Embracing
Emily
Becoming
a mother is the most important thing I have ever done or will ever do
in my life. From the moment I knew I was expecting each of my three
children, the first thing I did as their mother, was to pray for
them. I prayed that they be healthy and happy, along with so much
more. Hoping that the good Lord would watch over and protect them
all the days of their lives.
In
2009, my beautiful vibrant, independent 27 year old daughter Emily
had decided it was time to pursue her Master’s Degree at Cambridge
University. At the time, she was employed at Easter Seals working
with children with autism. She studied in Boston the summer before
her and our lives changed forever. Emily was so excited to be
starting a new phase in her already busy life. Furthering her
education is so important for her, broadening her career choices in
special education, particularly in the area closest to her heart,
Autism. Emily was determined to make it happen. Sadly at the same
time, she had discovered a sizable lump in her breast.
We
were doing our best not to let the fear take over, constantly praying
for Emily as we waited for her biopsy results. I will never forget
the day she received the call…Emily, her sister, and myself were
standing in the kitchen when her phone rang. We silently stood close
by, holding our breath, trying to keep our composure. The call was
brief and directly to the point. We knew that at this very moment
things were about to change. Emily turned her back to us, and then
sat down in the chair. When she looked up at us with a nervous grin,
her beautiful eyes shed only the few tears she would allow herself to
cry. She said “it’s positive, I have breast cancer”.
There
is no way to brace yourself to hear this kind of life changing
horrible news, especially when it’s about your child. Emily needed
us not to panic, but rather to become her faithful advocates. We all
became task-oriented, considering which doctors she would select,
planning out questions to ask, and learning as much as we could fast!
Above all, we just wanted Emily to know that we are here for her and
that we will do whatever to support her through this difficult time.
You
could see how Emily’s quiet strength and positive attitude was
helping her mentally prepare for the many difficult decisions she
would have to make, as she battles through this health crisis she is
facing. I remember her doctors telling her, that when breast cancer
is diagnosed in young women, it tends to be very aggressive, and that
they would need to be aggressive back with their treatment. In
November 2009 on Thanksgiving Day, Emily underwent a bilateral
mastectomy with breast reconstruction. Many of Em’s closest
friends were there to see her off and to spend the day with us, as we
waited for her safe return from surgery. For those of us who love
Emily, we knew how much she had just sacrificed to fight this battle
with cancer. We were all truly thankful to see her being wheeled
towards us all, she had the sweetest smile on her face as she gently
waved both hands to greet her biggest fans!!
After
recovering from surgery, Em’s doctor explained that if she wanted
the option of having children one day, she could consider harvesting
and preserving her eggs. However, this would need to be done before
her chemotherapy and radiation therapies. Emily once again pulled
through a very uncomfortable and painful process. During all of
this, she decided to move forward with her education, in addition to
returning to work. She missed working and wanted to still achieve
the goals she had set for herself.
In
May 2012, Emily noticed she was becoming very forgetful, often
writing herself reminder notes and then started having extreme back
and leg pain. Waiting helplessly, as we watch Emmy struggle through
the pain and no doubt the anxiety, praying that when we the doctor
enters, she doesn’t tell us what we fear the most. There are not
enough words to express how we all feel as we hear them tell Em that
her cancer has spread to her brain and spine. The silence in the
room after the heartbreaking news, as we all cry with her our hearts
broken and our emotions carried with fear. Emily did everything her
cancer treatment involved and with a positive attitude. Controlling
her pain was the first plan of action, then immediately starting
whole brain and spine radiation for a month in a half.
This
battle of her cancer has been life altering, especially considering
all that Emily has lost, the dreams she has put on hold, along with
all that she has to endure each and every day. Her journey has been
difficult to say the least and her sacrifices have been many. Yet it
is rare to ever hear her complain or be in a bad mood. Always here
for her family and friends, spending abundant time with her one and
only nephew, who just absolutely loves his “Emmy” to pieces.
I
knew early on that my sweet, spunky, beautiful child has a brave and
courageous soul. Emily has always been strong, but gentle. I’m
not surprised that she has inspired and touched so many with her
gracious and generous spirit. Her genuine and true heart, always
willing to “lend a hand” and politely, but firmly speaking out
against mistreatment of others. I have seen Em bring calm where
there is chaos and comfort where there is pain. Her inner beauty can
light the darkest of places, while her laughter is contagious. Emily
chooses to carry herself with a positive manner, making her a “can
do” kind of girl. She is adventurous, creative, inventive,
fun-loving, considerate, fair, and kind, not to mention a zest for
life.
Emily
is so very precious to me. I am so proud and happy to call this
remarkable woman my daughter and friend. She is everything you could
ever hope for as a daughter, sister, auntie, friend, and so much
more. I love her with every beat of my heart and every breath that I
have in me, she will always have my complete devotion and love. I
respect and admire who she is and how she walks through this life.
If I could change one thing, it would be to have Emily cancer-free.
I hope that she never feels alone, that she knows we will all be
strong for her and with her, and never stop seeking the answers to
help her continue her battle with this dreadful disease.
This
benefit is a great opportunity for us all to gather around to
“Embrace Emily”, uplift her with our continued prayers and show
her our love and support!!!
On
behalf of Emily and her family, we want to thank you all in advance
for your generosity and friendship. We would like to offer our
sincerest gratitude from the bottom of our hearts.
From
the Mother of Emily Klaus,