madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now

[Yorkiegirl]

Oh my heart is just broken. I just saw this message that was posted two day's ago on the AOL Breast Cancer Message Board. It was posted by her Friend Liz.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


To all my sisters,
I haven"t been on the board for a long while, I do hope you remember me and my dear friend Maryann.
She was a true warrior, survived IBC, a recurrence, leukemia, a stem cell transplant, liver failure and needing new hips because the steriods she was given rotted her hips.
But this last infection took her from us. She died today at 7:23PM NY time surrounded by her family. please say a prayer for her and her family. She is survived by her mom, 20 year old son, 19 year old daughter, sister, bil, twin 5 year old nephews. And me, her heartbroken, forever loving her friend.



Peace, love and prayers for a cure,
Liz T

['lizbeth]

I'm shocked and sad. Thank you for letting us know.

[juanita]

thank you for passing this on. my prayers go out to her family!

[PinkGirl]

This is so sad. God speed Madame DuBois ... I'll miss you.

[Pam P]

Oh no, this is too much! What devastating news.

[Mary Anne in TX]

I feel so very fortunate to have met MaryAnn. A fighter and believer to her very core. The love she had for her kids and her sense of "life is to live" inspired me so. As said, God speed, special warrior sister. Love and prayers to your precious family and friends. ma

[caya]

Very sad news. She was such a Warrior...

all the best
caya

[StephN]

My heart sank at this news. Thanks for cluing us in Yorkie.

I gave Maryann a call about a month ago and she sounded strong. It was hard to believe the way she was describing her present life as an invalid while trying to strengthen her lungs to support the needed hip surgery.

She was getting lots of therapy and had help coming in for her personal needs. Her attitude was good and she expressed that she was working at her exercises a few times a day. Her voice was strong and she was not out of breath while talking.

Her son and daughter had just gone back to college after the semester breaks, and she just "glowed with pride" over the phone at how well they were doing. This was her primary goal all these years of working against her disease. See her children through school and on a good life course.

Rest well sweet friend.

Liz was as loyal a friend as anyone could be.

[Mary Jo]

So very sorry to read this news this afternoon...and my heart feels heavy for many of my "sisters" on this journey who read these words and are frightened. This disease is so nasty, however, remember where there is life there is HOPE.

Mary Ann was a special woman...a woman with a purpose and strong inclination to be an encourager as she traveled through this life.

May your soul be resting in Peace with your Lord and Savior sweet sister. You will be missed.

Love...

Mary Jo

God's peace surround us all.

[chrisy]

I, too will always remember Mary Ann as a woman with fierce determination.

I shared a room with her in San Antonio one year, and every night she would trot out her suitcase full of carefully chosen and prioritized medications and supplement while regaling me with stories of her battles. Not just battles to survive, but those to claim her right to live as she wanted, and to achieve what she set out to do. Maryanne was not a woman one could say no to.

Steph, seeing her kids grow up and sending them into adulthood was indeed her highest goal - I'll never forget her telling me how "they" (the powers that be) wouldn't allow her to be there at a significant life event (it might have been her son's graduation) because she was so ill.

But she was there anyway, her skin literally GREEN...and then when she was good and ready, she went back to the hospital to let them deal with that.

Rest well, my friend - you've earned it.

[Rich66]

Ugg! Anyone have a way to know what exactly happened? I know she had a complex set of issues.

[lkc Gumby]

I am so saddened by Maryanne's passing. I so admired her spirit. Through all her challenges she remained upbeat and seemed invinceable.
My prayers go out to her family.
She was very special.
RIP, Maryanne..

[Chelee]

Oh gosh no, not our dearest Maryann. I really can't take much more...my heart is broken and I can't hardly type thur the tears. Far too many losses at one time...so many wonderful women being taken. Maryann was such a true warrier and fighter--nothing stopped her from doing what she wanted too--not even this misrable disease...even though it tried. It would knock her down and she would get right back up and dust her self off and keep on going! Maryann would come on here to update us on one of her latest challeges--and knowing full well how difficult it HAD to be for her she did it with such humor and made us laugh while reading her every word. Then to tell others that have had to travel this journey, "Not to worry...it's just another episode--your will get thru this. So upbeat and full of encouragment all the time. Truly one very amazing lady that I admire so much and will never forget.

