Friday, March 18, 2011

Yet and Still, She Rises



In 2005, Theresa "T" Lafayette Carter, mother of three, grandmother of two, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.  Since that time she has waged a valiant war against this invasive disease.

Yet and still, she rises....

In spite of extensive chemotherapy, radiation, four surgeries within a six-year period and the spread of cancer to her lungs and now her brain she continues to epitomize the fierceness with which she lives life.  With each surgery physicians counseled and prepared our family for the worse case scenario.  Each time she defied their predictions to come back fighting to live, fighting to survive because that's the strength of this Queen.

Yet and still, she rises....

Oncologists in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex refused to perform a needed surgery due to the complexity of where the spread of cancer was located.  The wonderful physicians at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas accepted her case, but didn't hold much optimism for a positive outcome.  Not only did she survive, but completely bypassed the predicted ICU stay, going straight to recovery, walking the same day!  These world-renowned physicians were amazed at her resolve and ability to recover from that which would have certainly leveled most of us.

Yet and still she rises...

Her motivation and inspiration to aggressively battle this disease stems from the will to see her 10-year old daughter, Shamarea grow into a woman.

Yet and still she rises...

This Queen has battled hard and long for the past six years. And despite her strong heart and mental resolve, her physical body is tiring.  Physicians tell us that her time is near.  Current circumstances finds T in an extended care facility, refusing to go to Hospice. Still doing battle!

Yet and still she rises...

Theresa, 43, is the youngest of five siblings.  And like many, we feel there's always time. Life's circumstances finds T without life or burial insurance.  Like many who face a debilitating disease, medical benefits all too soon come to an end.  Through the generous support of agencies and non-profits including, Susan G. Komen, Cancer Care Services of Fort Worth, the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Great Commission Baptist Church, Green B. Trimble Tech Class of '86, family and friends, T has received care from some of the best oncologists, physicians and nurses.  Our family is grateful and thankful.  


While we remain prayerful, we realize that even Queens cease to rule at some point.  We invite you to celebrate T's life by assisting our family in planning a memorial service worthy of such a heroic Queen.  100% of donations to be dedicated towards memorial service.  Any remaining funds set in trust for Shamarea Carter.

Prayerfully, 

Mom, Mary
The Lafayette Family

Shirley "BlaqKofi", Sister
Gladys, Sister
Billy, Brother
Montrece, Daughter
Tim "Lay Lay", Brother

Montrell, Son
Bobbie, Aunt
Shamarea, Daughter