Heather McManamy, 34, a former research specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, announced to her Facebook friends in August that her Stage 2 breast cancer had returned. Every one of these that I get to hand out in person will be an accomplishment.
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“I want her to always know that I did everything I could possibly do to be here”, she says. ‘I’m going to miss everything and I never like missing anything.
By sharing her story, she hopes to remind others “how fragile life is”, and encourage them “to buy a card or two” to let loved ones know they care. ‘It gives me a feeling of control over something that none of us have control over, ‘ she told Buzzfeed. “To do whatever I can to make this easier on my family”. Although doctors may be able to keep her alive longer, devastatingly, she will not live to see her four-year-old daughter Brianna grow up.
Letter by letter, the McFarland mother wrote herself into every stage of her daughter’s life.
She’s written so many words for her on paper, but what’s the one most important bit of advice Heather wants Bri to take away? I’m just not ready to say good-bye yet.
McManamy, who has been married to her husband for 13 years, said she and her husband have a special relationship.
And “Hey Bri. I’m always, always proud of you…” She grew up with mommy having cancer as normal, but she’s so happy and hilarious.
McManamy says she feels lucky to have the opportunity to do this for her daughter, but admits the difficulty when she finished.
She added: “It was hard once I was done, just looking at this pile that’s a physical representation of everything I’m going to miss”. ‘Most people just die and that’s it, ‘ she explained. “Life it short. If she’s true to herself, everything will be OK”.
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McManamy also made a video for Brianna and hopes this might motivate other parents to leave behind something for their children after they’re gone.
