A happy O'Malley family of five sisters, one brother, father and mother, lived in a row house in Philadelphia. The smallest, youngest, and favorite of was Doris. However, her life changed dramatically at age eleven, and her family and others were devastated. We were heading to the mall when I realized she was not moving an ambulance was called and at first we didn't know what happened to my little sister. Finally the diagnosis of nephritis was made, Doris was put on penicillin for one year, but this horrible disease struck again. Soon it was evident that Doris lonely, challenging journey was beginning. Prayer, confidence, and a mother's love brought Doris to a healing. The determined girl then took matters into her own hands. First, off to school for her elementary certificate then a high school diploma. With some financial support from my husband and me, she graduated as a licensed vocational nurse. At age 47, Doris proudly received her diploma, with perfect attendance, and went out into the world beaming and independent. Tragically, endometrial cancer crept into the single girls life spreading to full blown cancer. Read this remarkable, inspiring story of loss, faith, and the fighting spirit of Doris O'Malley.
