MARYLAND, USA — After learning about the heartbreaking story of a Maryland mother of five who has terminal cancer, a D.C. funeral home wants to help the family.
Christina Mason, owner of Roger J Mason Funeral in Northwest, D.C., said she saw WUSA9's recent coverage about how 34-year-old Kourtni Smith is preparing her family for her death. Mason offered to cover all Smith's funeral costs.
While Smith said she has been contacted by several funeral homes, she has not yet made a decision on who she wants to handle her burial.
Smith was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma in 2021. But the cancer spread aggressively, and about four weeks ago, doctors told Smith the cancer was in her brain. In August, she was told she probably had a few months to live. For now, she's focusing on making memories with her family, planning for what’s to come, and hopes she can make it to see one more Christmas with her kids.
Smith said she hopes her story can be an example to other women who may fear going to the doctor.
"I feel like now I can save someone’s life," Smith said. "Here I am, 34, and I’m dying because I was afraid to go to the doctor."
Smith also has a GoFundMe page set up to help with funeral expenses. She’s also working on a children’s book to leave behind for her son.
"I want them to know that I love them, and I love them so much," Smith said of her five children and husband. "I would go to any drastic measures to make sure they’re okay. Even behind the grave."
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