My mom, wow she was a strong women. I didnt know why she died, or why she was so sick until i was older. My family didnt know the right way to approach me and my younger sister about her. When i heard she had had breast cancer, i just was in utter shock. My mom, was so sick and I never knew, and there was no way i could have made her feel better. Its not until i look back and try and remember our last moments, I remember seeing in her eyes she was giving up and she was saying goodbye. I learned that she lived 2 years longer than expected and I can remember the day she came home after her surgery and showed me where she had her breast removed and then, I still couldn't understand. I was only 7 but when she died, I was 9 1/2. She died April 9, 2001. I wish I had a picture of her but she wasnt one to take pictures. Ever since, I have told people about her and I have wanted to do something more, I am only 18 and I plan on spreading her story. I remember everyday that she was strong and I have it in me to make it through everyday. I may not have cancer but I still hurt everyday because i don't have my mom, my best friend. I don't want sympathy, I just want people to know who she was, Maury Sutliff, a woman who fought cancer as long as she could for her daughters. I am cheerleader for every woman who is goin through the fight.

Susan Kozak
Jacksonville, FL