Diane Detore

We all have our own reasons for taking part in the 5k Brain Cancer Awareness Run/Walk and unfortunately our reasons are all very similar. My sister, Diane Detore, was a beautiful woman both inside and out with the biggest, most beautiful smile that would light up any room. In June of 2009, she was 48 years old, had a husband and two beautiful children; Gianna, 11 and AJ, 9. She noticed her vision was changing; she was having a hard time reading. While driving, she cut a corner to sharp and hit a parked vehicle. A number of odd, vision related incidents started to happen. After going to the optometrist to see if her prescription needed tweaked, she decided to go to her PCP to describe her symptoms. Her PCP ordered an MRI just to eliminate anything more serious; by the end of that day, we were at Presbyterian Hospital getting the worst news of our lives. She decided to live her life as she always had, going to work every day and surrounding herself with the people who meant most to her. The grace and strength that she displayed was really quite remarkable. She, as we hear with so many of our warriors, NEVER complained. She was loved by many and she inspired and amazed her medical team with her positive outlook, witty sense of humor and her infectious smile. She also developed a very strong relationship with God which gave her absolute peace and comfort; she was spiritually healed. She experienced several amazing visions of Jesus throughout her journey. Even though He was always with her, I believe He presented Himself when she needed Him the most. In February 2012, after three surgeries, chemo wafer implants, multiple grand mal seizures, numerous chemo treatments (both oral and intravenous), Temodar, Avastin, Kepra, homeopathic medicine, Hillman Center, Philadelphia Cancer Treatment Center, we were told that there weren’t any more clinical trials that she was eligible for and to look into palliative care. Our hearts were shattered. I don’t like to use the words “she lost her battle with cancer” because I feel it implies that cancer won. Cancer will never win as long as we keep our memories alive. So I will say, on May 5, 2012, she was Hand-chosen to be with our Lord and Savior to live forever in His kingdom. She was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece, a sister-n-law, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, a wife and most importantly – a Mother. She continues to be an inspiration to all who knew her and she will forever be in our hearts.