Perhaps one of the unsung heroes in Angelina's decision to have a double masectomy is her Aunt Debbie. Debbie is Angelina's Mom's sister. When Angelina's mother Marcheline (then already suffering from cancer), discovered she had a defective gene that is linked to both breast and ovarian cancer, she urged Debbie to take the test that would determine if Debbie had the defective gene as well. Debbie's test showed she did have the defective gene, so she elected to have her ovaries removed in hopes of side-stepping the same cancer that Marcheline had. No doubt this act of courage helped Angelina with her decision to have a double masectomy.
Debbie did manage to dodge ovarian cancer but unfortunately was not as lucky with breast cancer. She is now stage 4. The good news is that Debbie has a fighting chance if we can find her the very best medical care. And you may find this hard to believe hard to believe, but it isn't that easy for her. Like many people, she has been turned away from numerous life saving programs and clinical trials. My hope is raising awareness to her situation will open some doors for her. If you are anyone you know can provide any suggestions, We are all ears!!!
2 comments:
I attended grammer school with Marcia Bertrand. She lived on Wabash Avenue in Riverdale, IL, I lived a few blocks east and another couple blocks south in Dolton, IL - a five minute walk. These two subdivisions, Dolton and Riverdale were immediately south of the Chicago boundry. In short, Marcia lived in a house a couple of minutes from Chicago . We attended St. Marys Catholic Grammer School in Chicago and, as I recall, she attended all 8 years - First Grade thru 8th Grade and we graduated together. I knew her but not terribly well. In any given school year at St Marys, there were two classrooms - a 6th Grade A & B, a Seventh Grade A & B and so on, and, as ill-luck would have it, Marcia was usually in the A class and I in the B. In many ways, we were opposites in St Marys - she the smart one, I...not so smart; she the pretty one...I not so pretty; she the popular one...I - you guessed it.
The bowling alley her parents owned was on 138th Street in Riverdale, again, a five minute walk from St Marys. It was a small bowling alley - nothing to write home about and brag on and after school I believe she would go to the bowling alley. I would sometimes walk by her house on Wabash, hoping to see her outside, but never did. In 7th and 8th grade, I became a crossing guard for St Marys and the usual high point of my morning was seeing Marcia and helping her cross the street.
Our lives barely crossed in any intimate or memorable way. We both served as a backdrop to each other's lives in those early years. But Marcia was unforgettable, truly beautiful in her very young teenage years, very sweet, graceful and quiet, and on occasion, would slip you a shy smile that I sometimes still think about. Much has been said here about how special Marcia was and I believe every word - it was evident back in her St. Mary's days. Even in her tender years, there was a magic to her. Like the rest of the population, I read of her battle with cancer and her early passing and though my memories of her are few, they come to mind when I see a photo of Angeline.
Its been nearly 50 years since I last saw Marcia and don't find it odd in the least that I still, on occasion think of her. I'm betting she had that effect on many people throughout her life. I hope she takes comfort in the knowledge that she is so well remembered.
Ron
Rockford, IL
I just read about Angies Aunt passing. I thought ANGIE did right by her children doing the surgery. This makes it even more so. I am sad for Angies family here in this physical world but she now walks with Marcheline and they can play and run and dance together. GOD Bless you all.
JULIE ALONSO
OREGON CITY
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