Remember Heather Ray
December 28, 1968 – February 24, 2010

I thought I had fought the toughest battle of my life when I survived cancer at the age of 13. I lost my leg and then endured a year and a half of brutal therapy in 1982.

Following the birth of my second child, I was diagnosed in March 2006 with breast cancer when positive nodes were found under my arm. My daughter Mackenzie was 4 months old at the time. During a year of treatment, I cared for a newborn and her sister, Madison, who was 21 months older. Once treatment was done, I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction. After doing some research, I also decided to go through genetic testing for the breast cancer gene – I felt the need to do this for my girls. Thank goodness I do not carry the gene.

In May 2008, just short of being two years clear of cancer, I found a lump under my arm. Cancer had also returned in my leg and the outer lining of my lung. The day before, I had lost my job – things weren’t going my way. By December 2008, all cancer was once again gone! I continued treatment until April 2009.

On Friday May 29th, 2009, I found a black-and-blue lump about a 1/8th of an inch thick. It was the size of the palm of my hand and located about an inch under my collar bone on top of my ribs. It appeared out of nowhere. I went to the doctor Monday, June 1, and had a CT of my neck and chest. The cancer was back. It was also in the lymph nodes in my neck. Yes, it can happen that quickly.

I obviously believe in being POSITIVE and in FIGHTING. Most importantly, I believe in LIVING. I believe my two girls need their Mom in their life. I also believe that in order to accomplish all these things, the need for continued research grows even stronger in order to find a CURE. The advancements in research and the continued funding of these advancements DO make a difference.

Heather Ray's story lives on as a reminder to continue the fight against cancer. All who loved her, knew her and were touched by her unwavering strength understand why fighting cancer is a step we all must take.