and one is selected to represent his or her state in the national competetition in Washington, D. C. Not only was Becky chosen, but she also won the top award. She not only helped this f***ly in need, but she also helped others fight their own battles with cancer.
In 1998, Becky was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The doctors weren’t optimistic, but she was strong-willed and determined. Today, she continues to share her experiences, heartaches and triumphs. She is constantly placing the concerns and care of others before her own.
Becky is living proof that the human spirit can be remarkabl