Connie M. Hicks: 2011/11

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.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

2nd Chemo Treatment

Hi All,

I hope you all had a great Halloween. It's one of my favorite holidays. I love seeing all the kids in their costumes.

I've added a few more pictures to the blog this evening. I uploaded an oldie of all five Hicks girls. Connie is the newborn I'm holding on my lap. On the left is Carol and to the right is Kathy holding Karla. It's precious because its the only photo we have of all of us together.

As I spent quite a bit of time tonight looking through family photos I'm reminded how quickly time flies. I see dates on pictures taken several years ago now and could swear they were taken more recently. Seems like yesterday that Chloe was born. This December 26th she'll turn 4 years old.

I visited with Connie, Chloe and Robert yesterday as they were getting ready to take Chloe trick-or-treating for Halloween. She looked adorable in her Rapunzel costume. From what I hear she brought home quite the haul. Connie and Robert will have to come up with some way to ration the booty. Chloe definitely has a sweet tooth. Good luck there :-).

Connie is doing well. With Robert at her side, she'll be going in for her 2nd chemo treatment tomorrow, November 2. Her hair, despite hopes that she would be an exception, is beginning to fall out. Bring it on I say! Let it go! Let's get on with it so we can move beyond this chapter. Given the choice to fast forward to the future, I'd have to decline. Special moments are interwoven within each day creating a beautiful tapestry that is our life together as a family and a community. I for one don't want to miss those moments. Cancer has made life more vivid. It's making us stronger. It's forcing us to put our priorities in order and sending gentle reminders along the way of what's really important. Those are some big lessons.

Connie would love to hear from you. Package up your love and strength, good wishes and prayers and send them FedEx Overnight. Together, we can do so much more.

Good night. Sleep tight.

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