MONTREAL - A woman facing terminal lung cancer is hoping a laptop containing messages for her young children will be returned to her following a robbery in her home last week.
Marisol Turcios has terminal lung cancer and doctors give her little time to live. With that prognosis, she has been spending the past year recording the messages to leave for her five young children to cherish when she's gone.
"I (recorded) many things for my children because I'm not supposed to be here in the new year," said Turcios.
Just over a week ago, while her husband and children were spending the night with her in hospital, thieves broke into their Hochelaga-Maisonneuve home and stole over $6,000 in watches, perfumes and electronics.
"They took many things, but this is the most important to me. I want to recuperate my laptop," she said.
Turcios's friend Doreen Edward, who volunteers at VOBOC, a not-for-profit charitable organization providing oncology support to teens and young adults affected by cancer, is committed to granting Marisol's last wish.
"It's unusual that we're called to find a laptop because of a theft. It's actually the first time," said Edward.
The family filed a report with Montreal police, and meantime, Turcios believes whoever took it may not live far.
"I don't know. I don't want to say anything, but many my neighbors know I'm sick and know I'm in the hospital."
The laptop is a black Sony VAIO with a silver graphic on it. Anyone with information about the robbery or stolen goods is being urged to come forward.
"They can email us at info@voboc.org or call us at 514-695-9292. No questions asked, we'll pick up the laptop. We just want to give it back to this young woman," said Edwards.
Turcios said she simply wants to leave her dying messages to her children before it's too late.
"I'm waiting for my laptop," she said.
