10/01/2012
Today is the third anniversary passing of Edna's Foundation of Hope, Founder, Edna Curley. We will continue Edna's mission and she will never be forgotten.
Those who mean the most to us are never really gone.
For in our thoughts and in our hearts their memory still lives on.
Below is Edna Curley's Bio:
"Mom, I want you to stay down here with me, not go up there to heaven." Quote by Brianna Curley, age 11. These are words that no parent ever wants to hear coming from their sobbing child-
I was born in the Bronx, NY the only daughter out of six children. My Dad, Ramon Santiago was a hard-working man who supported us all and made sure that our mom, Margarita stayed home to take care of us. Though we grew up in a rough neighborhood in the South Bronx, my parents made sure that we always stayed out of trouble and stressed the importance of family, education, loyalty and trust. Today my 79-year-old dad says that though he has never hit the lotto, he doesn't need to, because he won millions with his children. Out of my five brothers, the oldest Ray, is in construction, Edwin is a retired New York City Firefighter, David is a retired NYC Transit Police Lieutenant, Sammy is an active Sergeant in the Housing Department and Danny is also a New York City Police Officer in the Bronx. After college, I became a Social Worker and then decided to follow in my brother David's footsteps and become a Police Officer in the New York City Police Department as well. I was assigned to the Bronx, before being transferred to the 32 precinct in Manhattan. It was here that I met my wonderful husband, Tom Curley, who is today an active Sergeant in the Police Department. We were married 14 years ago and have three beautiful children, Tom Jr., Brianna and Nicole. After a few years, my career was cut short when I was struck by a vehicle. I became a stay at home mom and was actively involved in the education of my children and all of their activities. Especially my daughter's who were both diagnosed with being profoundly deaf a few months after being born. If you live in the Monroe community, you might have passed me walking around the pond, getting a cup of coffee or cheering on my children during their soccer, baseball or Gaelic football games . . . I was always there, front and center. For the past eighteen months you see me less frequently and my voice is hardly heard cheering anyone on. Our family was devastated when I was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Leiomyosarcoma.
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects four out of one million people. It attacks the soft tissues of the body such as the lungs, liver and blood vessels. It travels through the blood and there is no cure. Its tumors grow large and fast and surgery is the first plan of action since it is resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. In recent years its victims are no longer middle aged and older . . . they are getting younger. Because it is so rare, many doctors have not heard of it, there are very few who treat it and little funding is given toward its research.
How could this be? I am four out of one million . . . I need to make people, doctors, everyone aware about the devastation, power and strength of this disease. It could happen to anyone, your mother, sister, wife, daughter, father, brother or son. I do not have control over this disease, but I do have control over getting the awareness and funds needed so that someday better treatments will become available. I need to let my voice be heard. I will speak for the thousands who have succumbed to this killer. I swear until I take my last breath, I will do everything in my power to kill this dragon before it takes another mother from their child or vice versa. With your help, my dream will become a reality. There is always hope.
Edna L. Curley
