Deanna King, a 34-year-old Saint John woman battling breast cancer, received a powerful surprise this past weekend: A pink pumpkin patch appeared in her yard. The pumpkins were put there by friends, neighbours, co-workers and local firefighters to show their support and lift her spirits.
“The pumpkins are so awesome. They are all different colours, and they’ve got little messages of support,” she told Global News.
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King was diagnosed with breast cancer in March and had already undergone a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. But last Monday she was told her cancer was back.
“I was devastated. Of course my first thoughts go to my little girl and wanting to be healthy for her,” King said in the interview.
So to cheer her up, “My friends decided to gather my co-workers and the firefighters, and they delivered pink pumpkins last weekend, and it’s just been incredible.” Some are covered in rhinestones, and many have thoughtful messages. And they continue to flood in.
“I was in tears,” said Deanna’s husband, Mike, also a firefighter.
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“It’s amazing having support from people we don’t even know, showing awareness for Deanna and also everyone who suffers from this disease,” he told Global News.
“It just reignites the fight in you, and I am ready to battle again,” Deanna said.
She says she’s on her way to being a survivor and hopes her pumpkins spread the word about the importance of early detection.
“It’s so touching… to know that people are thinking about you and wishing you well… Means a lot,” she told CBC News.
Amazed by the community’s support, King sent a video to The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
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