In 2018, Terrance and Courtney were busy parents of 8-year-old Nate and 7-year-old Nola. Also, during this time Terrance, at 38 years-old, started having severe headaches. After months of trying to find answers from his doctors, a very elevated creatinine level was detected in his bloodwork.
“Terrance said his doctor had called, and his kidneys were failing. I remember thinking, ‘That’s unbelievable. We need another opinion.’ Through the night at the ER, Terrance had everyone laughing. Very quickly the life we knew drastically changed. Many tests and blood draws and so many nurse and doctors in and out of our hospital room, finally one day in September- the doctor says “cancer”. Terrance was having a hard day and didn’t understand what the doctor had said. I was broken in this moment of having to tell my own husband that he had cancer. It was a pivotal moment for me. I accepted that I would have to be his voice, his mind, his heart even when he didn’t have the capacity. This journey doesn’t allow much space for giving up. I knew that somehow Terrance’s journey would have a greater purpose. It would change our lives. I’m not the same friend, daughter, sister, wife, or mom that I used to be.”
After Terrance’s stem cell transplant, in March of 2019, he was determined to be a part of the MMRF 5K Walk/Run. It allowed their family to connect with other families and celebrate how far he had come in his myeloma journey. Connections have always been important to the Crawford family. After Terrance’s diagnosis, Courtney looked for as much education and connection she could find. From online support groups to resources from the MMRF. Knowing that they weren’t alone, and that their story could help someone gave them hope. Today, Terrance is in remission!
When we asked them if there was a quote, a mantra, or lyric that give you strength, Courtney said, “Terrance’s favorite verse is ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.’ This was something he focused on daily while waiting and healing. Now he wears it on his arm as a constant reminder. As Terrance started to heal and get stronger. I felt more and more exhausted. He could be independent again, and I could rest. But I didn’t feel like I was resting. I felt anxious and terrified all the time. I had to heal too. I started therapy which helped me learn new tools. My words are ‘still I rise’ – Maya Angelou, meaning I can keep going, and learning, and breathing through everything cancer brings.”
This award is presented at every 5K Walk/Run to a patient, caregiver, or family who inspires hope through their resilience, perseverance, and dedication to the MMRF and its mission.
