Daughter Uses Mom's Terminal Cancer To Change Attitudes
LOVELAND, Colo. (CBS4)- It's called "Operation Choose Joy" and was developed by a young woman in Loveland when she learned her mother had terminal cancer.
Carla Wilson said she became depressed when she learned that she had terminal cancer and that treatement would only prolong her life.
Her daughter, Robyn Wilson, had a different idea. She turned to an unconventional treatment not only to help make her mother's final days more enjoyable, but to change her mother' attitude.
"I didn't want to, because I thought it was silly," Carla said to CBS Evening News' Steve Hartman.
One day they wore red noses to Carla's chemotherapy session at McKee Cancer Center in Loveland. And that's what started it all.
After the noses, their costumes became more elaborate, including tie-dye, tutus, bumbling bees, even Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter.
In addition to the costumes, they always brought little gifts for the nurses and other patients.
They believe those little say this cheerfulness has had a profound effect on Carla's attitude.
"It was like a switch," said Robyn.
"The mood changed -- dramatically," said Carla.
The cancer will eventually take Carla's life but Robyn said enjoying cancer treatment is something she will always remember.
