In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Leader has solicited tributes to those who’ve battled breast cancer or acted as caregivers for patients. Here are two tributes honoring Christine Boyce, a Covington woman who died in 2000.
Amazing Aunt Christine
Breast cancer! I can still remember the day that my dad told me that my aunt, Christine Boyce, had breast cancer. I remember being numb. I was in shock but then I thought, “Aunt Christine goes to church and she will be fine.”
My aunt Christine was one of a kind. I always had a special bond with her. When I was around 12 years old, my Aunt Christine took me and my four siblings in to raise us while my dad worked out of state. How she did it – a single parent, with her two daughters Christina and Christie, in a two-bedroom house – is truly amazing.
This beautiful woman of God took in family without question. Her only rule was that if you were at her house on Sunday you had to attend church.
Fast forward I’m going into my senior year of high school and I find out I’m pregnant! My aunt Christine came to the rescue, battling cancer herself. She would take me to every doctor’s appointment no matter how weak she was from cancer. My aunt battled breast cancer and never complained. She was there when I delivered my son, Jalen.
This amazing woman watched my son while I attended school and her goal was to see me graduate – and I did in May 1999.
The new year brought about a change! My aunt’s cancer came back full force. She died in her home surrounded by family, and for once I was there for her like she was for me. I held her hand while she took her last breath!
– Felisha Mason
Remembering, an honoring, our mother
My mom was my right and left hand; she was everything to me. Even when my mom battled with cancer, she fought as the warrior she has always been. She never let me see her suffer nor be in pain.
My mom was not only my backbone she was my spine. She is what keeps me going even as an adult. I just hope that my sister, Christina Boyce, and I are half the woman and mother that she was to us.
– Christie Howard
Would you like to honor someone who’s battled breast cancer? We’d love to print your tribute! Send an email, with a photo and no more than 750 words, to news@covingtonleader.com.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
