Happy Mother's Day To Helga Paris

CHAMPAIGN, IL — Whether it's through their personalities, looks, hobbies, or a combination of everything, children become a reflection of the woman who raised them.

With Mother's Day 2021 right around the corner, we are celebrating that special bond by inviting Patch readers across the state to share their mother-daughter and mother-son photos. Happy Mother's Day!

Claudia Paris submitted the following for mom Helga Paris:

Why she is special: Not matter what life throws at my mom she always puts family and friends first. This picture is the essence of that. This is my mom with my dad (Vietnam Veteran/Purple Heart/Agent Orange). She was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer while my dad was in the hospital. She greeted him with a smile everyday he was in the hospital and worked diligently to get him home safely where he passed away early Easter morning (2021). She then got her port and started chemo before we could even hold a funeral service. She is a breast Cancer survivor. She grew up in Germany during WWII and has survived things no one should live through. My parents marriage lasted faithfully for over 54 years. Our mom is the strongest bravest most courageous mom we know. No matter her struggle her family and friends always come first.

Message: We love you more than words can ever express. Just like every other struggle in your life and you got this and we got you.

At Patch, we want to celebrate that special bond by inviting our readers to share their favorite mother-daughter or mother-son photos and sentiments. Submit your special message here.

Looking for a gift for mom? Check out Patch's Mother's Day 2021 gift guide here.