Mother and son support each other as they battle cancer

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - A Santa Clara family shows what it means to survive in the face of extreme adversity as a mother and her son simultaneously battle cancer.

Cherie Carter and her two sons were the picture of health and happiness just three years ago. Then suddenly, the single mother was diagnosed multiple myeloma, a type of blood-cell cancer.

"I felt like I was young. This happened before I turned 50," said Carter.

The battle was brutal between losing her hair, receiving a bone marrow transplant and dealing with ongoing chemotherapy.   

Carter says she fought to survive for the sake of her sons. Then four months ago, her 23-year-old son Carter Fulhorst started suffering from memory loss and severe headaches and losing his appetite while attending UC Santa Cruz.

The diagnosis: brain cancer with five tumors.  

"I thought it was over. I was trying to be positive for my family," said Carter.

There've been more setbacks. Carter suffered a stroke, causing paralysis to the right side of his body. Luckily, the paralysis was temporary.

"It's going to be ok," said Carter.

"It's emotional.  It tests your faith," said his Cherie.

Mother and son say day is a challenge. They say their survival emotionally and financially comes from the support of others through social media.

Cherie showed KTVU the messages she's received on Facebook.

"This is nice, 'cause this was one of my Facebook friends," Cherie said.    

She told KTVU the touching messages and help from friends old and new are uplifting.

Cherie read one out loud: "No one should have to face this much alone. Send her some love and prayers."

Cherie and Carter's days are now filled with juggling both their medical appointments. They say sharing their struggle has brought them even closer.

"Each day you kind of tell yourself you're a little bit closer to that goal," said Carter.  

His goal is resuming the life he had before cancer: attending college, graduating and getting a job.

"I think you have to have faith that everything is going to be ok," said Cherie.

Faith in a future where they'll defy the odds and regain their health.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family. Interested parties  can make donations here. They've also received assistance from www.familiesCAN.org, a nonprofit that helps cancer patients and their families.