OHLEMACHER. Roberta "Deedee" (Segel) Ohlemacher, 30, of Canton, Entered into Rest Sunday (March 9, 1997). She was born in Boston, MA, and graduated from Marshall High School, Vienna, VA. She later graduated from Ohio University, Athens, OH, with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism. She had been a Business Reporter for the Hartford Courant for the past seven years. 

If you have read a previous post- short story entitled A DAY AT THE BEACH you know that my daughter died of colon cancer and that it has taken me years to publicly speak about it. The story is about my grief and promises I made. If you can, please take the time to read it..if you did read it...perhaps you can send it along to friends and family.  I want you to understand the pain of my loss. I want that for you. Perhaps it will save your life or the life of someone you love.

“ I promised her I would continue her work and I would not become stuck in a mire of self-pity. I promised her that I would keep her memory alive. I try.”

HER WORK:

There is an internship fund at the Hartford Foundation in her name. Those who wish to apply can do so through the Foundation. It is a paid position at the Hartford Courant. You may contact me for more information.

NEVER FORGOTTEN:

My by-line Ande Bliss is one of the ways I keep my promise to remember. It is combination  her name and mine.  Anne and Deedee. Bliss? Every day with her was Bliss. Except for last few months. That was excruciating. It was Hell.

MARCH IS COLON CANCER AWARNESS MONTH

“Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer seen in the United States, occurring equally in men and women. It is estimated to account for 11% of all new cancer cases, with an average age of diagnosis of 60 to 65 years. The lifetime colorectal cancer risk for the general population is 6%. The average American man or woman has a 2.6% risk of dying from colon cancer. Fortunately there has been a steady decrease in the death rate from colorectal cancer over the last 15 years, according the American Cancer Society.”

Dee was only 30. Married but 18 months. Her risk factor was high.Two of her grandparents had colitis and she came from an Ashkenazi background. But then who would have thought that the malaise she was feeling and the swelling in her belly was cancer.

THE CALL:

"Mom, the doctor said I have spots on my liver"

THE ANSWER:

"Oh, my God....."

Assess your risk. Ask your doctor.

The test does not hurt.

Colon Cancer is a killer!