Anoka woman with terminal cancer celebrates last Halloween with haunted house

ANOKA, Minn. (FOX 9) – Denise Godwin Hallowe’en The exhibit grows each year, but this year its zombie apocalypse has more meaning than ever.

‘One more everything’

When the sun sets, scares appear on Rum River Drive in Anoka.

“This will be my year of one more of everything, so this is my last Halloween display,” Godwin told FOX 9.

Last November, the wife and mother of two was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer after a visit to the emergency room complaining of back pain.

By June, the cancer had spread to the cerebrospinal fluid and doctors had given him three months to a year to live.

“It was like, ‘Okay, I got this. I have to accept it and I have to fight as hard as I can because I have a family that needs me for as long as possible.'” Godwin said.

Godwin’s Haunted House won Anoka’s Halloween decorating contest three years ago and again this year.

Keep tradition alive

Despite his diagnosis, he wants to keep the tradition going so others can create cherished memories.

“It’s about living life. I’m not a person dying of cancer. I’m just Denise, the normal person living. Until I die of cancer in hospice. I’m just Denise living her life,” Godwin said.

He expects 2,500 people to visit his display this year, and although it will be his last Halloween, he hopes it will also be his best.

“I want to go out strong. I want to hear laughter, giggles and screams. I want them to say this is the best. This is the best haunted house,” Godwin said.

If you would like to see Godwin’s exhibit, it will be open to the public again from 6:30 to 9:30 pm on Saturday at 3523 Rum River Drive in Anoka.

TO GoFundMe It has also been created to help Godwin and his family during this difficult time.