Karin Prugnarola Ballard

   I would like to share the story of my mother Karin Prugnarola Ballard. She was a wonderful wife, friend, daughter, and mom. She did everything for me including fighting cancer for over 12 years so she could be here for me. She was first diagnosed with early stage breast cancer on 9/12/2001, the day after the World Trade Center bombings. For me and my family this news was equally as sad. My mother fought the battle very courageously only to be diagnosed as metastatic in 2008. 
   Her fight took on a new urgency.  She was told “you cannot be cured, you have a chronic condition which will require treatment on and off for the rest of your life.” She never accepted this and fought the disease with every ounce of energy she had. She told her doctors she was never going to give up and they were to use everything they could to keep her alive.  Unfortunately she lost her battle on June 5, 2012.
   Family, friends, and her thirst for life are the things and the memories I hold in my heart. She had a laugh that would like up a room. She loved to laugh, cook, entertain, and help others. She held on to her strong faith and persevered. I miss her every day. She will forever be my inspiration. I hope to have at least half of the faith, courage, and heart she had.

Forever in my heart,
Gina

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