Woman battling terminal illness receives wish of a lifetime

ATKINSON, NC (WWAY) — Saturday is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and Sunday is one of Nascar’s biggest races.

One Pender County woman with a terminal diagnosis is going to Talladega, thanks to a foundation that helps those facing health challenges “live life in the front row.”

“Now you have an expiration date. I don’t know what that date is, but I know it is terminal I will die of this. It’s tough,” said Kelly Spino, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer in February.

Spino was 12 years cancer-free, but the cancer is now back with a vengeance.

“So the cancer had grown. And that was probably the worst moment. Worse than being told that the cancer is back. Because the drug that was going to save me, didn’t. And that’s hard,” said Spino.

Spino’s cancer has spread to her bones, spine and lymph nodes in her chest. There is no cure, only treatments. Spino has been through surgery, chemo, radiation, medication, hoping for a few more years.

“We can just hope that it lasts,” said Spino.

Spino found out about the Front Row Foundation, an organization that helps those battling illnesses fulfill their dreams. They became a support system.

The foundation granted Spino her wish – a trip to see a Nascar race at Talladega Superpeedway.

“We’re just beyond excited. I can’t wait for things as simple as just smelling the burning rubber, its exciting to us,” said Spino.

Spino says this experience has pushed her to keep the faith and never look back.

“It’s not going to be my last hoorah. There is definitely more to come,” said Spino.

Spino says it is her goal to spread awareness and educate people on Metastatic Breast Cancer. To learn more about this type of cancer, click here.