So many inspriational woman we have, and had on this board--but Maryann was one at the very top of my list. She was one tough cookie and proved to so many that as hard as it is at times...you can fight this beast and still live. One of the most determined women I have every known & will miss her so much. I'm just sick over this. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.

Chelee

[ElaineM]

Thanks for letting us know about this sad news. She was a woman of great strength despite her physical health problems.

[Christine]

Joe and I are stunned by this news. Maryann was a truly unique individual who did not give in to her disease, but fought it until her last breathe. As a single mother, she found the time to share experiences with her children that builds memories.

I can recall her trips to take her kids to various rock concerts around NYC. She wanted her children to have the same experiences that she herself had when growing up.

Maryann accompanied our group to the 2008 AACR meeting in San Diego and later that year to the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

I look back with fondness at the AACR meeting. It seems that we had non-stop traffic to our table, and why not!!
we were three medical miracles who had defied all odds.
How often do the scientists who do basic research ever see the fruit of their labors.

1ST. Picture. Our 3 Miracles wth Dr. Axel Ullrich at the AACR meeting. Dr. Ullrich was the first scientist to isolate te HER2/neu gene in breast cancer.

2nd Picture - Maryann also reported that she had her picture taken with that guy who invented Herceptin (her words)..Dr. Dennis Slamon.

Maryann will sorely be missed.

Chris and Joe

[AlaskaAngel]

Mary Ann is one of the old-timers here, and among those who spent time with the founders of this site. I am thankful for the opportunity Joe and Christine provided through this site in creating the chance for so many like Mary Ann to gather in person. It is their choice to do it but also their burden each time a life ends. Thank you Joe and Christine for these treasured friendships and your strength in making it possible.

AlaskaAngel

[Laurel]

Oh my, this makes me so sad. Thank you so much, Vicki, for letting us all know. Chelee, I found your words to be lovely and as great a eulogy as anyone could offer for one of our most brave. Mary Jo, you so aptly pointed out what we all need to hear at this moment: that where there is life there is HOPE!

I'm too sad to say any more other than to express my deepest love and affection for all of you.

[Tom]

Dear God,

I apologize for what I am about to say, But this b/c BULLSHIT has got to stop! Surely there is something we can do to get to the finish line and end the carnage. What will it take? Just tell us and we will do it. I am sick of watching these women suffer. Enough is enough. I am speechless.

God Bless you MaryAnn Dubois. You certainly earned your rest.

[TriciaK]

I am typing through tears, not just because of this sad news about Mary Ann, but because of the beautiful words you have all written about her here .She was truly a brave warrior who deeply touched all our hearts. Thank you for telling us about her passing,Liz, and please , if you can, send my deepest condolances to her family for their loss. She was such a beautiful person. I never read her posts without feeling her special spirit, and I will truly miss her. My heart is heavy tonight. Hugs, TriciaK

[v-ness]

as i read this news i burst out with a loud "WHAT??!" of disbelief. i guess i figured that she had been through so much and yet she was such a spitfire i truly didn't think anything would get the better of her. i know that is naive, especially in the face of this cancer and especially all she'd already survived. it seemed like she just changed her avatar photo not long ago and in it she looked so good and strong. i'm just floored and very saddened. i have only been here 5 months and there have been so many harsh blows to the members of this board. i don't even 'know' much of anyone here, but felt a bit like i did from reading posts. she is one of the people who really struck me. it's just terrible.

when my husband was diagnosed with cancer his sister made him a refrigerator magnet that said "This Cancer Has No Idea Who It's F*&king With". that's how i feel about maryann. they both gave cancer a good fight before they left this earth. he is in some good company up there.

valerie

[Cannon]

Thanks for sharing the news - she was a strong woman, and a warm person, we will miss her. It is always hard when the list has a number of losses in short succession like this. Remember these women have been fighting as well as they can, and inspiring us and their loved ones in death as well as life.

