My name is Anne Ehrlich and this year our whole family is participating in the Komen
Milwaukee Race for the Cure® in memory of my daughter Heidi Marie Koehler. Heidi
was diagnosed with breast cancer on Valentine's Day 2003. She first had chemotherapy
with the hope that this would shrink her tumor. She got very sick from the chemotherapy,
but she said she could take it if it would help her fight. Then in June she had
a mastectomy, followed with more rounds of chemo.
Everything seemed to be going well for her, but then in October 2004 she was having
trouble with her back. She went to see her oncologist who after more tests informed
her that the cancer had gone to her spine. She always had a very good attitude that
she would have many years with her loved ones.
Our entire family did the 3k walk with her in September 2005 even though she had
to do it in her scooter since she couldn't walk much anymore. Our group of 5 raised
almost $7,000 for which she was very proud. She knew her time was limited, but she
said we had to raise as much money as possible so even though there was no cure
for her, it would help others to fight this disease. Unfortunately she took a turn
for the worse and passed away on October 1, 2005. She was only 35 years old.
My fervent hope is that with the generous donations collected every year this horrible
disease is soon eradicated before more of our loved ones are taken from us. My mother
also died from this disease after suffering for more than seven years. We all need
to very vigilant in finding a cure.
I thank you for taking the time to read our family's story and hope that in the
future no one else with have to write a tribute to someone who has lost their battle
and that all the stories are ones of survival.
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