Mothers Who Inspire…

I am HER.   We are HER.  Today we celebrate HER; you know her right? That over the top, incredible, amazing Mom.  These nine Inspiring Mothers (some food allergy and asthma types, some not) have been dished up some tough health challenges, either their own, spouse or child(ren) and with grace and unstoppable strength they never ceased being phenomenal mothers.  Grab a cup of tea and scroll down to meet fabulous women who are just as amazing as you!  This blog is much longer than usual since honoring Mothers should never be rushed!  Make sure you read to the end, Dori’s son wrote about his mom and it is beautiful.  Zac has an air-borne life threatening peanut allergy and is an incredible young man.

Leadership

It is Up to You to Illuminate the World-Phillippe Venier

Lauren Klein

“This is a 24/7 job to keep your child breathing and alive, ” Lauren explained.  She should be running a multi-million dollar powerhouse corporation in New York City (trust me, I’m not exaggerating, she does part-time consulting work with fortune 500 companies all over the world).  Instead, she chose to be Mom first and live in quiet Reno, Nevada with her two children and husband.   After a botched surgery, Lauren lost her ability to speak.  During her healing process, on a trip to Mexico with her children to visit her husband’s family (hubby was not on this trip), her four-year old  daughter had trouble breathing and was in distress.  Unable to speak in general, let alone speak in Spanish, she managed to get to the hospital to discover her child’s breathing was at 60%!  This was the beginning of a journey of severe asthma, emergency room visits, late night nebulizer treatments and a life threatening peanut allergy-in addition to environmental allergies that trigger asthma.  Her daughter’s asthma and food allergies are under control but raising a teenager might be the bigger challenge at this moment!
HER motto:  Make a difference first, make money later.
What makes HER day beautiful: Realizing how much I have to offer the world and attempting to give, serve and engage with passion in everything I do.
What inspires HER:  Courage, authenticity and honest leadership.  Creativity, the smell of the ocean and the sound of children laughing.
HER secret to life: Suspend judgement and grant trust.  Life is much easier to live if you are able to do these things.
Lauren’s daughter is 12 years old now and her younger sister is an incredible support in helping keeping peanuts away from her sister as well as asthma triggers.  Lauren  wrote an easy read short book called Peeled Apart to Find the Heart that highlights her love affair with Mangoes (yes, you heard me right) and how food is the common thread to life in her family.  I never knew about her inability to speak until I read the book!  Lauren could have jumped on the corporate lifestyle to earn insane levels of financial success, but instead, she kept her Mom hat squarely on, consults, volunteers her time on local boards, leads debate club and makes a mean Mango salsa…based on HER schedule!  I truly appreciate and enjoy watching her keep her priorities straight-never wavering.

Courage

Cheryl Krauter

Being diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast cancer in 2007, Cheryl endured surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  Her son was 14 years old at the time, leaving the planet was not an option for HER. Thankfully, her plans matched up with reality and she is in remission.  She still suffers from peripheral neuropathy as the result of treatment, in addition to pain in the surgery areas.   Cheryl explained, “through it all and into current time, I attempt to manage it all with some grace and humor.  Sometimes wine does help…”
HER motto:  Breathe
What makes HER day beautiful: The faces of my husband, son and dog along with the glimpses of light, color and beauty that catch me by surprise and fill me with wonder each day.
What inspires HER:  Courage in the face of suffering.
HER secret to life: I think that women should disappear from their day-to-day lives and go where no knows you and no one needs anything from you.
Cheryl’s son is now 18 and in college!  She survived puberty along with an aggressive cancer and I must share that Cheryl was a gorgeous bald-headed woman.  Not everyone earns that title!   I personally look up to Cheryl and John’s (her hubby) parenting style and can openly and freely say that they mentor me with my son Cyrus.  When it was time to talk about S-E-X, they mailed me invaluable books to share with him.  Cheryl did take off her hat to let her  bald head breathe one hot summer at the Lake, but she never took off her Mother hat and remains one of my most favorite balanced, grounded wine loving Moms on the planet!

