“I brought my daughter into the world and took her out of it.”

Deborah James, my beautiful whirlwind of a girl, passed away after a brave fight with bowel cancer. Diagnosed at 35, she faced the illness with strength and determination, all while raising her children, Hugo and Eloise.

Deborah was a force of nature. She turned her diagnosis into a mission to help others by raising awareness about cancer through her Bowelbabe blog and co-hosting the podcast You, Me, and the Big C. She wanted to make the world better for her kids and everyone affected by cancer.

Her legacy includes the Bowelbabe Fund, which she established to support cancer research. “She wished the world were a better place for her kids,” and she worked tirelessly to make that happen even in her final days.

Deborah’s passing was a mix of love and pain. We spent precious weeks together before she died, creating memories and celebrating life. “I had her hand in mine when she passed away,” and I am grateful her last moments were peaceful.

Though she is gone, Deborah’s spirit lives on through her children and the impact she made on the world. Her advice, “Enjoy every moment,” is something I try to live by every day.