Rebecca

[Gerri]

I have to admit this news has taken me by surprise; I believed that if anyone could beat the odds it was Maryann. She seemed to take each new setback as just a bump in the road.

Maryannn, thank you for inspiring us to live to life to the fullest in the face of aversity. You were the ultimate warrior.

May you rest in peace.

[Audrey]

Oh, what heart-breaking news. MaryAnn had been through so much, but she was like the Energizer Bunny, she kept on going and going. Although she was taken too soon, I'm glad she was at least able to fight this damn disease long enough to see her children grown and on their way... we need a CURE NOW-

[sherri]

I'm so heart broken. She was my hope when I did find out about my cancer. This is not fair! My heart goes to her family. She went through so much in her life. Rest in peace my dear.

[Jackie07]

Here's Mary Ann's last post on the Board on January 26. She was looking for information about her sister's illness...

***
Any one had thyroid cancer?

Papillary thyroid cancer is self contained in the thyroid. The best way to treat it is to take out the thyroid completely and to take synthroid? for the rest of your life.

I know this has nothing to do with breast cancer. My sister has just recently discovered that she has PTC. My family is floored by this. Isn't my crap enough?? My poor mother, she's got 2 girls with cancer. She is exhausted. I am bed bound because all the steroids I took caused my femur (hip) bones to collapse. I haven't walked since September. I am working on strengthening my lungs in order to go under anesthesia for the hip replacements. Once I get clearance ---- new hips!!! Until then, I do exercise in the bed or in a wheelchair. I have an ambulette take me to my appointments.

So that is where I am. I hope someone can put my mind at ease. I'm use to me being sick. but this is my sister...

Love to you all...

****

Love to you, too, my sister. Rest in peace.

[Joan M]

Mary Ann,

To a true warrior, RIP.

Joan

[Ruth]

This is such heart breaking news. Maryann was such an inspiration and had so much to overcome. Her poor little body fought more than 20 people would in a lifetime. I am so thankful to her for the upbeat attitude and strength she showed all of us. This is a huge loss to our little community. We need a cure...it's just not fair. This is so sad.
Ruth

[LizDT]

Dear sisters of the heart,
I am Liz, Maryann's friend. For the last 14 months Maryann has had many health problems, all caused by an infection that was missed for months. I put her in the hospital in May, again in June, again in August, and September. After being in for 72 days she was released to home care. What wonderful people they are. She worked hard, did what she was told and waited. Waited to get stronger, waited for her new hips, waited for people to come see her, waited, waited, waited. I would bring lunch and we would "Party". On Fridays before I went to the hospital near her home to EM, I would have dinner, conversation and hugs. I was afraid to sit on the bed, I might cause her pain, but sometimes she insisted. What I really wanted to do is take her in my arms and let her take my strength. Last Friday,(2/12) my husband and I went to see her and have a birthday party for her mom Tina. We sat in the kitchen, but I knew something was off. Had been for two weeks after she had her pump refilled with morphine.
Sunday, I resisted the violent urge to go see her (I wanted to give her time with her mom, mom spends week days in Conn), Her mom called at 8, I called an amblunce and she went into the hospital for her last time. By Monday she was in a coma, an infection just overwhelming her. She died at peace Thursday night 7:23, with her sister and I holding her hands and telling her we love her and it was ok to go.
The memorial service is on Tuesday at 11:00, NY time. Please stop for a moment and say a pray at that time ,,, for Maryann, her family and friends.
I have never loved a friend like I loved Maryann, I will miss her in my heart, with my heart for the rest of my life.
Sooooooo, go hug someone, and tell them you love them,,,
With sorrow in my heart and demanding a cure, I am
Liz T, Maryann's forever friend'
We are having her cremated and in the warm weather we are going to the water and spreading her ashes in the
Atlantic. She always wanted to go to Europe.

