Fighting Sullivans

A Tribute to Two Remarkable Women: My Mom and My Aunt Flo

A Tribute to Two Remarkable Women: My Mom and My Aunt

In the tapestry of our family’s story, two radiant threads stand out, forever woven into our hearts—my mom and my aunt. Their lives, though cut short by the relentless grip of pancreatic cancer, were a testament to love, strength, and the unbreakable bonds of family. My mom left us seven years ago, and my aunt in 2015, yet their presence lingers in every moment we share, from the quiet reflections to the joyous celebrations of weddings and babies.

Pancreatic cancer may have taken them from our arms, but it could not steal the heart of our family, which they so fiercely nurtured. My mom was a beacon of warmth, her laughter a melody that could light up even the darkest days. She had a way of making everyone feel seen, her wisdom and kindness shaping our lives in ways we still discover. My aunt, her spirit equally vibrant, was a pillar of resilience, always ready with a story or a hug that made the world feel safer. Together, they were the heartbeat of our family, their love a foundation that held us through life’s highs and lows.

The pain of their loss is profound. Pancreatic cancer, cruel and unyielding, took them too soon, leaving an ache that time softens but never fully heals. Yet, in the midst of our grief, we’ve carried their legacy forward. The weddings we’ve danced at, the births we’ve celebrated, the backyard barbecues we enjoy- these moments of joy are infused with their spirit. I see my mom in the way we gather, in the stories we tell, in the love that binds us. I feel my aunt in the courage we muster to face each new day, in the laughter that erupts when we reminisce about her quirks and wisdom.

They taught us to cherish life, to hold tight to one another, and to find light even in the shadow of loss. Though pancreatic cancer stole them from us, it could not erase the love they gave or the lessons they left behind. They are the heart of our family, forever guiding us through every milestone and memory.

To my mom and my aunt: you are missed beyond measure, loved beyond words, and remembered in every beat of our hearts. Your legacy lives on in us, and we honor you by living fully, loving deeply, and carrying your light into every tomorrow.

We're fundraising for...

Our team is participating in Lustgarten's Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research to celebrate the progress that has been made and to power tomorrow's research. Support our team and embrace Lustgarten's vision of transforming pancreatic cancer into a curable disease. Join our team, donate to our team, provide hope to thousands of families touched by this devastating disease.

Why Lustgarten? They are the nation’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research. Thanks to separate funding of administrative expenses, 100% of our fundraising and your donation funds pancreatic cancer research - research led by Lustgarten and powered by you! With your support, we will raise more money for research advancements than we ever could alone.