Santa Clara mom and son both battle cancer
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - It's an emotional holiday season for a Santa Clara family.
For years, Cherie Carter and her son, Carter Fulhors, have battled cancer together.
But Cherie recently learned she may not have long to live.
She and her two sons are preparing for the worst.
But at the same time, they are trying to find joy in this holiday season by enjoying each other's company and decorating their home-which is family tradition.
Both mom and son shared a precious moment together, decorating the tree inside their home.
"I just want to make it past Christmas because i don't want to pass on Christmas and have that be the memory," Cherie said.
Cherie has been battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cell cancer, for 13 years.
Now Cherie is scrambling to get her affairs in order for her two sons.
"They're going to have a really heavy load on them, financially and emotionally," said Cherie.
Carter battled brain cancer himself while attending college.
He also suffered a stroke and needed to learn how to walk and talk again.
Carter credits his mom with helping him navigate the difficult road to recovery.
Now, he's determined to make the best of their situation.
"I decided that I am going to do what I can to make this a nice holiday season," Carter said.
Decorating their home for the holidays is a way for him to cope.
"It also helps me. Otherwise I get a lot of built-up anxiety," said Carter. "You just have to keep going. I feel more anxious when I do nothing."
Cherie said chemotherapy and medication have bought her time.
Now, she has to prepare her sons for a future without her.
Cherie said she's grateful for having the last 13 years with her sons.
Now she's hoping for another miracle.
Carter has started an online fundraiser to help with his mother's medical and funeral expenses.
Amber Lee is a reporter with KTVU. Email Amber at Amber.Lee@Fox.com or text/leave message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU