A tribute by Tonya Iovine about her mother, Valerie
I couldn’t believe when my mother called me to say that she had stage four colon cancer. It was a few days before Thanksgiving in 2006. Unfortunately, during August of 2007, my mother lost her battle with cancer.
My mother, Valerie Iovine, was an amazing woman. She was beautiful, loving, outgoing, fun to be around and full of life. She left behind an incredible family – an adoring husband and two sets of twins. Our family is determined to keep her spirit alive. We aim to raise money to help fund programs that increase awareness regarding the importance of early detection and prevention, especially among those who are uninsured. We raise money to support research for better treatments for those living with the disease. We raise money in hopes that doctors will find a cure for colorectal cancer and its complications.
This year I am getting married to a special man who I believe she handpicked for me. In my heart, I know my feisty mother is frustrated that she cannot attend my wedding. I am frustrated about this, too, and determined to raise more money than I EVER have in the past. Although my mom will not be there to celebrate on my wedding day, I know her spirit with be felt be all who share in the festivities of the day.
Like Susie who came up with the slogan “get your rear in gear”, I believe our family could make a difference if we were to raise awareness around colon cancer. In lieu of wedding favors, my fiancé and I are donating the money to fight colon cancer. Each guest will get a colon cancer bracelet attached with a note letting them know that we made a donation. My mom fought hard and I know she did not want to leave us at all. I hope sharing this story will make others go out and get their colonoscopy. Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives. It is estimated that at least 50 – 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. Maybe having my guests at my wedding see these bracelets with the donation cards will then encourage them to go get screened and tell their friends and family members do the same.