MALLAIG – Elizabeth Mathiot, 53, was told she’d need chemotherapy for the rest of her life. Cancer had reached her lungs and brain - but not her spirit.
Jenna Mathiot, Elizabeth’s eldest daughter, spoke to Lakeland This Week on behalf of her mother, as Elizabeth is still recovering from multiple medical procedures.
She says her mother was a foster child and aware that her biological family had a history of colon cancer.
So, Elizabeth made consistent efforts over the years in an attempt to stay ahead by regularly monitoring her health and hopefully catch any cancer developments early.
“She was very ahead of it,” says Jenna.
In November 2023, the cancer did come - but it was fast. Elizabeth was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and went through chemotherapy. The lesion initially appeared on her lung and later spread to her brain.
She had to go through two brain surgeries. “It was so scary,” recalls Jenna. “It was so hard because we didn't know if she was going to come out of it.” But Elizabeth did, she says. “The Lord has pulled through on so many levels for us.”
Elizabeth later underwent full brain radiation over the course of several days.
The medical consensus, however, remains the same – Elizabeth has to effectively take chemotherapy for the rest of her life. No conventional alternatives have been proposed to the family.
Elizabeth's family chose to seek alternative treatment. They did not want to give up.
“It just breaks my heart that people give up so easily because the doctors say there's no hope," she said.
For now, Jenna says Elizabeth is doing OK physically. While there have been a lot of challenges, from Elizabeth's treatments, the surgeries, the radiation, and many more challenges in the future, Elizabeth is still walking and still pushing herself every day.
“She’s just a beautiful human,” Jenna says.
Her mother loves people and is someone who values people, not just in passing, but as a constant in her life.
It’s a character that prompted Elizabeth to work as a health care aide, with particular affection for the seniors she served. At home, she enjoys her pets and time with family.
“She loves animals, that makes her smile,” Jenna says. “She just loves living life to the fullest and she's doing it the best that she can right now, and we hope is that she can get back to her prime.”
Jenna adds, “She’s a light.”
Living with faith and loss
Elizabeth’s diagnosis has been difficult for the family, says Jenna.
Over the past year, in addition to the diagnosis, the Mathiot family also lost three people close to them – two to cancer.
While difficult, she says it has brought the family closer. Prior to Elizabeth’s diagnosis, Jenna felt as if the family was living their lives on their own – doing their own thing.
But with the challenges, "It’s given us a different perspective of life.”
“We’ve just been living in this whirlwind together,” she says.
Anything can happen in life, adds Jenna. “Cherish every moment, because something can happen instantaneously and you don’t want to end up with regrets.”
For Elizabeth, Jenna says her mother learned cancer does not define her.
As a Christian family, faith has been a consistent source of strength both for Elizabeth and the rest of the family.
There is always that fear for death. “Fear of losing someone, that all comes with it,” says Jenna. “Fear of having to watch [someone] go through something that nobody should have to go through – is big.”
But faith and prayers help provide that sense of peace, and for Jenna, she still prays and holds hope that her mother will recover someday.
Community support
On behalf of the Mathiot family, Jenna thanked the Mallaig community and many other people, for coming together to support their family.
Churches, such as the Mallaig Baptist Church, Glendon Community Church, and the local Catholic congregation have provided regular support, including food, prayers, and fundraisers.
Other community organizations, such as Haying in the 30's, also helped, as well as the Goodridge 4-H Beef Club who raised $4,000 for Elizabeth through a barbecue, last year.
A GoFundMe page Jenna set up also has received a steady number of donations.
Also, a bull riding event fundraiser, organized by Mallaig-based business Mikey Mac’s, will be held on May 10 at Mallaig. Each ride will be $10, and all proceeds will go to the family.
Jenna said the family did not expect the level of response they have received.
It’s made a difference, not only financially, but with their morale.
“Our community has been phenomenal,” she says.