[flynny]

My heart goes out to her family. This is such sad news and I can't believe how much sorrow is surrounding us lately.

[Faith in Him]

Mary Ann was the best example of how to live life with cancer I will truly miss her inspirational posts and her fighting spirit. Her words were always words of hope and encouragement. When I felt week and scared I would go back and read her posts. She was always staring cancer down and I admired her strength.

I am so thankful that she achieved her ultimate goal of raising her children.

Rest peacefully, Mary Ann.

Tonya

[Jeanette]

This absolutly sucks. She was and is a shining star. She made us laugh and she made us cry, but we are all a better person in knowing her, God Bless, jeanette

[Jean]

Such sad news....
Maryann was a very special lady. Always positive with strong loving information to share with all of us. Even when she was having the stem cell transplant her posts were always full of her beautiful fighting spirit. She will be greatly missed.

Liz, Maryann was fortunate to have such a dear loving friend. May you find comfort in knowing that your care and kindness meant the world to Maryann.

Please tell her family how much their mother was loved here.

Jean

[harrie]

Oh no, you have got to be kidding....I am shocked and so so saddened.
Mary Ann was so full of life and energy. She was so special. My heart and love goes out to her family and friends.
Love you MA.... I will miss you very much....

[Paty]

My sweet Mary Ann, whereever you are please know that you meant a lot to me, your strenght, your words, your mails, your jokes in facebook, your high spirit and your thoughts for all. I will always remember our days in San Antonio, so much learning and sharing together. I will miss you dear, I know you are in a better place now. My prayers are here for you sis.

Paty

[StephN]

Thanks, Joe & Christine, for coming up with those photos of Maryann at AACR 2 years ago. I was so in awe to be there with Dr. Ullrich that I paid no attention to posing for the pic!

We all had SUCH a wonderful time at that cancer researchers conference. Maryann was SO jazzed up at meeting people and talking with the doctors and scientists about her own life as a guinea pig. Their jaws would drop when they found out that she was a real live bone marrow transplant patient.

When I got to our hotel, Maryann was already there and announced that she had used a couple dozen antibacterial wipes all over the surfaces of the room and bath. She was quite concerned about contracting an infection after her transplant.

She was ignoring a developing problem with her liver at that time, just to be able to experience the conference. When she got back home her liver problems were addressed and steroids were part of that. She definitely was a "get out of my way" type when it came to her cancer interferring with her life.

Maryann's zest for life and grabbing every opportunity for a new experience will stick in my mind when I think of her. Thanks also to Liz for her post.

[Rich66]

Liz,
Thank you for filling in the details...as hard as that must have been. My condolences.

[michka]

What horrible news. I can't believed Mary Ann's fight is over. She went through so much. I admired her a lot. I am thinking of her children, family and friends. They can be so proud of her. I send them my warmest condolences. I am so sad. Michka

[sarah]

I am so shocked. I can't believe it. She was such a fighter and her posts were wonderful and so inspiring.She fought so bravely and with such amazing humor.
I also am crying.
I know so many of us felt that she was like a good friend whom we cherished so much.
I am heart broken.
I offer love and hugs to her family and friends and would like them to know how very special she was and how loved by all of us who like me live so far away but felt she was part of my special family.
I am at a loss of words, I am so very sad.
I will remember you Maryann.
hugs and love
sarah

[Ellie F]

There is nothing I can add that hasn't already been said much better by others.
She was a truly inspiring person who gave hope and courage to others.I am thankful that she died peacefully supported by people she loved. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Ellie

[Becky]

If anyone ever taught me how to keep putting one foot in front of the other and just keep marching, it was Mary Ann.

She was more than just a trooper and even more than just a warrior. She was in a league all her own. The best thing about her was she never complained, she explained, so I was able to learn alot about what was going on with her medically. Her situation was rare but she pulled off everything matter of factly.

I will miss her and regret never meeting her in person. She and her family will be in my thoughts.

