While I don’t normally write on personal topics, this year has been extremely challenging for the Vasseur family and I want to share the lessons I’ve learned and personally express my deepest gratitude to our caring and loyal customers.
Vasseur Skincare is a family business. Originally started by me 25 years ago, I am now blessed to count both my son and daughter as dutiful employees. The company that bears our name is the proud centerpiece of our lives.
But in all these years, I had never thought to ask myself — what does a family business do if the family falls apart? Well, in January of this year I was faced with this question. My youngest child, Jameson, was diagnosed with stage 3b testicular cancer.
Here’s the thing about cancer they don’t tell you: it’s not just the person afflicted who gets cancer- it truly feels like the entire family gets it. When you love someone so deeply, when the very fabric of your being is wrapped up in theirs, when you’ve spent your entire life trying to protect and care for them… it feels that you too have cancer.
In dealing with this disease, I started to look at life through a new lens. The trivial, petty things that clouded my mind before disappeared. The negative people in my life were no longer worth my energy. And, like the sun eclipsing a shadowy moon, the things that truly mattered suddenly came to light.
While so many people shun work in times of crisis, I found that my company– my employees, my clients and my products were my salvation. They brought me life and hope on those dark days when I couldn’t find anything to be happy about. My clients, who I have always tried to help, were now helping me. I was deeply moved by the calls, emails and generous offerings of support and love we received. This made me exceptionally proud of what I have spent my lifetime building – not just a business, but a family.
This experience has also reinforced my passion for what I do – providing healthy, natural skin care with integrity. I have always stood by my convictions that health and quality are never to be compromised. And now that I understand value of health more than ever –this conviction has only grown stronger. I am deeply proud of what Vasseur Skincare stands for: products with integrity, and products that work.
After many difficult months of surgery and chemotherapy, I am elated to report that my son’s cancer is now in remission. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Through this experience I have learned what really matters in life: Family. I am truly lucky that my business is a family.
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10/10/11 update: We are very sad to discover that Jameson’s cancer has returned, an extremely rare occurance for his type of cancer. Please continue to send your thoughts and prayers our way .
Brittany Vasseur 
Shedding tears of joy for you and your family Melanie – and counting my blessings that you are a true friend. CONGRATS AND LOVE TO JAMESON!!!
Hey Melanie, This entry is stunning. Thank you for sharing and I get to learn from you via your tough journey. You’ve always been inspiring in your subtle way and that inspiration continues. Most importantly…I’m so HAPPY about the wonderful outcome. All my love!
Jameson fought the fight, and you were an awesome coach! The family and other people around you must have been super supportive, and this allowed you to be there. Job well done. The news about your son is amazing!!!! I hope you never have to deal with that again!
I know i’m not the video uploader, but i’ve had much advcie from my dermatologist. You can use the salt anydays that your skin feels oily, or? everyday if it doesn’t dry your skin. A good thing that works on my blackheads is making my own face mask out of oats, which pulls in excess oils. Read more at backne.org7:51:02
I was drawn by the honesty of what you write
thank you everyone for your kind words.
Oh my goodness, Melanie. I am so deeply sorry to hear Jameson’s cancer has returned. I know he will continue to fight hard and know that I will be praying that you and your family have everything you need to get through this difficult time. Of course your family at home and business/client family will be there with you! Lots of love, kim
Melanie, I am so sorry…Jameson is in my prayers everyday…..I know that sick feeling and what you said is so true about family and what really matters in life! Darren is now doing well after 2 years of being tumor free. Stay strong and possitive. I miss you, say hello to Anita for me and offcourse Carmen..I miss her too. ….Hilda
You and your family are in my prayers. I have experienced what you are going through and it is absolutely devastating. You are so blessed to have your family and friends to help you through. Please know that the Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God cannot protect you.
I stumbled upon your website and read your personal testimony about your own acne problem. That is what sold me, along with the many attractive ingredients in your products. I have started using the anti-aging blemish control kit and it has changed my skin in the most positive way. I have been an Aesthetician for 8 years and have never felt so passionate about any other skincare line like I do yours. My mother is using it as well. I have been trying to feel good about my skin for years and I give you and your family a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are truly an inspiration for me. If I ever find myself in San Diego, I will stop by to thank you in person.
All my love!
Thank you so much for your kinds words– they are truly touching and brought a tear to my eye. We are lucky to have clients like you.
you can use any kind of oil but engine oil LOLI use jobjoa oil, works will with acne and its very gentle, doesnt burn around your eyes etc. Any kind of oil like vegetable oil realy when you think about it when it comes t taking make-up off
Hi Suzanne — thank you for your kind words!!
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