Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5K: Laura Campbell's story

The Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma is quickly approaching!  Only 1 week and 1 day until the shotgun sounds at Northpark Boat House in Pittsburgh, PA to start the 3rd annual PCS 5K on July 13th. Aaron and I have been a part of this race since it began in 2011. I took on the task of putting together a team with t-shirts in just 5 weeks! The first race was on Sunday, July 17, 2011, only 12 days after Aaron first surgery and only 1 1/2 months after learning he had cancer.

The infamous "Runner Ben" picture

On the morning of Saturday, July 16th, the maid of honor from our wedding, my closest friend from school, called me to tell me her mother, Laura, "Mommy Campbell," had passed away. Laura had been diagnosed with liposarcoma only 14 months earlier. As we prepare to run/walk in a week in memory of her mother, Beth has taken the time to go through the painful and joyful journey:

"I was recently reading old posts on my mom’s Facebook (because it’s nice to do that sometimes) and came across her status from August 31, 2010:

Laura Fellows Campbell August 31, 2010

I know God has a plan for me. I just hope He can forgive me for being impatient until He decides to let me in on what it is!

The four months prior to this update were an emotional roller coaster. In April, her doctor found a large mass in her abdomen. The next few weeks were confusing and we got told a lot of different information. On May 12^th, I had e-mailed a friend and explained that they were going to do a hysterectomy and thought there was a problem with her uterus. Something drastic changed in the next two days- I got a call on the 14^th that she was in the hospital and in a lot of pain. At this point, they realized that the mass was a huge tumor and that she had cancer. She was diagnosed with a liposarcoma, a type of cancer that develops in fat tissue. Three days later, she had surgery to remove the tumor (which was 30 pounds). In the process, they also had to remove her right kidney, right adrenal gland, gall bladder, appendix, and part of her diaphragm. She was in the hospital for about a week, and recovered pretty well. She even felt good enough for a trip to Michigan for the 4^th of July, her favorite holiday.

Jill, Laura, and Beth

Thumbs up for the USA! Laura and her nephew, Ryan

After we went to Michigan, we came back to St. Louis for her radiation. She had radiation every day, M-F, for 27 days. This was extremely rough on her. They were radiating her abdomen, which caused her to be nauseous pretty much all of the time. She had been feeling more energetic after her surgery, but the radiation pretty much put a stop to that. 

Beth and her mommy

She did manage some smiles though. Really, she maintained her fantastic sense of humor through everything. Once, in the hospital, she began reciting a show called Family Guy. The clip wasn’t particularly tasteful for the situation she was in, and I realized that laughing was really important to her. She always tried to make the most of situations and put on a brave face. This picture was taken in September 2010. I remember that she was in a lot of pain, but wanted to go out for dinner while I was visiting. 

George and Laura

Shortly after this, she began chemo. On and off, we were told that the cancer had spread to her bones. It was very frustrating, because sometimes they told us it had spread and other times they were convinced it hadn’t. During these fall months, she switched oncologists. While she was much happier with the doctor, we still didn’t receive much definite news. She was still getting sick a lot, was very weak, and didn’t leave the house much aside from doctor appointments. In November, we did receive some facts about her condition. Sadly, it was that the cancer had definitely spread to her bones, she was terminal, and they didn’t believe she would live longer than a year. This was devastating news, but something we all knew was possible. I was blessed to be able to spend the entire month of December with her, but was concerned because she was so uncomfortable. We went to Michigan (a trip that was very hard on her- it’s a long car ride from Missouri) to see some doctors at U of M. Although it had been a hard car ride, it was 100% worth it. They adjusted her medication and she began to feel MUCH better. She stayed in Michigan with her sister for the next couple of months so she could still see that doctor. Eventually, she decided to go back to Missouri to be with my dad and sister.

All smiles in January! Yay for new medication!

The spring of 2011 had some ups and downs. She went through some more chemo, but had some really good days. There were some days out of the house that WEREN’T to the doctor, which was a step up from the fall. 

Coloring Easter eggs!

In July of 2011, she was admitted to the hospital. Her lung had collapsed because of excess fluid. While she was in the hospital, it was decided that her condition had declined rapidly and that it was best to stop treatments. She came home and received hospice care. On July 16, 2011, she passed away. The night before, all of her siblings had arrived from Michigan. Although she wasn’t able to communicate, I think she knew they were there. She took her last breath with me, my sister, my dad, and her sister there.

Running (or jogging, in my case) the sarcoma 5k is very special to me. My mom passed away on the day before the first race. The second race I was able to attend, which was just days before the first anniversary of her death. Being at the race was therapeutic, and it was comforting to see survivors and supporters. At the same time, it was difficult to know that so many other lives are affected by this disease. Last year, I was so proud to watch my friend Aaron complete the 3 mile course so soon after some major surgery. This year, I am honored to run in his and my mom’s memory. They were both amazing people who are missed and loved. I miss them both more than words, and hope that awareness for this cancer continues to grow."

As I read through Beth's story and looked through these pictures, there was a disconnect. Is this really the woman who taught me the joy of spider dogs and web fries on Halloween? How could this frail woman be the same one who had a special voice she used when her dogs greeted me? And yet, reading of her laughter during chemotherapy and seeing the smile on her face despite the pain assures me that she is the same vibrant, hilarious, creative woman I called Mommy Campbell. Beth continues to be a resource and support for me. As Aaron and I followed her down the path of cancer, she would tell me, "I wish there was something I could say to make it better, but there isn't. So, I'm just going to tell you that this really sucks and I'm really sorry." 

Maid of Honor and the Bride

How can you help in memory of Laura Campbell? 
1. Donate: By Check - Please send a check made to the "Aaron R. Moeller Memorial Fund" and indicate the "PCS" in the notes section. If you need my mailing address, please send me an e-mail or leave a comment with your e-mail address so I may reply privately. Online - Please go to our team website and make a donation. All funds will go to the Sarcoma Foundation of America!

2. Run: Come check out Pittsburgh with us! You can register online. Be sure to let me know so I can look for you!

3. Spread the word: Please tell your friends and family by sharing the link to this post on your Facebook or in an e-mail...

4. Pray:
* Pray for Beth and her family as the 2 year anniversary of Laura's passing comes
* Praise that Laura was a woman of laughter and continued to shine joy in to the lives of her loved ones even in the midst of pain
* Pray for the loved ones and friends of others who have passed away as we prepare to come together in their memories
* Praise for specialists and medical teams who devote their lives to those suffering from this disease that attacks from the inside
* Pray for those who are currently diagnosed with cancer, that they will have courage, wisdom, and joy
* Pray for those who will be diagnosed in the future, that a cure will be available
* Please also pray for the runners and the fundraising of the race and this race series