[MJo]

I admired her so much. I loved that "rock chick" side of her. I am sorry, Liz, for the loss of your great friend. Her posts were so full of life, and I guess I felt she could beat all her troubles. This is a shock. I wish I had met her in person.

[rinaina]

Like all I am saddened to lose yet another fighting her2 sister. I loved her updates and stories.

[nitewind]

Oh my God. This just stuns me. There was something so special about Mary Ann, I figured she could beat anything, she was so strong and such a warrior. I first "talked" to her on a thread when I just got diagnosed. After hearing everything she had been thru and still had such a wonderful, hope filled attitude, she gave me hope. I will never forget her for that. Such a beautiful, loving soul. God speed my dear friend, you will be missed greatly.

[tricia keegan]

I could'nt believe what my eye's were reading when I logged in just now. I'm so shocked, sad and in total disbelief this beautiful strong lady is gone from us:(
Like everyone has already said, I too was a great admirer of Maryann and I think she instilled so much of her own fighting self into all of us and continually gave us hope.
I loved reading her updates that were so detailed, and recall despite her own trials she tried her best to help me get a dvd of the film on the making of herceptin which was'nt available here.
I can't take in the fact I will no longer see those updates from her and my heart is heavy.
My deepest condolence's to Liz and Maryann's family.
Rest well Maryann xx

[Shobha]

My deepest condolences for Mary Ann's family. May she rest is peace.

hugs,
shobha

[Hopeful]

I, too, admired her strength and spirit and determination. Liz, you and Mary Ann and her family are in my thoughts. She was so very lucky to have a friend like you.

Hopeful

[chrisy]

Liz, as you see you were not the only one touched by Mary ann. I will forever remember her "never give up" attitude.

Yesterday when I first read this, I was very sad. Today I saw your comments, and find myself smiling as I read "she always wanted to go to Europe". And knowing she, once again, will get her way! Thanks, Liz.

[naturaleigh]

These last few months have been too much to bare. My heart grieves with all these wonderful men and women that have been taken too soon.

I have to make a correction on the title of this post and many of the other posts: they are not Angel's now, they were Angels while they were here on earth. Each one of these wonderful people were so much incouragment to me and to many others. They all will be greatly missed.

Liz, you and Mary Ann were truely blessed to have such a great friendship. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

[Patb]

I just came to the site after taking a few days off and
my mouth dropped open. What a fighter she was and
an inspiration for all. What sadness there has been of
late. Resilience of spirit is what we all need to make
it through these times. Hugs to all and take care.
Prayers for the family and loving thoughts.
patb

[Barbara2]

Very sad news. My condolences to her family and all who loved her. I'm so very sorry.

[Margerie]

selfless beauty and grace... I will miss you MaryAnne!

[Ceesun]

So very sad to read this news. "Madame" Dubois... what a true lady she was to us and she certainly was our special lady on this board. May God rest her soul. And God, please send a break our way. Ceesun

[Barbara H.]

I just logged on and am totally shocked and saddened by this news. Mary Ann was such an inspiration to me, and that really does not say how uplifting she was, and the hope that she radiated. She went through so much and fought so hard to be there and to be the greatest mom for her children. My heart goes out to them. I will never forget her.
My thoughts are with her children, family, and friends.
Barbara H.

[karen z]

Such very sad news about Mary Ann. Thank you to everyone for your beautiful posts and, Christine, thanks for the wonderful photos. It was wonderful to see Mary Ann surrounded by friends and "that guy".
Best wishes for all,
Karen

[BonnieR]

Like everyone else, I am shocked and so sad. I felt like I knew her. And she just seemed so invincible...

[Lori R]

I was so shocked and saddened to see the post. Maduboise was a constant source of inspiration as it appeared that as long as you had a fighting spirit you could win the war.

I am so happy that she was able to get her son and daughter into college and onto the beginning of their adult life. I grieve that she did not have a chance to be here to continue to bask in the joy her children provided.

May you soar above the pain and worry.

