Thanks, Mom

May 04, 2011 by Brooke McMillan

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“When I was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer, my mom was there to listen to me, cheer me on and remind me I wasn’t alone. No one was more invested in my survival. She was my biggest ally and my greatest advocate.?

-Lance Armstrong

?I will never forget checking in to the hospital for the first time in my life. I was nineteen years old and I was so naïve. I was so nonchalant. Soon after we arrived very early that August morning, my mom told me that she was going to stay the night with me while I was an inpatient. I said that was not necessary and that I was clearly old enough to handle this experience on my own. After all, I was a young adult. Boy was I wrong. My mom did indeed stay with me as I underwent a chest resection and I am absolutely indebted to her for doing so. I would not be where I am today without her. She was a rock for me at that time and she has continued to be by my side every step of the way. Having lost her father to cancer at the age of nineteen, witnessed her son’s diagnosis at the same age, and stood by her husband of more than 40 years as he successfully battled cancer ? she is a true hero of mine and I am grateful for her love and support. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!?

-Doug Ulman

Would you like to pay tribute to your mom for Mother?s Day? LIVESTRONG has teamed up with 1000Memories.com so that you can set up a special page dedicated to mom and invite your whole family to share stories, memories and photos of her. You can also make a donation in honor of mom and send her an e-card to let her know ? just in time for Mother?s Day! Set up your 1000 Memories today. You will make her week.