MARA'S STORY
Mara was hospitalized with severe stomach pains. A huge mass was discovered, biopsied, and she was diagnosed on September 11th, 2018 with a rare, aggressive form of sarcoma cancer called Leiomyosarcoma. She gathered with her husband Keith and their two young children to face the challenge: find the oncologists and protocol to shrink the large tumor encroaching on important body organs.
Mara had a successful surgery at MD Anderson in Houston, began chemo again, twice, and now is part of a clinical study where she will receive a 10 hour infusion weekly for the rest of her life. She writes bi-weekly reporting on her awesome view of seeing the "great" and wonder in life.
MARA'S MANTRA
“’Every day is a great day.’ I say this all of the time - I never really thought about it till I was diagnosed and now it is my answer to anyone who asks how I am doing. When I wake up in the morning and put my feet on the ground I feel blessed and lucky - and that is why every day is a great day to me - no matter what.”
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THE FULK FAMILY
This is a photograph of Keith and Mara's beautiful family. Here they are this a few summers ago with their children, Kiara, and Alessandro (Ale).
KEITH AND MARA
Mara and Keith the day they learned about their cancer project. Remembering when Keith had cancer and was cured, they embrace each other in hope and begin to face Mara's life-shifting leiomyosarcoma diagnosis.
MARA AND ALE
This is the coolest son in the world! "Ale wants to remember me with hair." This is a photograph of Mara and Ale (Alessandro) the day Mara shaved her head. Responding to Ale, and until her bald transforms back, they take a selfie to remember Mara with hair.
MARA AND KIARA
This is the most beautiful daughter in the world. And the luckiest. Because Kiara doesn't often pose for photographs. No wonder Mara looks so happy!
MARA'S MOM AND DAD
Heading to the beach to enjoy a beautiful sunset warms our hearts. This is Mara's mom and dad. They moved here from Wisconsin to help Mara, Keith, Kiara, and Ale as long as needed. Her dad is a former principal of a school. He understands how much she misses the children.
MARA'S SISTERS
Mara is part of a sisterhood. Here she is this summer (sarcoma unknown) enjoying time away with her two sisters and their parents.
FRIENDSHIP LOVE
Here are a few photographs of Mara's many friends who represent a larger gathering of others who love her so much. Starting with some of the children waving from the playground.
