24 year old diagnosed with terminal cancer, heartbreaking

Student Graduates Despite Tragic Diagnosis
By Nefertiti Jaquez

POSTED: Friday, May 21, 2010
UPDATED: 9:45 am CDT May 22, 2010

HOUSTON -- A local college student dying from cancer lived a lifetime of dreams in just a few days, all while teaching powerful lessons of life and love to everyone around her, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

Angela Flores, 24, has a spirit for life, even though she knows she's about to lose hers.

"It's a bittersweet situation," Flores said, soft spoken because of her lack of energy and attached to a breathing tube. Flores was recently diagnosed with advanced colon cancer.

After about a month of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, doctors have told her there is nothing they can do.

"It's been difficult! There have been times where I'm not gonna lie, I do want to give up. I rather end it for those around me aren't suffering, to put them at ease," said Flores.

But don't be fooled.

The recent graduate admitted while she has her down moments she's nowhere near giving up.

Those around her said, they won't let her:

"My sister is such a strong girl, and its her strength that's getting me through this," said Valeria Flores.

That enduring spirit has created a week full of lasting memories.

Angela was not only awarded her degree in teaching from The University of Houston-Downtown Tuesday; she also married the love of her life just Thursday.

"I know my dad was a bit jealous about it," Flores giggled.

For a person who just entered a hospice at Memorial Hermann Hospital, you'd never expect her to be so positive. But she is, and she's taught her close friends and family that living your life to the fullest "isn't just a cliche."

"It really has just taught me that friendship and love is so priceless," added Jennifer Hord, Flores' best friend of 10 years.

The Flores family does not have insurance and they're dealing with mounting medical bills. Donations can be made online at www.angelaflores.org

http://www.click2houston.com/video/23638369/index.html