Marcheline's Sister Battling Breast Cancer

Marcheline's Sister Battling Breast Cancer 

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!!!

Remembering Marcheline on Janurary 27, 2012. Photo from a 1978 trip to Las Vegas with Bill Day. 

MARCHElINE MEMORIAL 2011

On the 4th anniversary of her death January 27, 2011, Marcheline Bertrand's life is celebrated with this series of photos, many of which have never been seen before. May she rest in peace as the star she really is. She is missed by many people.
XX
FROM MARCHELINE'S SISTER DEBBIE
Of all the deaths I've gone through within my Family I thought I would be better at embracing loss. Not being with my Sister 4 years now, and my Brother nearly 2 years, life doesn't become easier. It never will. My heart hurts and I just have to learn to slowly walk with my wounds, step by step, with a hole in my heart, yet carrying cherished memories which keep me whole and holds me up day by day.
I thank God for my Grandchildren as I now see the souls of my Family through their smiles, hugs, and loving eyes. I see you Marche! I see you Raleigh!
I love you so dearly. Forever and ever, your Sis, Deb xoxoxoxo

January 27, 2010 is the third Anniversary of Marcheline's passing. To commemorate this day, we are celebrating our memories of her with this short video.

A SISTER MISSED - Debbie Martin

To my precious sister and mentor. We shared our first bed together and we shared our first haircut at five (thanks to your gum in that bed!) You are my secret admirer, my Flash Gordon and my comforter through all our family losses since 10 years old and on, and on. We shared double dates and deep secrets. We shared our pregnancy's together and our children loving each other. You saved my life in 2004. We even shared becoming Grandmere's together in 2006. My memories of us will help mend my bleeding heart. I will feel your wings on my shoulders as you whisper to me, "It's so beautiful Here! One day our eyes will meet again and we will embrace, my little sister."

Even death won't get in the way of the love I hold so deeply in my heart for My Sister.

Debbie Martin - Escondido, California

A Brother's Wish -Raliegh Bertrand

My prayers are with my sister. I hope God makes her an
angel so she can look over us all. It hurts so very
much and I can't make the pain go away.

Raleigh Bertrand - Southern California

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS - Jade Dixon

I met Marcheline in my acting class. She was the star on stage. Everyone was magnetized by her beauty and strength. We became instant friends. At lunch one day she told me about her mother’s death, how her marriage was falling apart, and about a baby that she had miscarried. A few short weeks later I was involved in a car accident. My car was hit by a drunk driver. My face was slammed thru the wind shield. Marcheline gave me a place to live while going thru reconstructive surgery. Her children came to call me ‘Aunt Jade” When her marriage was over I helped her find an attorney for the divorce. We double dated and shared all the secrets best friends share. She took me to the playboy mansion and introduced me to Hef, Which changed my life! We went on auditions together and dreamed of being stars. When I gave birth it was Marcheline on the phone giving me instructions on how to breast feed. She was kind enough to be Godmother to both of my children. Her children are the lasting legacy to a warm loving caring generous woman. She was a tower of strength in the quietest way. I know Heaven exists because I know one day I will walk with my best friend again. This planet is a better place because of Marcheline .. She is the brightest star in the heavens. I will always be grateful for this time on earth to have known her and look forward to seeing her beautiful face again in heaven.
Jade Clark-Dixon