(a letter to the LBC community from our beloved Warrior)

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My cancer experience began late in 2019. That was a scary diagnosis to hear but I was fortunate. A lumpectomy was performed, radiation treatments were received, and I felt fine.

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The cancer was gone. 

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I returned to doing whatever I felt like doing. Being fortunate enough to have a job with flexible hours, I would go into work super early so I could escape early and have the rest of the day to be free to do as I liked. The best days were the warm sunny ones. I could play in the dirt, attempting to make a beautiful outdoor environment with landscaping and flower gardening. Also, a great excuse to soak up the sun’s life-giving rays. On the rainy or cold days there was sewing to enjoy. There is nothing as satisfying as creating something from pieces of fabric. The challenge of choosing colors, cutting precisely and stitching the pieces together is almost magical.

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But the pleasure of sunshine and sewing was not enough. I’ve always loved music, especially when performed live so a chunk of my weekends was spent seeking out bands to get me dancing or banging my head. That was excellent physical and social therapy, but I often wished there were more people out enjoying the music, gathering together and smiling with happiness. I thought maybe people didn’t know what they were missing so to try luring a larger audience I started recording videos. At first, I shared the videos on Facebook then eventually I created the YouTube channel “Live Music of the 607” for more exposure. I was very pleased with how the channel united local bands performances in one place. Also, the feedback from the bands, local venues and music lovers was phenomenal. I was happy and loving life.

 

2025 began but felt different. I was feeling drained and had much less energy to enjoy doing the things I loved. I no longer made it out to hear live music every weekend like I had in the past. I thought I’d perk up once winter was over. Warmer weather and sunshine arrived but the strength for gardening was missing, and back pain often accompanied any digging I did. As the summer progressed the pain intensified and it became apparent that there was more going on than strained muscles or vertebrae misalignment. I was no longer free to do as I pleased and couldn’t enjoy the things I loved.

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With no options left, it was time to seek out an MRI to check for pain causing damage. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple without a direct injury. Insurance companies require 90 days of treatment for pain before an MRI request can be submitted. Prescription painkillers weren’t helping and physical therapy was making the pain worse. Some days it was so excruciating I could barely get out of bed. I tried to work through the agony but sometimes it was almost impossible to walk.

One morning in the middle of November I got out of my car at work and almost collapsed in the parking lot. Using all the willpower I could muster I managed to get back in the car and drive home. I called Tim for help. It was time to go to the emergency room. After a 5-day hospital stay then another 35 days stay, there was no denying that the breast cancer that was discovered in 2019 had returned. It had metastasized to the bones and then traveled quickly to the liver. The invincible independent woman that existed prior to 2025 was transformed into one that couldn’t sufficiently take care of herself.

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As of March 2026, I am home and doing better than expected. I believe healthy nutritional choices plus the countless prayers from friends and family are the reason. Thinking positive and knowing I’m not alone in this journey is helping me to deal with the situation. Words can’t express how much I appreciate having Tim and Nick here to help me through the good days and the bad ones.

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 After all the years spent recording videos for the Lick Breast Cancer Music Fest, I never expected to be their warrior. I am extremely grateful to be chosen, and if my bones cooperate, I’ll record some of the always outstanding musical performances.

No one can say what twists and turns this cancer journey will take but I am grateful for each day that I can move around. Maybe sew a little, hear some music or just feel some warm sunshine.

 

-Mary Ann Ruffo-​

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