Healing and Passing It Forward

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S. I would bet that each of us knows a mom, sister, wife, daughter or best friend who has been affected by this disease. It’s something I have heard time after time.

My mother lost her battle with breast cancer 30 years ago. Her diagnosis and illness changed my life forever, which may be why I often connect with others who mention having gone through it themselves or with a family member. That’s what happened when I met Kelsey.

Kelsey and Kathleen

When Kelsey came into the shop with her mom Kathleen, she fell in love with our decor and even commented to her mom that she would love to work at Les Fleurs someday. Fast forward a few weeks later when she reached out about potentially working part time as she and her husband had just relocated to town.

What I didn’t expect was the story Kelsey shared about flowers, France and her mom. She told me how she went to Giverny, Monet’s garden in Normandy, and purchased sunflower seeds to bring back home to her mom. She explained that her mother loved to garden and that she wanted to bring her a little sunshine from France to bring her joy while fighting breast cancer. My heart sank. I knew this feeling. We connected instantly.

Unfortunately, Kathleen lost her struggle with breast cancer in March of 2019 at the young age of 60. Having gone through it when I was just about her age, I knew firsthand how hard the first few months would be for Kelsey.

We talked often and decided as two women connected by loss, we would turn grief into something positive, something our moms would be proud of. That is when Kelsey shared the idea she had in order to honor her mom.

Kathleen’s Mission

Kelsey explained her wish to continue her mother’s legacy by creating a charity, Kathleen’s Mission. Kathleen lived by the mantra “celebrate everything!” which characterized her zest for life. In the spirit of finding joy in life’s simple pleasures, Kathleen’s Mission provides those affected by cancer with a chance to experience the joys of their local community.

We know caring for each other is right and that strength in numbers pays off in so many wonderful ways.
Together, Les Fleurs and Kathleen’s Mission have curated a special pink gift box made up of some of life’s simple pleasures. All proceeds from this special gift box will go directly to Kathleen’s Mission, to bring hope which families need in trying times.

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We hope you enjoy this video tribute

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, we hope to do our part to help promote early detection and celebrate the increasing number of breast cancer survivors.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

XOXO,

Sandra

To learn more about Kathleen’s Mission, visit their website at www.kathleensmission.com