In spring 1999, Linda and Phil Moffa
were planning an extravagant Asian cruise. Linda seemed
in perfect health until a routine annual gynecologic exam
changed everything. During an internal, her new doctor felt
“something”. A complete hysterectomy was performed,
revealing Stage IIIc ovarian cancer widely spread throughout
Linda’s peritoneal cavity. After major debulking,
Linda began chemotherapy.
A few months later, Linda was also diagnosed
with Stage I breast cancer. Once the initial chemotherapy
regimen for the ovarian cancer was completed, Linda underwent
a lumpectomy and radiation. In the midst of this, Linda
and Phil proudly attended their younger daughter Allison’s
college graduation. Linda also painstakingly planned the
dream wedding for their older daughter Sharon and fiancé
Andrew. During the seven years since diagnosis, Linda underwent
a staggering eight regimens of chemotherapy for persistent
ovarian cancer recurrences. Despite the debilitating side
effects, she maintained an amazingly positive outlook and
never complained. Always an athlete, she even continued
to exercise on the treadmill, play tennis, and started up
a yoga class.
In summer 2003, Sharon and Andrew gave
birth to Linda’s first and only grandchild, Benjamin
Jacob, named for Linda and Phil’s fathers. Linda,
called “Bubs” by Benjamin, reveled in her new
role of grandmother. She and Benjamin formed an incredible
bond of mutual adoration and love.
By spring 2006, Linda was beset
by intense back pain and underwent weeks of excruciating
tests to find the cause. Tragically, an aggressive cancer
growth was found in her liver. Linda passed away in April,
with devoted husband Phil and her children by her side.
Benjamin constantly reminds us how much he misses his Bubs.
We all do.