Strength

Clear Your Mind of Can’t-Samuel Johnson

Thanita Glancey

Managing her own autoimmune disease which affects her thyroid and leaves her with debilitating migraines with many triggers, including heat and sun has not slowed Thanita down!  I swear, I get tired for her when I read her endless Facebook blogs of her leading food allergy awareness lectures, securing proclamations from her State Governor for  food allergy awareness week, chairing her local food allergy support group, advocating, or just for fun…doing web design!?  Does this girl sleep and why does she always have great hair?  Thanita’s oldest child (of three) has asthma and severe environmental and pet dander allergies while her youngest had multiple  life threatening food allergies, in addition to allergies to the cold, the environment and pet dander!  Just managing her family should be more than enough, but no, Thanita finds HER Wonder Woman strength and forges on to make a difference in her community!
HER motto:  She has many mottos, but has narrowed it down: if what you are doing is right for children, then it is the right thing to do.  Am I perfect?  No, of course not but I try to remember this motto when I come across a tough decision.
What makes HER day beautiful: When my family is happy.  We could be doing nothing in particular or something spectacular, but when my kids are laughing and joking, it totally makes my day.
What inspires HER:  All her children!
Thanita said, “I never really knew my strength until I had my third child.  After her diagnosis, I felt lost, alone and scared out of my mind.  It was because of her ability to push on, that made me understand, I can manage this too.  After several reactions, she always seems to bounce back.  She has this drive to go back to her normal and not be defined by her disability but by her character.  It is truly inspirational to see such a young child push through her own fears and move on.”  I just adore how Thanita allows herself to be inspired by a child and then takes her job as Mom to new levels of respect and learning!  Just amazing!

Extraordinary

Simply, the thing that I am shall make me live-William Shakespeare

Marion Hammond

Boring and Ordinary are what Marion doctor’s call her now.  Twelve years ago during her initial OB appointment, her doctor said, Yea!  You’re pregnant and I feel something on your thyroid.   Her biopsy confirmed thyroid cancer and surgery showed the tumor had metastasized into her lymph nodes as well as grown into neck and chest cavity.  She had to wait until her eldest was born to begin radiation, which placed her in isolation from her newborn daughter for five weeks! More radiation was needed to take care of some residual cancer.  After nine years, she had her second surgery where she became ordinary.  Which is hardly the word to describe this tall, intelligent, fun-loving creative mother of three!  Even though she lived with the future second surgery hanging over her head, she remained über mother of the year, taking annual Halloween pictures of her kids that adorn her walls along with endless artwork, planning outings and teaching her daughters that life truly is grand.  Marion volunteers so many hours at school I was afraid to ask how many over the last 12 years has she donated.
HER motto:  I wear a bracelet everyday which my mother gave me after we discovered that we hadn’t knocked out all of the cancer the first time and that I needed more radiation (and isolation from the family).  It’s a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  I chew on that thought every single day.
What makes HER day beautiful: A snuggle with my children, a kiss from my husband, a hug from my mother, entertaining coffee chats with my friends and chocolate!
What inspires HER:  My husband who works so hard for our family, but always has a smile for us.  My children, who are crazy, independent, funny little girls who make me laugh every single day.  My mother who is selfless, loving woman, who raised me on her own through really hard times.  They keep me “in the game” and inspire me to TRY and be a better person.  That and my faith which has seen me through all of this and more, and always been a rock to lean on and the proverbial shelter in the storm.
HER secret to life:  I have NO IDEA what the secret to life is!  I just hope it has something to do with trying your best each day.  Help someone out.  Lift someone’s spirits. Share a laugh.  Share a donut.  Hug.

Twelve years and three children later Marion is cancer free and can be caught frequently in Starbucks and Doughboy Donuts.  Thankfully, these are both in the same shopping center!  Marion’s zest for life is contagious.  She has us all believing that a chocolate glazed donut IS the holy grail!  I still can not place myself in her shoes, it is beyond what my mind can wrap around.  She is an inspiring, determined and a real mom who hosted a party in honor of Will and Kate’s Marriage.  Need I say more?

Determination

Look the World Straight in the Eye-Helen Keller

Betty Flores

At six months old, Betty’s beautiful baby girl was diagnosed with an incredibly long list of life threatening food allergies, in addition to severe eczema.  Betty explained, “I used to think Oh My God, what did I do wrong to pass this on this illness to my child; when is it going to go away?  I don’t know how to take care of her.  Soon Betty learned how to care for her baby and instead of being an island, she sought out other mothers in her community who were in the same situation.  She walked the “It Takes a Village” talk!  The group of moms made a difference in their lives as she learned more and received support from fellow moms.  Nowadays, her daughter’s health has improved, she has outgrown some of her food allergies and her eczema is no longer out of control.  I am was in awe of how resourceful Betty and Rigo (her husband) were, they were going to find day-to-day solutions to help them bring their daughter to good health.  They never stopped pursuing information, no matter what life tossed to them, they just keep moving forward.
HER motto:  Listen to your children’s voices and laughter.
What makes HER day beautiful: A big smile!
What inspires HER:  Life, people who see life in a positive way, no matter what.  People that go the extra mile to help others.
HER secret to life:  Betty didn’t share her secret, but if I had to guess at one, it would be determination.
Betty and her husband now have a son and still no matter what, they continue to be part of our food allergy village and contribute endlessly to our community.  Even as far as volunteering to wear the Easter Bunny Costume at our Annual Eggless Egg Hunt. Trust me, no one wants to be the Bunny since the mask is painfully hot!  I admire Betty’s creative thinking and determination to get her daughter’s health back on track by reaching out to others living in her boots, in addition to seeking top-notch medical care.  She is one resource determined momma with a great success story!

