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Unfortunately I don't have a good answer to that question. I have a similar dilemma though less tragic circumstances. I'll tell you what I did in case the situation helps.
I was in an accident in 2003 (halfway though undergrad) and had 6 surgeries over the following 6 years with the last one in 2009. In my personal statement I talked about how the time in the hospital and talking to doctors and nurses as well as looking into my own situation and that of patients around affected me. It "intensified" my desire to become a doctor.
I tried to sort of gloss over the hardship part of it without making it sound like I was making excuses for a poor GPA for a couple of semesters (but I was in a wheelchair or on crutches and on narcotics for 9 months...) but it was an important part of my decision to become a doctor...
In short, I don't know what to recommend for you, but personal reasons are personal reasons, and if they helped us get to where we are with respect to our desire, dedication, interest, whatever, I think they're important.
Thank you, you were actually very helpful. I love the idea of putting it in there, but not making it into an excuses for anything, using it to show growth and intensification.