Love, Lori

[fauxgypsy]

I am so sorry. She was so much a part of this board. So many thoughtful, wonderful women (and men gone).

[schoolteacher]

I am sadden to read about Mary Ann. Her family will be in my prayers.

Amelia

[RhondaH]

I have no words, only sadness...my prayers go out to her family...

[lexigirl]

Oh no... I cannot believe this. I am so very sas to read this.

I will miss her stories. I loved to read her adventures and lived a little bit through them. She had a wonderful knack for writing her stories.

Liz, you are a precious person. What a wonderful friend you are. My heart is aching for you and MaryAnn's family.

Thank you Lord for MaryAnn and the gift she was to all of us.

Lexi

[suzan w]

oh CRAP...........

[Terri B]

So much sadness here lately. Seems like every time I log on, another sister has lost the battle. I'm shaking my head.

RIP sister Mary-Ann :'(

[DanaRT]

This is a shock. Mary Ann will be missed. Prayers to the family.

[R.B.]

I always enjoyed madubois' post.

I am very sad to hear the news that there will be no more of these ever positive inspiring posts.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

RB

[ita]

So sad. She was one of those people that when I would come on the boards I would search for her posts to see her updates. No matter her situation she was always upbeat. Made me feel like all her issues were nothing compared to everyone else's. What a selfless, loving, giving person. Condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Rest in peace, Mary Ann.

[WolverineFan]

Thank you for letting us know. I am stunned and so saddened to learn of her passing. She was a great inspiration on the board to all of us. May she rest in peace.

[sally]

Mary Ann was another longtimer that was very inspirational to me. It's so sad to here of her passing. May she be at peace knowing her children are adults and she did a great job getting them where they are. I was just thinking of her and wondering how she was. We will all miss her deeply. Sally

[margaret]

Thanks to Joe and Christine for setting up this fantastic website.
How else would I have been able to share in Mary Ann's magnificent life. It's truly incredible how I've never met her but I can almost feel her smile and hear her laugh. She shared so much with so many on this website through the years. I am so glad to have had the chance to know her. Thank you to Mary Ann and blessings to her family at their time of such loss.

[Bill]

What sad news. Madame Dubois was truly one of a kind. She had some of the best avatars and stories to tell. She will be missed.

[Soccermom]

MA you have certainly made a difference in the way we see our lives...your spirit and optimism were amazing and your posts always left me shaking in amazement at your strength and humor...so many things can be said, but the most important thing is that you dear lady, will be sorely missed by many.
Liz, thank you for filling us in.Please extend my condolences to Madames family,
for her daughters...
""I am here, I am deep in your heart. I am in all the joys we lived together, all the sorrow too. I am in the way you walk and talk and smile. I am in the things I taught you that you don't even remember learning. I am in the sunshine of your day, the rain and storm clouds too. I am in your talent and your treasures, deep inside. I am in the look in your eyes when you wonder and behold the day. I am in your tears that search for me and can not see for the rain within your eyes. I am in your longing to find me once more close to you. Here I am, wherever you may be. There I am wherever you go. Carry me within you as once I carried you. Deep inside where no one, nothing can ever take me from you. Be at peace my beloved children. Mom is here." author unknown
Sadly,Marcia

[Sheila]

Such sadness....we have so many angels watching over us...I feel blessed to have shared Mary Anns life. Her inspiration will be missed!

[Kavy]

It's so sad to hear about Mary Ann's passing. I am shocked. She was an inspiration to me and to so many on this board. I admired her fighting spirit and her strength. She will be missed.
My prayers go out to her, her family and friends.
Thank you Liz for letting us know, I am so sorry for your loss (and ours), your were a great friend.
God bless you all.
KarlaV.

[Sherryg683]

I am truely sick at this news. She was always such an inspiration and such a fighter. I too remember her speaking of going to concerts with her daughter to build memories. With everything she fought through, I am so saddened to see she has lost her battle..sherry

[chrislmelb]

Dear MaryAnn, RIP.