My sister, Linda, was diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer in November 2013. Linda and I attended a seminar on lung cancer sponsored by Bayview Medical Center shortly after she was diagnosed. One of the people who spoke to the group was Monica. My sister was very impressed with this young woman. She was telling a story of a journey she had already started several years before. Listening to Monica really gave my sister hope for her own situation. After it was over, we spent quite a bit of time talking with Monica and Ben. I think we were among the last to leave that night. Linda spoke of Monica the whole way home, and many times after that night. Our cousin, Steve would periodically tell us he had run into Monica through her job with the Orioles and Linda always asked how she was. Linda was heartbroken to hear of Monica's passing in January 2014. Even though she had only met her the one time, Monica had quite the impact on my sister. I felt it gave her the boost she needed to fight her battle. Linda had already battled breast cancer twice, and when she was diagnosed with lung cancer, it just took the wind out of her sails. But seeing and hearing Monica's story helped give her that strength to fight again. Linda passed on Thanksgiving day, and I often hope they have met up again. I'm sure Monica never knew the impact she had on Linda, maybe Linda will tell her now!
