Crystal's Legacy
After discovering a strange black mole on her right eyelid, Crystal was diagnosed with a rare form of malignant melanoma in 2005. Following a series of surgeries to remove cancerous tissue, she was given a clean bill of health later that year.
Crystal and her husband, Anthony, made preparations for the arrival of their first child, but during the seventh month of her pregnancy, new cancer cells began forming in the tissue around her right eye. Doctors felt the cells could be dealt with after the birth and on April 24, 2007 beautiful Mattea Rene Violante was born.
Just weeks into motherhood, however, Crystal received horrible news after a routine MRI showed that the cancer had spread to the occipital bone behind the right eye. This was a shock to everyone, including the doctors.
In July, Anthony took Crystal to the emergency room at the Foothills Hospital because her back pain, which had persisted since Mattea's birth, became unbearable. An emergency MRI revealed the cancer had spread to her spine, hips and pelvic region, as well as her liver and lungs. At this point, doctors declared Crystal's cancer terminal.
Following a five-day round of radiation on her spinal column, doctors indicated they would not pursue further medical treatment options.
But Crystal was not prepared to give up - and neither was Anthony. She sought alternative treatments and Anthony left his job to dedicate himself to her daily care. Friends and family also supported Crystal, who began sharing her story through blog entries in an effort to raise awareness about malignant melanoma.
Despite the prognosis, Crystal had an incredibly positive attitude. She was a nurturing mother, a supportive and loving wife, and an inspiration to those around her.
Sadly, on Dec. 12, 2007, Crystal passed away at the age of 31.
How Memory's Foundation Became Involved.
Lyall Marshall, the president of Memory's Foundation, first learned of Crystal's situation when he was out for a coffee in September 2007 and spotted a story in a Calgary newspaper about her fight against cancer.
"I felt we had to help their family in some way," said Lyall, whose wife Memory died of a rare form of cancer earlier that year. "Few people really understand how draining this is emotionally and physically. It's a grind and your routine becomes absolutely crazy. You forget to eat and you're dead tired, but you're trying to stay positive."
Lyall contacted Crystal's husband, Anthony, and offered assistance.
"Crystal was moved by the Foundation and their goals," said Anthony. "When I first heard about Lyall and the Foundation I was eager to meet him. I thought, 'finally, someone that I can talk to that knows where I'm coming from.' Meeting Lyall was really good for me, however, it was a turning point in the road. When he shared his story with me it was the first time I really thought 'Crystal could really die and I would be left behind to pick up the pieces.'"
Over the next few months, Memory's Foundation helped Anthony and Crystal financially. "It was a Godsend because I was not working," recalled Anthony. "Also, Lyall made himself available to me for emotional support whenever I needed it."
When Anthony is ready to start work again, the Foundation will help him find a job that will allow him to spend as much time as possible with his daughter Mattea. In the meantime, Anthony is thrilled to be a part of this year's FOAC tournament.
"I feel this is a very noble Foundation that was started for all the right reasons. The potential for this Foundation is limitless. I see this group doing amazing things for cancer funding and research and I hope to see this Foundation grow to its maximum potential, whatever that may be."