Unstoppable

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face-Eleanor Roosevelt

Anna Holder

“It is a sobering moment when a neurosurgeon, flanked by ominous looking hospital staff whispering amongst themselves, tells you, “Whatever, you need to say to your husband.  Do it now.  I’m going to give you a few minutes before we take him back.”  Back.  As in back for surgery on just discovered complicated subdermal hematomas.  The “worst” this doctor had ever seen. With tears softly rolling down his face, and mine, Harold and I shared a few moments before he was wheeled back for surgery.  Little did we know that the surgery would be the easy part”.   Thankfully, Harold survived surgery and moved from the ICU to Rehab since he needed to learn how to use his body again.  Her son Charlie did not miss school or any of his activities during this ordeal and he visited his father at 7:30 am every morning before school.  For Harold, brushing his teeth used to take 3 or 4 minutes, now it took 30 to 40 minutes.  Recovery was brutal and also amazing.  Harold actually wrote an inspiring book about his recovery called Please Leave the Lights On: An Incredible Story of Recovering from Traumatic Brain Surgery.  After reading the book, I’ve come to realize that Harold and Anna were so in sync during his recovery even though he couldn’t fully speak right away.  Now that is true unspoken love.
HER motto:  Life is not a dress rehearsal.  Each day is a gift and we can not go back and change our words or behavior.
What makes HER day beautiful: Each day that everyone wakes up healthy, that I’m greeted by a wet nose (often at 5:30am-ugh), laughter from Charlie (yes, he wakes up in a good mood everyday) and a healthy husband makes the day beautiful.  A great pedicure helps too.
What inspires HER:  The lives of my friends as I witness their joys, trials, tribulations and triumphs, I am humbled and inspired.
HER secret to life: Never, NEVER let the day go by without telling your children how much they are loved, how special and unique they are and how honored you are to be their mother.  Yes, ladies, I am serious, everyday.  A child who is loved, who feels loved, can and will grow up believing in themselves.  There is no greater gift to the world than our children.  Who they become depends largely on what they believe they can accomplish and that starts with you, with Mom.
Anna had to hold the family unit together and keep the flow of family life moving forward.  This was her mission two years ago and is her mission today.  Physically and mentally encouraging her husband to recovery while managing her household was sometimes tough and chaotic, but they made it!  Anna never stopped and yelled, “Calgon take me away”, she took each day one at a time and never missed a beat.  Keeping her family bonded and together was her goal and bravo to Anna–she succeeded!
 

Resilient

There is nothing we can’t live down, rise above or overcome-Ella Wheeler-Wilcox

Loren McCormac

Since birth, Loren’s sweet little boy had eczema.  By the age of three, he was also diagnosed with life threatening food allergies to dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts.  Unknown to Loren and her husband, when her son was placed on steroids at five months, it was the beginning of the hard times they are living with right now. Their son Kline is currently experiencing Red Skin Syndrome or steroid withdrawal and it could take up until next spring for his skin to clear up.  For those who are unfamiliar, living with severe eczema is the same as living in Dante’s Inferno.  There is no relief, their skin is painful, often bleeding, itching, burning…all at the same time.  There is no relief!  There is no “have a good night’s sleep”.  Eczema never turns off.  Often Staph infections are contracted, once my son’s classmate ended up in the ICU for week from an infection thanks to her eczema.  Here is a photo of Kline’s skin so you can better understand…
 
HER motto:  Question Authority!  Follow your gut!
What makes HER day beautiful: Knowing that each day we are closer to my son’s red skin syndrome being cured!  And we will be over this hellish part of our life.
What inspires HER:  Big hearts and bravery!
HER secret to life:  Not sure if I found any secrets yet.
I think Loren hasn’t realized that her secret to life is dedication.  I have never seen such fierce dedication to finding solutions for her child’s health issues.  Prior to Kline’s recent diagnosis, Loren went on a specialized diet with Kline that included limited food choices in the spirit of easing his pain.  now that is dedication.  She even took a graveyard position to help better manage the family time with Kline.  Nights and sleeping are very hard for him, so they spend many a night awake.  Loren is one resilient, determined Mom and Kline is one seriously lucky boy!  Did I mention that she also volunteers heavily in our food allergy community–where does she find the time?
 

Faith

Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe-Voltaire

Dori

Honoring his mother, high school senior Zac Chelini wrote this wonderful piece for Mother’s Day!  Zac is an incredible young man who has faced so much adversity in his young 18 years on this planet, yet he has more common sense than most adults!   This is a reflection of a his great mother.
From Zac:  When I wake up in the morning and see my mom’s bright, chipper face, no one could ever tell the arduous journey she has been through that made her who she is today.