Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Lakin Crump-“From Breast Cancer to Africa” and a Special Tribute from her Daughter
Story by: Katie Wilson
I am the resident reporter for a local “Mission Moment Column” in Huntsville’s Downtown Living Newsletter. I had the privilege of interviewing my dear friend, Lakin Fleming Crump, about her mission trip to Tanzania, Africa in 2010. I witnessed tears of joy, gratitude and holy awe, as she tapped into her “mission memories” and who would have known that breast cancer was a stepping stone on this remarkable journey.
She began by sharing the mile markers which paved her way to Africa. Lakin’s diagnosis, treatment and recovery from breast cancer in 2009-2010 changed her perspective forever!
Her relationship with the Lord and others trumped any trivial distraction and a burden for the lost to be found ignited a fire in your bones to go “tell it on the mountain.” It was an easy “yes” when asked to join the team going to Tanzania, not because she was an avid traveler or because she particularly liked adventure, but because she wanted to jump on the opportunity to share Jesus’ love and hope and share the reality of “nothing is impossible with God”, a truth she knew from her personal experience with cancer.
Philippians 4:13 –“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” had carried her through cancer and carried her on mission.
Lakin is living proof of this:
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28
Not only have I had the tremendous blessing of Lakin’s friendship and growing in Christ alongside her, but I have also had the privilege of walking beside her daughter since Mary Witty was a middle-schooler. “Pretty Witty”, as I call her, is now a Sophomore in college. I asked her if she wanted to share some words for her momma, as we celebrated her and her victory over breast cancer today. The answer was a quick and easy YES!
So this one is for you dear Lakin and may God continue to bless you and shine through you in our city and even to the ends of the earth!
Dear Mom,
You’ll never understand how thankful I am to have been blessed with such an amazing, strong mom like you. You’re my everything and I pray to be just like you when I get older. Everyday, I think of you and make decisions thinking of you. You and dad are the best role models I could’ve asked for, both with the biggest loving Christian hearts. You’ve both taught me right from wrong and I’m forever grateful for that. I love you more than words can explain and I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve taught me.
I love you
Witty
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