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Cheryl MautheMother of son with leukemia who suffered from breast cancer |
Content:
- A Mother's Resilience Amidst Adversity
- Documenting a Family's Strength
- Bonds of Love and Support
- Finding Joy in Adversity
- Colin's Courage and Resilience
- The Physical and Emotional Toll
- A Dedicated Support System
- Uncertain Future
- A Story of Triumph and Resilience
- Hope for the Future
A Mother's Resilience Amidst Adversity
Cheryl Maut, a single mother and a breast cancer survivor, has faced an extraordinary series of life challenges. In 2012, her 6-year-old son Colin was diagnosed with leukemia. That same year, her father passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In 2014, Cheryl herself was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Documenting a Family's Strength
Local photojournalist Tim Smith, intrigued by Cheryl's story, asked her permission to document her family's journey. By that time, Cheryl had come to terms with the grim reality that neither she nor Colin might survive their battles with cancer. She hoped that the photos would serve as a testament to her life and her unwavering determination to fight to the end.
Bonds of Love and Support
Smith earned Cheryl's trust and became a regular presence in her home, accompanying her to doctor's appointments, treatments, and surgeries. He witnessed her suffering and resilience as she endured grueling and painful procedures that she described as "bone-melting." Colin and Cheryl underwent chemotherapy side by side. Her daughter Emily even felt a sense of "deprivation" because she herself didn't have cancer. This unexpected perspective normalized the word "cancer" for Cheryl and her children, rather than instilling fear.
Finding Joy in Adversity
"I tried to make sure we weren't living in 'cancer world,'" Cheryl said. "We focused on the little things that made us happy and did things that kept us laughing, like going to the zoo, fairs, and birthday parties. It's hard to find the good when you are in the middle of tragedy. But when you have two kids looking up at you, you forget all the aches and pains and stress. They deserve the best mom, and I strive to be that."
Colin's Courage and Resilience
Cheryl dedicated her efforts to ensuring that Colin's leukemia did not define him as an object of pity. Using pamphlets from the cancer center, she and Colin educated his teachers and classmates. Colin's strength and resilience made him a "rockstar" at school, not an outcast.
The Physical and Emotional Toll
As Cheryl's chemotherapy progressed, she watched her hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows fall out. In an effort to buoy his mother's spirits, Colin reassured her, "Mom, you're beautiful." However, much of Colin's experience remained hidden from view. Cheryl forced herself to smile around her children, but at night, alone with her thoughts, she fought back feelings of despair. She admitted that "breaking down" alone was the hardest part, as there was no one to offer a shoulder to cry on.
A Dedicated Support System
During the darkest hours, Cheryl relied on her loyal friends, who cooked meals, mowed her lawn, and provided unwavering support. Even Smith himself, the persistent photojournalist who had entered her life, became a source of encouragement with his unyielding optimism. "It amazed me how many people can rally around one person or one family," Maut said. "It's mind-boggling sometimes how you can be so positive when it should be so devastating. But I just record those moments to show how happy our family is."
Uncertain Future
Breast cancer took a heavy physical toll on Cheryl. The slightest pressure on her fingertips from helping her children get ready for school could trigger intense pain. Yet, her greatest concern was Colin, whose leukemia threatened his life. Due to Colin's compromised immune system, friends were instructed to sanitize their hands before playing with him. When brushing his teeth, extra care had to be taken to avoid gum bleeding, which could interrupt his chemotherapy treatments. There were days when Maut didn't want to see Smith with his camera. Smith, however, always found a reason to be there.
A Story of Triumph and Resilience
Smith's commitment to telling the Maut family's story extended not only to capturing the difficult times but also the moments of joy. His photographs capture the laughter and smiles amidst the tears and pain, and Cheryl remains grateful for his documentation.
"It's a huge blessing to see yourself through other eyes," Cheryl said. "Now that we can look back - what a year it was. I'm so proud of the way we all came through it with grace and dignity."
Hope for the Future
In 2015, Cheryl received life-changing news: her cancer was in remission. Doctors projected that Colin would be leukemia-free by October. Mother and son would continue to receive regular checkups to monitor for any recurrence, particularly for Cheryl. She underwent reconstructive surgery and planned to return to work. Her family looked forward to a return to "normalcy" - a time when Mom was earning a living, living pain-free, and taking the family on much-needed vacations.
Tim, who had become close to the family, continues to maintain a bond with Cheryl, Colin, and Emily. He hopes to be present when Colin is officially declared cancer-free. Smith's experience with the Maut family not only created a photographic record but also changed his perspective. "When I see how much people appreciate what they have, it makes me realize that I don't want to spend my life looking through a camera lens. I want to stop and enjoy life here with my family."
