Lia’s Story

Site created on September 29, 2022

Family and Friends, 

We have some news to share. These past few weeks have been very difficult for our families as Lia was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.   As you can imagine, this diagnosis at the age of 31 was a total shock to the system but we are beyond grateful her body alerted her to this abnormality.  

We waited to share this news until we received the answers we desperately needed and GOD PROVIDED! 

                                         STAGE 1, NO SPREAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lia started Chemo yesterday (9/28) and she will continue to crush her cancer over the next 6 months.   As always, she surpasses expectations in how she handles herself and we are in total awe of her strength.  

We know many will ask, so here is what we need from our village.  First and foremost, Greeks, please do not call and worry Yiayia and Papou. They know what's going on, but we don't want them dwelling.  This is so important to Lia. No I'm sorry messages or calls.  We are focused on the finish line and never want to look back.  We welcome ALL the prayers and good vibes messages and can't wait to read them HERE! Lia will be reading all your comments left on this site during her treatments.  They will surly add light to her day.  

Lia has found so much strength and peace from not only family, but survivors, who have shared their stories with her and continue to rally along side her.  They constantly remind her that soon enough, she will be advocating for someone else.  Her story is important and she will share when ready. 

We are so grateful for your love and support.  Please keep Lia and her entire family in your prayers. God has already moved mountains for our family and we are eternally grateful for him. 

With love, 

Lia's entire family

Newest Update

March 29, 2023: NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE

Journal entry by Lanie Draper —

Get your best wine out because Lia's pathology report from surgery came back this afternoon stating no evidence of disease! Lia is CANCER FREE!!!! We held our breath as our mom read her results and once the last "no evidence of malignancy" was reported, Lia sobbed with relief and it was beautiful! 

Normally I try and write something but tonight I felt it was best to share Lia's words because you can feel her joy, her peace and her thankfulness. 

"We did it!!! I had a complete pathological response and am CANCER FREE. Thank you to my family and support for everything. This rollercoaster affected all of us and I couldn’t have been strong without you.
Lanie, for the posts that kept everyone updated and the support of every time I washed and brushed my hair, the connections!
Kristina, for keeping me organized and always reading my results when I couldn’t.
Mom and dad, for the 150 trips and phone calls everyday to keep me sane. For everything.
Nikki and Steve, for keeping my home clean so I stayed away from any infection and keeping my kiddos occupied and away from what was going on.
Cindy, for always being there when I needed you for chemo or kids!
My sweet husband John, in sickness and health came so much faster than we anticipated. You are the light of my life. Thank you for never showing weakness and taking the best care of me.
To my pink sisters: you girls mean so much to me. We all joined a club we never wanted to be in, but thank you for holding my hand through the unknowns.
To Amy for growing my faith, reminding me that He is forgiving, healing, and faithful. For reminding me of my faith when I felt I was slipping from everything.
And to everyone else! You sent me encouraging words, cheered me on every week, sent cards, flowers, doordashes, silly gifts and more. It takes a village and I felt so supported."-Lia

These last six months have been eye opening both for the good and the bad, but faith, family and friendship is what kept Lia and the rest of us afloat.  We will forever remember how your prayers lifted us and brought a calmness to Lia that could have only come as an answer from God. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for bringing beauty to our lives during the hardest thing we've ever experienced.  

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

With so much love, 

Lia's Families

 

Read More of the journal titled "March 29, 2023: NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE"
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