Connie M. Hicks: 2012/02

Welcome & Thank You for Visiting

Welcome & Thank You for Visiting

On August 16th, 2011, three days before her 44th birthday, Connie was diagnosed with "Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 3". In other words, breast cancer.

Battling cancer, no matter what form, is a difficult and frightening time for both those with the disease and their loved ones. Having strong moral support is important for everyone involved.

As the reality sinks in and we adjust to the new landscape, we realize we can't do this alone. We're reaching out to ask you for your moral support as Connie prepares to do battle with breast cancer.

Through this blog, we'll post updates on Connie's progress and offer a place for you to send words of encouragement and messages of support.

The burden of added medical expenses on top of day-to-day living expenses is mountainous. As a family, we're doing everything we can, but still it isn't enough. We're calling all angels who might consider donating to a fund for Connie and her family to relieve some of the stress so that Connie can concentrate on her recovery and get back to doing what she does best as loving mother, partner, sister, caregiver and friend.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Spring is in the air

Hello,

Despite what the groundhog says, Spring is in the air. I can feel it, and there are days when I can even smell it. I can't wait. Spring brings with it new flowers and fresh starts. Even more importantly, this Spring will bring an end to Connie's chemo treatments. Six more after this past Tuesday. Connie is handling the treatments well and deals with the side effects of nausea, dizziness and headaches with her character strength and sense of humor. I'm very proud of her. After the last chemo treatment she will have to wait two weeks before she undergoes surgery to remove the tumor. There is still a chance that radiation may be necessary to remove any lingering cells but we won't know that until after the surgery. Until then, we remain positive and focus on all of our blessings, for the coming of Spring and the promise of new beginnings.

All our best,
Kelly

About Connie

Connie is my little sister and the youngest of five girls in our family. She is a devoted and loving mother to now three-year-old Chloe Mae, the light of our lives. Along with her partner and soulmate, Robert, they have made their life and home together, along with Rudy, their rescued westie and their four cats, Greta, Tikka, Jasmine and Lucy in the beautiful community of Spring Green, WI.

As the Activity Director at Greenway Terrace, a local assisted living center in Spring Green, Connie organizes daily activities to name but a few: daily exercise, community field trips, spirited bingo games, country drives, evening happy hours and holiday family gatherings for her second family, as they have come to be known. For the past six years I have witnessed first hand the difference she makes in the lives of the residents through her loving care, sense of humor and endless compassion. My visits for morning coffee, when I'm able to attend, have made a difference in my life as well. Whether it's hearing Connie read the inspirational quotes for the day or discussing any range of topics from jelly making, to the height of the corn, to politics, I know the residents agree, Connie makes a lasting impression.

When she's given so much to others and has asked so little in return, it doesn't seem fair. I know that she'll handle this though with the same character strengths she is known by; love for her family, compassion for others and her signature sense of humor.

Kelly Hicks-Landes, along with
Kathy Miller,
Carol Engel &
Karla Hicks