Catalogue of Chicks

Welcome to the Catalog of Chicks — a place where you can meet everyday women and read about their extraordinary acts of bravery and courage. We hope you are inspired by their stories — we certainly are!

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<<Previous Chick Next Chick>>Christy Williamson
Independence, MO
Submitted by: Stephanie Iacovelli & FriendsOn a beautiful weekend afternoon, I sat in front of my computer wondering just how I could even start to pay tribute to a Brave Chick like Christy. A group of co-workers had met a couple of days ago to brain storm and share Christy stories. I volunteered to start writing our collective thoughts and the challenge of trying to share Christy’s grace, uplifting attitude, and amazing poise seemed a bit daunting.

Then, I looked up the origin of her name and everything just seemed to make sense. Christy means follower of Christ. And, it is Christy’s faith that has guided her through her life situations. What we hope to do is share with you how Christy demonstrates style, resilience, and a selfless nature while beating cancer. While my writing is the voice, the sentiments conveyed are the collective view of people who have witnessed Christy’s unshakeable faith.

Christy’s cancer story began in November 2007, when she noticed a lump in one of her breasts. As it grew quickly in size, the medical community rallied with her and created a treatment plan consisting of chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.

Amazing/Miraculous:

What most of us recall as she went through her treatments is her faith. It was as if she gave most of us strength rather than us supporting her. Her faith in God and her belief that she would fight through was unshakeable. Never once did she think of herself as a victim.

When her hair started to fall out, she promptly shaved her head and bought a “sassy” wig – one that flipped up at the ends. When medical care providers missed veins and ports had to be reimplanted, she never complained. Instead she expressed gratitude for the terrific care she was receiving.

And, she accomplished all this while continuing to work, raise two adolescent active boys, and spend time with her husband. Often, she would take work to review while chemo was being pumped into her veins. Or, we would have to virtually “yell” at her to log off her computer when we caught her online late at night.

Grace

Christy displays tremendous strength of character. When, she and I first met she was making room in her home for her two nephews. She had been granted temporary custody of them. Now, she had four adolescent boys for which to care. She took one of her nephews for his first dentist visit and ensured he received proper dental care.

She puts family first and is the rock of her family even when dealing with her cancer. She is remarkably courageous and downright stalwart.

When Christy completed her double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation treatments and began the preparation for her reconstructive surgery, we all heaved a sigh of relief. And, we speculate Christy even put a check mark next to “cancer” on her to do list. She probably marked it complete and prepared to move on with her life.

Sadly, several weeks ago she began to feel dizzy and nauseous. She endured numerous tests and was ultimately told she may have to wait her dizziness out. Then her oncologist ordered a PET scan. The news was devastating to us all. The cancer had returned in the form of a brain tumor.

Displaying true Christy style, she remarked that she allowed herself only a few tears. Then, she moved forward with her radiation treatments. She never asked “why me?” Instead, she says, “why not me?”

Attitude

People seem to gravitate to Christy for comfort and strength. From the beginning, she shared her journey with her family and loved ones by documenting every step on a Web site. She shared the good, the bad and everything in between bravely posting pictures along the way. It is my opinion that a beautiful bald head is one of the blessings God gives those who face the trial of cancer. And Christy definitely was blessed! Was she sad about losing her hair? No! She loved the fact that washing and styling her “hair” was so easy and that she did not have to shave.

Upon learning of her second bout of cancer, most of us were shaken. Once again Christy wound up giving us strength and laughter.

For example, we are a virtual team and I always pictured Christy with blond curly hair. When I told her this, she laughed and assured me that her hair was brown and straight. After I learned of her brain cancer, we chatted and she remarked that her hair had started falling out again because of the radiation. Then, she laughed and said that maybe this time it would come in blond and curly just like I pictured. We both chuckled and felt uplifted.

Christy likes to keep things real and honest. She encourages lightness of spirit even when life has tried to throw her. Each day she inspires us and all of us would do anything for her. As one colleague said, “I would travel the 1,000 miles from California to go clean her floors and her bathrooms. No job would be too menial or trying for me because I would be honored to be of help to her.”

As she grits her way through this second challenge with cancer, she remains devout in her faith. She prays for courage to keep on going. And, we are right there with her…praying that she remains strong. I am reminded that Christy is much like this beautiful afternoon – sunny, bright, and breezy. And, we want her to go on forever.

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