What began as a stubborn cough turned into months of misdiagnoses. Doctors suggested asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, but nothing helped. A freak accident—a broken rib from a waiter’s bump—led to a CT scan that revealed a mass in Deborah’s pulmonary artery. It was eventually diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

With her life on the line, Deborah underwent a complex open-heart surgery with only a 5–10% chance of survival. “They could not really be sure what it was,” her family recalled. Against all odds, she survived, gaining precious time with her family and a new purpose.

Encouraged by her daughter, Deborah began sharing her journey on social media. Her unfiltered honesty and humor about cancer and motherhood attracted over 800,000 followers. She used her platform to bring light, hope, and realness into people’s lives—even as her health declined.

In her final days, Deborah and Katerina shared one last memory—a surprise wedding dress fitting. “You look stunning,” she told her daughter. Deborah passed away on January 14, 2025, leaving behind love, inspiration, and a message that still echoes: “Mommy will always be there with you.”