My journey started 21 years ago. At the age of 43, I was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. At the time, I just received my black belt in karate, I was working part time, I was raising three little kids and taking care of my husband, Dave, that worked incredibly hard.

I knew I needed a miracle. that’s when the first three F’s came into my life… Faith, family and friends.

My faith gave me hope. My family and friends gave me love. Those three virtues, Faith, Hope and love, gave me the will to fight to create a miracle….I named this cancer Gus so I could talk to him every day.

I was able to watch my kids grow. I saw them graduate from grade school and high school and I felt blessed every day for this miracle.

Then the next  journey with cancer began again.

In 2011, another diagnosis.  This time was breast cancer.

I went to my back deck and screamed at God! I think he heard me!

Then I realized he had already given me the gift to be there for my children. Bobby, Amanda and Jason. They are my whole reason to stay alive.  I named this cancer Gert…

Carbone (and my God) gave me another chance to watch them graduate from college, get married, and witness my beautiful granddaughter, Willa being brought into this world. I was able to see my children become wonderful responsible adults. What a joy!

God wasn’t quite done with me yet.

In April 2024, a new diagnosis of stage 3B lung cancer was my next challenge. I named this cancer Wilbur…

Carbone was my social life again…

How blessed we are to have this facility of HOPE and LIFE available to us…

Those physicians and employees not only have helped save lives but they have become our friends and comrades in this fight.

Treatments are finally done. Prayers to the Virgin Mary and my savior are at an all time high. By the time you read this, we will know if the treatment’s worked.

Nothing is impossible. There are miracles every day. Be grateful for the breath you take. Be humbled by the journey that awaits you. And may you be blessed with happiness, laughter, joy, grace, Faith, Hope and Love…

You are

BRAVER than you believe

STRONGER than you seem

SMARTER than you think and

LOVED more than you know