MARIA FLORENCIO-JACKSON

Maria was just 33 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 16, 2004. She was just 34 years old when she died on February 18, 2005. She left behind her two sons, Julia, 4 and Logan, 2 . These boys meant everything to her! She also left behind her husband of 5 years, her parents and two sisters.

Maria was born on January 4, 1971. She was a healthy, beautiful baby weighing almost ten pounds. From the moment she started to walk she was always chasing something. Maria loved life! She loved her family. She was a daddy’s girl. Growing up Maria was very active. She was a cheerleader, a fantastic ice skater, and she enjoyed skiing. She was always on the go. She never liked to see a child or an elderly person being mistreated. Maria was also a very determined person. When she wanted something, she wanted it yesterday, not today. She was always on the run. Before she was married Maria worked for a number of different companies doing a variety of clerical work. Once she had gotten married, she focused on her husband and family life.

When Maria had Julian she wanted another child so that he would not have to be alone. It was as if she knew she would not be around. Her concern during her short illness was for her two sons. There were many nights she would get up and just stare at them as they lay sleeping. She would walk away sobbing because she did not know what would become of them if she did not beat the cancer.

Maria, herself, was a child. She had a zest for life. She always had a smile on her face. She was always ready for a party. She enjoyed traveling and hoped to see more of the world. Maria always surrounded herself with many people, be it family or friends. She was, for the most part, optimistic about life in general.

From the moment that Maria was diagnosed with breast cancer her primary concern was not for herself, but how it would affect her children. She always believed that she would beat the cancer. When she was diagnosed she felt like her life was being robbed from her because of her children. She taught them a lot. Although they were so young, they were attentive and hung on her every word. Now they wonder where their Mommy is and when is she coming home.

Maria was very involved in the 2004 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk that benefits the American Cancer Society. She felt it was very important for people to come together and fight for a cause that she so believed in. She had tried so hard to fight the battle, but in the end the battle was lost.