A Last Vote: Catherine Crews’ Journey to the Polls
In May, Catherine Crews received devastating news from her doctor: she had just six months to live. The diagnosis, stemming from a rare and aggressive form of cancer, sent her into a spiral of emotions. Yet, amid the tears, a sense of urgency emerged. A politically active Democrat, Crews was determined to cast her vote in the upcoming presidential election, a final act of civic engagement that held profound significance for her.
A Life Defined by Resilience
Catherine Crews, a 67-year-old retired yoga instructor, has faced the specter of death for over a decade. Diagnosed with NUT carcinoma in September 2013, she was told by her doctor that her journey would be akin to climbing "Mount Everest." The prognosis was grim, with a mere 3% chance of survival. Yet, against all odds, she defied expectations, living longer than her medical team had anticipated.
Her battle with cancer was marked by numerous surgeries, including two painful jaw transplants, chemotherapy, and radiation. The physical toll was immense, leaving her with disfigurements that made her self-conscious. Despite these challenges, Crews embraced life, engaging in activities that brought her joy, such as painting, gardening, and volunteering in her community. She even established a Facebook support group for others facing the same rare cancer.
The Urgency of Voting
As her health deteriorated, Crews began to reflect on her life and the legacy she wanted to leave behind. With the presidential election looming, she felt a strong desire to participate in the democratic process one last time. After receiving her terminal diagnosis, she asked her husband, Billy, to contact the courthouse to find out when absentee voting would begin in Mississippi.
The news that absentee voting would not start until September 23 was disheartening. Crews feared she might not live long enough to cast her vote. However, she remained resolute, determined to fulfill this civic duty.
The Day of Voting
On the first day of absentee voting, Crews, accompanied by Billy, made the short walk to the Lafayette County Courthouse. The journey was symbolic, representing not just a physical act but a profound statement of her beliefs and values. Inside the courthouse, she stepped into the electronic voting booth and marked her ballot for Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president.
After submitting her ballot, Crews returned home and shared her experience on Facebook. In her heartfelt post, she expressed her commitment to preserving democracy and her hopes for a future defined by honesty, decency, and integrity. She voted not just for a candidate, but for the principles she believed in—fairness, freedom, and inclusion.
A Legacy of Hope
Catherine Crews’ story is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering commitment to her beliefs. As she faces the end of her life, she finds solace in knowing that she has done her part to shape the future of her country. Her vote is not merely a mark on a ballot; it is a legacy for her children and grandchildren, a testament to her values and the world she hopes they will inherit.
As the election approaches, Crews remains hopeful. She wishes to witness the election results, eager to see if her candidate emerges victorious. Regardless of the outcome, she has made peace with her journey, knowing that she has left her mark on the democratic process.
In a world often fraught with division and uncertainty, Catherine Crews’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of civic engagement and the enduring spirit of those who fight for their beliefs, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. Her final vote is a powerful declaration of hope, a call to action for all citizens to participate in shaping the future of their democracy.