Community Corner

Suzanne Ciani Loses Battle with Brain Cancer

Patch editor Nicole Hutcheson recalls the Suzanne Ciani Brain Cancer Foundation's namesake and one of the driving forces behind the Odessa Organic Farmers Market.

I can't remember exactly when I became acquainted with the Ciani family or the the Odessa Organic Farmer's Market that John Ciani runs.

What I do know is that this close-knit clan quickly became a fixture when it came to the stories and events I featured on Westchase Patch. Eventually they went from "sources" I called for a quote to friends I happily greet with a hug.

It's no secret that the Ciani family are a friendly, salt-of-the-earth bunch. But, for me, the bond comes from empathizing with the struggle in their eyes behind the smiles.

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My mother died of cancer 15 years ago. And, to live with the knowledge on a daily basis that someone you love is dying can't be explained - it can only be experienced and understood.

I understood them.

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Suzanne Ciani, or "Mamma Ciani," had brain cancer and at least one tumor was inoperable. She was open and honest about her diagnosis from the disorientation she suffered from to the way she felt about losing her hair after undergoing chemotherapy.

I remember asking her if she'd had it cut in a style because as her hair grew back it looked quite stylish to me. She laughed about it and thanked me for the compliment.

Her sense of humor about her illness surprised and enthralled me.

I learned that much of Suzanne's strength came from her faith in God and of course a large family that showered her with love.

Her husband, John, is also someone I greatly admired. In between chatting about the market and stories, he and I would talk about the hard stuff. How to keep on keeping on even when you're sad and how to focus on the good days.

So, when the call came on Saturday morning (April 6) that Suzanne's condition had taken a turn for the worse and John Ciani needed help at his market, I didn't hesitate to lend a hand. I threw on my jeans and sneakers and arrived that afternoon ready to pitch in.

I can't keep a cactus alive.

But, I've always been fascinated with agriculture and farming since playing in my grandmother's garden as a child. Working at a farmer's market with all those luscious organic vegetables and fruits sounded like fun.

John is a mainstay at the market.

So when customers noticed he wasn't there on Saturday many asked me where he was and how Suzanne was doing. They all really cared.

How awesome in this day and age of big box stores and chains that customers actually know and care about the life of the market owner.

Saturday was a special day at the Odessa Organic Farmer's Market. At 5 p.m., the market turned into the popular Green After Dark event where eco-friendly vendors set up shop and food trucks rolled in with a variety of eats. A live band rounded out the good time. The event draws hundreds.

As the afternoon turned to evening, more of John's friends showed up to help out and set up.

Then a call came in between all of that and my heart sunk.

Suzanne Ciani had passed away. She was 52 years old.

Things sort of froze for everyone there. There was an event unfolding and customers continuing to shop for veggies. But this huge thing had just taken place. What should we do?

Continue.

John and his family were coming to Green After Dark, the caller said. We had to go on. Like one of John's friends said, "This is like their second home."

As John and his family arrived, they could barely make it to the festivities as people approached them with hugs. Grief stricken but putting on brave faces is how I would describe the family that day. Many of them actually thanked us for our support and help during their trying times. The band played a special tune in honor of Suzanne to tears and applause.

For many people it might seem hard to fathom being around a crowd after such a loss. But when you've grown a community who supports you, it makes perfect sense. And that's just what John and Suzanne have done. The family knew that at the market they would be among friends and Suzanne would be remembered with love.

To learn more or donate to the Suzanne Ciani Brain Cancer Foundation, visit their website http://scbraincancer.org/ or find them on Facebook.


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