Mom dying of cancer writes greeting cards for her toddler's future milestones

When Heather McManamy was first diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer back in April of 2013, she knew it was not going to be an easy road ahead. Then, McManamy was hit with another bought of bad news as she was again diagnosed, but this time it was the terminal diagnosis that really had her start thinking about her loved ones.

In an interview with ABC News, McManamy explains the struggles and hardships of battling the disease, but more so, focused on remaining in her daughter's memory for as long as she can. Determined to do so for as long as she can, McManamy decided to write greeting cards for a number of different milestones throughout her 4-year-old daughter's life.

She told ABC news that she created one for every big moment from a young age to adulthood, and will mark it as an accomplishment when she gets to hand them to her daughter personally. "I did them from when she's older or younger -- random encouragement, bad day, wedding, driver license, even first breakup. Every one of these that I get to hand out in person will be an accomplishment"

McManamy, 35 of Wisconsin, told ABC news that her cancer has spread to her liver, skull and bones, and she is now in her fourth round of chemo; however, that doesn't stop her from raiding all stores for the best greeting cards she can find. "They're like this physical representation of 'this is all of the stuff I'm going to miss.' I'm going to miss everything and I never like missing anything. I'm always the last one to leave the party."

Inside the more than 40 cards, McManamy has used that space to share special moments, jokes and well wishes for her daughter, Brianna. And if the cards weren't heartfelt enough, she has also created video for her daughter to watch when she is older.

As long as Brianna finds happiness, McManamy will be happy, she told ABC News. "I don't care what she does in her life, I just want her to find her happiness. Life it short. If she's true to herself, everything will be OK."

If anything, Heath McManamy hopes that other parents will follow in her footsteps and leave something behind for their children for when they are gone.