by Allyssa

As I sit here, a very dear friend of the family is fighting for her life. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2011. She had been having headaches, and people told her that she just didn't look good. Then one day while she was at work, they called for an ambulance because she experienced "drooping on the one side of her face" which turned out to be a mild stroke. At the hospital, they discovered the tumor after running tests and immediately did surgery. Since then, she had surgery to remove most of the tumor and another to reduce swelling on the brain.

Pam and her husband just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. What a wonderful couple to look up to. They have two sons and six grandchildren who they love with all of their hearts. She began radiation and chemotherapy and quite an array of other medications in which her husband monitors closely and makes sure she takes at the correct time (even calling my mom to check that Pam took her pills when they had a "girl" day getting pedicures and manicures).

My mom and Pam have been best friends since they were little girls, and I have known the family since I was a baby. To watch this process unfold and to see my mom fighting for Pam alongside her, breaks my heart. Even more overwhelming is when she was told she had to get everything in order and talk to a lawyer to get "things" together. Knowing she does not have much time, and everyday is a battle, makes me remember what my Aunt Ruth would say "take each day and squeeze the hell out of it." Keep Pam in your prayers and keep fighting the fight!