© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.
Melissa Ritti, Family Member, Lung Cancer
We Carry Your Heart, We Carry It in Our Hearts
Melissa Ritti's mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer three years ago. She was given three months to live; she fought (with a smile) for three years. She lost her battle on April 8, 2011. “I still shake when I think about it,” Melissa says, “but she went as gracefully as anyone could have. She was the best.”
“Throughout my mom's struggle with cancer, the one thing that I could do to show my love was honor her by designing logos and surrounding her with beautiful pictures and colors,” says Melissa. “When you know that there is still life around you, it gives you the strength to fight for it.”
More information about the Expressions of Hope calendar is available at www.cancer.net/expressionsofhope.