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Health & Fitness

A courageous battle ends with sadness and dreams unfulfilled.

There is a club that nobody chooses to join and has an impact that changes you forever.  This group is made up of people touched by cancer.  This word alone makes people shudder and want to walk away, afraid that perhaps it may be catching, knowing full well that it is not.
 
People given the diagnosis can't walk away, they must endure and pray for a happy ending.  The battle with cancer forges a bond between families effected, their doctors, nurses and caregivers.  Some lucky members eventually get to join the group of those who triumphed and reached remission, or the ultimate dream come true - a cure!

For those families who aren't so lucky, even other "cancer" families tend to want to distance themselves when the news turns from bad to worse.  It is hard to stay close to families who are suffering fearing that your family may be next.  Is it guilt, fear the suffering is catching, or a lack of knowledge about how to help and show support.  Whatever the reason, we need to find a balance and support those who are suffering while enjoying what we have. 

This week, I once again ask for support, prayers and kindness to be shared with the family and friends of Jose Mojica.  For Jose "Angel" Mojica, a 16 year old from Hellertown, his family was forced to face a future filled with cancer treatments, research, hospitals, pain, fear, sadness and grief.

For six years, Angel's family traveled to hospitals around the country looking for a treatment that would enable Angel to live a long healthy life and fulfill his dreams.  Last fall they thought they found that treatment when Angel underwent a bone marrow transplant.  Then, with just weeks left until he would be able to return to school and complete his sophomore year, Angel relapsed.

His family heard of a trial called CART19 taking place at CHOP.  Angel and his family headed to CHOP where they were so thankful that he was accepted into the trial.  Then, the words no parent wants to hear, the trial didn't work and Angel's body was once again filling with cancer cells.  Leaving a family devastated and needing to face the worst possible scenario - preparing your child for the end of their life.  On Tuesday, July 23, Angel made his final trip home to Hellertown.  Looking forward to spending time with his family and his new puppy, a gift from the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, knowing it will be his last trip and most likely a short visit.

Angel had so many unfulfilled dreams.  He wanted to go to school, get his drivers license, attend college and ultimately become a veterinarian.  Yet cancer had a different plan and took his dreams and left them unfulfilled.

On Saturday I received an email from Brenda Sanchez, Angel's loving mother, stating simply: "After a long and courageous battle Angel earned his angel's wings on Saturday, July 27th, 2013 at 2:30 AM"  What strength and courage it took for her to type these words.  I pray that Brenda and the rest of her family continue to find the courage and strength to move forward through their unbearable pain.

For those interested in honoring Angel and providing support and prayers to his family, his mother asked that I share the following information:
Celebration of Life to be held on Friday, August 2nd from 6 to 9 PM at Connel Funeral Home, 245 East Broad St Bethlehem.  Please wear white to honor Angel.
Mass will be held on Saturday, Aug 3rd at 10 AM, Holy Infancy Church 312 East Fourth St Bethlehem.  Burial will follow Mass.

I want to conclude with a message from a few of Angel's friends:
"To say goodbye but only for the moment as your earthly body lifts up to the heavens, our friendship on earth was dear so shall it be once again when we meet. Until that day we must carry on with our feet planted on the ground looking to the sky saying a prayer to the ones we love that look down upon us with patient spirits. As the sound of your voice was once music to our ears listen to our song as we sing to the heavens an angel is among you. Our friend until we meet again Brooke, Julia and Charlie. "

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