A mother who eventually received a stage four bowel cancer diagnosis was initially misinformed about her symptoms.
Maria Paszkiewicz, aged 76, noticed unusual changes in her bowel habits, including increased frequency and urgency. At first, doctors attributed the symptoms to possible food intolerance.
However, in August 2023, she was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer that had metastasized to her liver. Although initial chemotherapy showed some positive results, the cancer later became resistant to further treatment. In mid-April 2024, Maria was told she had three to six months left to live—tragically, she passed away only three days later, on April 25.
Her daughter Anne-Marie, 43, from Coventry, described the sudden loss as deeply shocking.
She shared how her mother had pushed for more thorough tests after suspecting that the initial diagnosis didn’t feel right. “When we were told there were months left, we started planning how we’d spend the time together, but we never got the chance,” Anne-Marie said.
In her mother’s memory, Anne-Marie is taking on two marathons in one week—the Boston Marathon on April 21, followed by the London Marathon on April 27. She has been an avid runner for 15 years, completing 22 marathons and 78 half-marathons.
By running, she’s raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, having already surpassed her original fundraising goal of £2,500. She shared that running has become a way to process her grief and honor her mum’s legacy.
Pascale Harvie from JustGiving praised her efforts, saying Anne-Marie’s fundraiser is a touching tribute and reflects the vital support organizations like Macmillan provide.
Anyone affected by cancer or in need of support can contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line at 0808 808 00 00, available daily from 8am to 8pm.