A Patient’s Daughter From The Past
Herman wouldn’t take that as the final answer. Reaching out to family and friends, a woman, whose parents were cared for by Ashbennett when she was a nurse, finally came through for them. She was able to get Ashbennett into the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to receive treatment.
But after six weeks, the cancer had metastasized. NIH had done all they could do. The family was, again, facing the choice of hospice. Herman decided to setup her hospice at home. That way, he could have nurses come in and he could be with her. For, the last thing Herman wanted was to be called and told she had passed…and then have to drive to her side.
The Wellness Center
Ashbennett, however, wasn’t done fighting. With the assistance of a wellness center, she attempted to use nutrition to fight the cancer. During her third treatment, Ashbennett suffer a stroke. An ambulance took her to the hospital and it took an hour and a half before a doctor saw her. Herman could tell that his wife didn’t think she was going to make it. But he stayed with her…comforting her.
In the hospital, Herman was on her left side and their son, Ray, was on her right. Herman squeezed her hand. “Honey it’s going to be alright. Squeeze my hand.” But she did not respond. She couldn’t. She squeeze her right hand – the hand Ray was holding.
When they admitted her they determined that she had a seizure, not a stroke. Then, as soon as the doctor left the room, Ashbennett suffered a massive stroke. Her son ran to get the doctor. The doctor returned, but there was nothing he could do.
Ashbennett had seizures over the next 30 hours. Herman witnessed every last one of them. He had once told Ashbennett, “As long as you’re not moving from the face of the earth, I will find you.” Well Herman found her…and never left her. And when Ashbennett left the face of the earth, he was standing right there by her side, holding her hand. Ashbennett passed away on June 13, 2012 – two months and two days before their 54th anniversary.
FIGHT!
“Mr. Cannon,” I asked, “What would you tell a husband who has to care for a wife who has cancer?”
Mr. Cannon answered, “As long as they are fighting for every breath of life, you have to fight…fight…fight along with her as long she wants to fight…no matter how dark the road gets.”
What does Herman and Ashbennett’s story speak to you? Share your comment below.
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What a beautiful couple and a touching story. I really hope we find a cure for cancer soon. It has taken so many lives.
Thanks Briana.
What a beautiful beautiful story of love, respect and admiration. and the way you told it was just everything, I feel like I know Herman and Ashbennett and I am so sorry for their loss. Thank you for sharing this and please send me a flyer or something so that I can post Zuriworks initiative on my social sites. Peace 🙂
Thanks Stacey. The only marketing collateral I have is ZuriWorks website. They have a youtube video and some copy. I hope that is sufficient. http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/zuriworks-exposures-project-other-faces-of-cancer
Wow, this was such a beautiful story, literally making me tear up. I’m so sorry you lost who sounded like an amazing sister. I will keep her husband and children in prayer. Thank you so much for sharing this with us Heath. We definitely have to continue to fight against all cancer until we no longer have to suffer loss. I will definitely be sure to share.
We definitely do Christine. I appreciate you prayers for my family.
sounds like Scooter and Allison to me. She told me how he took care of her.
This is such an inspirational story! I know that word is overused, but I don’t know how else to describe it! I always say that God has an amazing ability to turn a burden into a blessing, and this is a living example of that! Thank you Heather for sharing the story.
I think your sister would be proud of you for continuing her fight here on earth. Despite the pain, I am glad she experienced such pleasure. I would be truly blessed to find a husband like Herman:) They are an amazing example of true love and til death do us part–although I’m positive she never parted from Herman’s heart!
Thanks Heather. It is important to me that we get the word out about cancer awareness. I’m glad you were encouraged by their story.
With eyes wet, I say thank you for sharing this story and opportunity to help with Cancer Awareness through ZuriWorks
Thank Utokia. They appreciate your support.
What a beautiful story. I am a cancer survivor and was married to someone who chose to abandon as I struggled to get well. I have been afraid to date. This story is amazing, it’s hard to find men who are so selfless and are loving leaders. We need to hear more stories like this one. Thank you for your efforts with this website. God bless.
That sucks Patricia! My heart just breaks to hear your husband left and would not stick by your side when you were fighting for your life. I hope this story gives you some encouragement that there are men of noble character out there. I hope your find love that knows no bounds (if you haven’t already found it). God bless.