Mokena Resident Thankful For Her Mother During Brain Cancer Battle

MOKENA, IL — Showing thankfulness, whether by sharing blessings around the Thanksgiving dinner table or through some other deed or action, is an important part of Thanksgiving and the holiday season in Mokena.

Patch and T-Mobile are teaming up to bring your moments of thankfulness from the dinner table to a wider audience. Spread the spirit of thankfulness this holiday season by sharing this link with family and friends. Together, we can inspire gratitude and overall goodwill toward one another in Mokena.

This submission comes from Zarifa Sabah in Mokena.

As we approach this holiday season, what are you thankful for?

I'm very thankful for my Mother. Many know her. Her name is Wafa Shalabi. She worked at Home Depot in Frankfort for many years. Her health took a very big toll on her. She has cancer —lung cancer and it has spread to her brain. She was hospitalized for over a week. They started chemotherapy. We are praying for a miracle. My Mother is the kindest and most caring person I know. We are grateful for the doctors, nurses, Frankfort Township and so many who reached out to our family. Kathy Brandenburg is and has been here helping with my children and family. She visited my mother as well in the hospital. This Thanksgiving and Christmas will be hard. We don't know how much time we will have with Mom. We are heartbroken. We are grateful for every second of every day we have with her. Prayers are needed and truly appreciated.