This last week has been filled with much anxiety as I woke up every morning and went to bed every evening expecting a call from my best friend informing me that her mother had finally lost her 5 year battle with cancer.
I got that call Saturday morning around 9:45.
Rosemary is one of the bravest people I've ever met, and I didn't even know her for most of her fight against ovarian cancer. The stories Emily shared with me were inspirational. Rosemary was a fighter. She didn't let anything stand in her way. This woman was diagnosed five years ago with stage four terminal ovarian cancer. When the cancer spread to her brain, she continued to fight. She continued to work at the Oklahoma Blood Institute up until the day of her stroke, and lived nearly a year and a half after. She was beloved by so many.
She raised three girls who are a tribute to her.
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| Emily and Rosemary |
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| Beautiful Rosemary |
The Heels for Hope Foundation was created in honor of Rosemary Persa. Every September, people don their heels and race for a cure for ovarian cancer. If you would like, head over and check out the Heels for Hope website, give them some love on their Facebook page, or even donate.
We love you Rosemary! You are a brilliant light, a beautiful soul. I didn't know you very long, but you changed my life and gave me one of the best friends I could have ever had. Your family is such a beautiful gift to me and I can't thank you enough for them.
I"m so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteHI Ashley ... losing a friend, who is your best friend's mother, is and will be challenging - that sinking feeling and loss you experience, yet know that her family will be struggling with their grief ...
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts to you and to Rosemary's family ... Hospices do amazing caring, healing and nurturing work in those dark days ... I love the name The Heels for Hope Foundation ... and a great website creation for everyone to remember the ravages of Ovarian Cancer ... thank you for highlighting Emily and her mother for us - Hilary
I'm so sorry. She sounds like an amazing woman.
ReplyDeleteYou can tell from her photos she's a warm and fun person. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family. Sending hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear about your loss. She looks like a lovely lady in those pictures. Please hang in there and take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this, my thoughts and prayers are w/your friend and her family. Mothers are so amazing and important, and their passing always leaves such a giant hole in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteShe was a beautiful woman - so sorry for your loss and particularly your friend's loss.
ReplyDeleteYep...I've known Rosemary for, gosh, 23 yrs or so, and let me tell you---she was a force! I will always remember her and her vivaciousness! She will be missed!!!
ReplyDelete---Michelle Hyde
Wow, what a lady Rosemary must have been. God bless her and may she rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteSincere condolences to her family - and you, too, Ashley.
So sad . . . I felt a deep pang and send my deepest condolences to you and Rosemary's family during this difficult period. Rosemary's legacy lives through her family and friends. Oh, what a terrific woman -- and fighter. . . to fight ovarian cancer that long! May she rest in peace.
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