I am beyond thrilled to introduce you to a project that holds a profound place in my heart—Echoes of Helen. This book is not just a recounting of my mother’s life; it’s a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. It is the culmination of a deeply personal journey that I’ve walked over the past year, I am honored to share it with you.
The Inspiration Behind Echoes of Helen
These past two years, I've taken a step back from my normal routine. This time has been filled with immense challenges—not only the loss of my Mom but everything that came after. Life turned completely upside down as I navigated grief and faced unexpected obstacles that tested my strength in ways I never imagined.
When you’re confronted with the kind of heartbreak that comes with watching someone you love suffer—like I did with my mom—there’s no hiding from it. It cracks you wide open, leaving you raw and exposed. In that space, you’re forced to reexamine everything you thought mattered. The things that once felt important fall away, and you’re left standing in the clarity of what’s real and true. For me, it was both frightening and awakening, a reminder of how fragile our time here really is. We don’t truly grasp how short life is until we’re forced to face it. From that moment on, I wanted more out of life, a deeper connection to what truly matters.
As I reflect on my mother’s journey, I see how profoundly it shaped my understanding of love, resilience, and the strength required to stay true to ourselves. Echoes of Helen isn’t just a story about her battle with a rare cancer—it’s a testament to how we show up in our relationships, how we see others, and, ultimately, how we see ourselves. Through her illness, I was confronted with hard truths about forgiveness, the courage to hold space for both compassion and grief, and the strength to keep moving forward, even when the pain feels like it might tear you apart. It’s in these moments that we find the true depth of our humanity.
I've always tried to see the good in everyone, believing that at their core, people mean well. If anything, I’ve realized I often expect too much—especially when it comes to how I think people should treat each other. When someone I care about is struggling, I’m the first to jump in and offer help, but not everyone shows up that way. Learning this has been one of the hardest and most vulnerable lessons for me. It’s made me reassess everything—how I want to show up for myself, my family, and my friends, and what message I want to share with the world. Because how we treat others, and how they treat us, doesn’t always carry the same weight, especially when life throws its hardest challenges our way.
Changing how I see other people’s behaviors has been one of the most challenging things I’ve had to do. It’s not that I believe people are bad—far from it—but I’ve come to understand that we can’t hold others to the same expectations we hold for ourselves. We all have different ways of showing up, and learning to accept that not everyone will show up the way I hoped—or the way I would for them—has been painful, especially in my closest relationships.
This realization, though, has been a powerful lesson in humility. It’s taught me that true resilience isn’t about expecting others to be there, but about finding the strength within myself to weather the storms. And in doing that, I’ve discovered a deeper sense of grounding and clarity that I never knew I had.
While I strive to lead with compassion, it’s not always simple—especially when I’ve been deeply hurt or when someone’s actions have caused significant pain. Letting go of those feelings has been one of the greatest challenges in my journey. The truth is, it's been harder now to move past situations that have profoundly affected me and my family. In the past, I’ve been able to let things go and move forward, but when the people you love turn away when you need them the most, it's not easy to move past.
What I’ve learned is that it’s okay to feel angry, disappointed, or frustrated. These emotions are valid. The real work comes in how I choose to sit with them, how I make space for those feelings without letting them take over my relationships or my healing. Holding onto resentment feels protective at times, like a shield, but I’ve learned that releasing it is essential to growth. It’s not easy—it takes time and effort. Some days are harder than others, especially when the hurt runs deep. But I’m learning that finding peace with these feelings doesn’t mean compromising my boundaries or my self-worth.
This experience has humbled me in ways I never expected. It’s taught me the true meaning of resilience and support, but more importantly, it’s shown me how to find the strength to move through the storm and emerge on the other side, stronger and more grounded.
In the midst of it all, I dove into writing my Mom’s memoir, determined to finish and self-publish it by September 1st, her one-year anniversary. And I did it!! I’m beyond excited to share it with you. I hope that every page brings you love, hope, and inspiration.
What began as a mission to raise awareness for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma—a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer—became a journey through a spectrum of emotions I hadn’t anticipated.
My mother, Helen, faced a devastating illness with remarkable bravery, but Echoes of Helen is not just about her fight with cancer. It’s a reflection of the profound spiritual moments that left me speechless, moments that felt like a glimpse beyond the ordinary.
As I cared for her, I was drawn into experiences that transcended anything I could have imagined. What started as a personal mission to spread awareness became a journey that shattered my doubts about the presence of angels. These moments, filled with mystery and grace, weren't meant to stay with us alone. I felt a calling—a responsibility—to share them with you.
Honoring Her Legacy on September 1st
Bringing Echoes of Helen to life has been deeply emotional and fulfilling, especially as I reflect on the anniversary of my mother’s passing. September 1st marked a year since we lost her, and having the memoir completed by that date was a personal tribute to her life and a way to raise awareness about the rare cancer that took her from us.
I am deeply grateful to have had my sons, Matt Duke and Johnny Butera, by my side throughout this process. Their love and encouragement gave me the strength to keep going when I felt lost. As I hold this book in my hands, I know my mother is smiling, proud that her story will continue through the words we’ve written and the love that binds us.
The Power of Sharing Our Stories
Through this journey, I’ve realized how powerful our stories can be—not just in healing ourselves but in healing others. By sharing my mother’s journey, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own stories, no matter how painful or complicated they may be. Life is like a work of art—beautiful, messy, and true to who we are.
This memoir is ultimately Helen’s story—a story of courage, love, and resilience. I invite you to grab a copy of Echoes of Helen and journey with me through these memories, to experience the love, the loss, and the unseen forces that guided us. May her story leave a lasting impression on your heart, reminding you of the extraordinary power of love and the human spirit.
With Love and Gratitude,
~ Regina
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