Deborah Finck, a devoted wife and mother of six, began experiencing persistent coughing and exhaustion that doctors misdiagnosed for months as common lung ailments like bronchitis and asthma. Despite various treatments, her health worsened until a broken rib from an accidental bump led to a CT scan revealing a mysterious mass in her pulmonary artery. After a long and frustrating search for answers, Deborah was finally diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that required immediate, high-risk surgery.
The surgery involved cooling her body, temporarily removing her heart, and carefully extracting the tumor. Given only a small chance of survival, Deborah’s determination and strength saw her through the operation and recovery. During this time, encouraged by her youngest daughter Katerina, Deborah began sharing her journey on social media, openly documenting the challenges, hopes, and joys of living with cancer. Her candid posts built a large, supportive community and became a source of inspiration for many.
As her condition worsened, Deborah transitioned to hospice care surrounded by family, continuing to connect with followers and loved ones through heartfelt videos. One of her final gifts was a special wedding dress fitting with Katerina, a touching moment shared privately to create lasting memories. Deborah’s legacy lives on through her family and the thousands she touched, highlighting the importance of persistence, love, and courage in the face of life’s hardest battles.
Deborah passed away peacefully in early 2025, leaving behind her husband Paul, six children, and a powerful message about the fragility and strength of the human spirit. Her story raises awareness of rare diseases and the critical need for accurate diagnosis, while also reminding us of the profound impact of sharing life’s most difficult moments with honesty and hope.