Denim and Diamonds

Denim and Diamonds believes a cure can be found for cancer. This event was established to honor the life of one who, like many, was taken from us to soon.

On May 14^th of last year, my mom lost her three-year battle with lymphoma. The Monday after Mother’s Day was the last time I spoke with my mom, and everyone knew her prognosis wasn’t good. After discussing everything from the weather to cooking shows to next treatment, the lasts words my mom spoke to me as I was leaving her hospital room were “I’m worried, but I’m not scared.”

I never expected those to be the last words I would hear from my mom, but as my mom always had a knack for the profound, I’m sure that there won’t be a day that goes by that I don’t think of that phrase and that exact moment.

In typical mother fashion, my mom never let on just how sick she really was; always trying to protect her son. The days and weeks that followed were filled with every emotion possible. In my eyes, my mom was young, vibrant, and full of life. In my eyes, cancer stripped my mom away from not only me, but the many people who never had the opportunity to know her. Focusing on that idea, a few of those closest to my mom set out to do the only thing we could; throw a party to celebrate my mom’s life in hopes to fund a cure for lymphoma.

To date, we’ve raised over $20,000 for lymphoma research and are currently planning our second “Denim and Diamonds: A Celebration of Uleta’s Life” event. Believing a cure will be found, our hope is to never lose another. Adopting the mantra “I’m worried, but I’m not scared,” we believe we will see an end to cancer and know that we have plenty of work ahead of us.

A lovely tribute to Uleta has been posted on Youtube. You won’t be sorry you took the time to take a look.