All of us learn to face death in one way or another, but only a rare few of us learn to fully embrace living once we realize the time we have on this earth is limited.
Read moreA Second Opinion
I went to Tampa Florida with my Aunt, and our friend Nita, for a second opinion regarding her cancer. We met with a doctor who articulated her situation thoroughly and directly. He compassionately told us that she has a high risk Chronic Mylomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). She will need a bone marrow transplant as soon as possible (which takes several months to prepare for and find a good match). I asked how long she would live if she did nothing; and he said that she would make it probably a year.
Read moreGiving "Help" Is Not Always Helpful
Have you ever been in the position of receiving help or donations from family, friends, and even strangers? It is a humbling experience to say the least, and even uncomfortable for most. It can make you feel loved and cared for like you never experienced before, yet indebted for all you have received.
Read moreThanksgiving Fun
My daughter, Chelsey, playfully showing her strength.
Like so many others, we celebrated Thanksgiving day with our friends and family. Turkey, mashed-potatoes and gravy, yams, cranberries, and my traditional pumpkin roll were a just a few of the foods our guests devoured.
Read moreOut In The Open
It took a couple of months for my Aunt Robin to come to grips with how to share with the world that she has a rare life threatening cancer...today she felt ready. It is difficult for most people to process the thoughts and emotions that rush through your body when you are told you have cancer...and especially when you learn that it is a rare, mostly incurable one.
Read moreFacing The Unknown
Many women dread their yearly mammogram; if not for the sheer fact that their breasts get flattened like a pancake, certainly for the possibility that they may receive bad news or "the call back" for further testing.
Read moreMemories Of My Mentor
On this day, 32 years ago, I lost one of the greatest mentors of my life—Toni. She was a feisty red-headed tenacious woman who believed in me when I wasn’t able to believe in myself.
Read moreA Few Suggestions to Help Your Newly Diagnosed Loved One
Being newly diagnosed with a life threatening illness is not only frightening and overwhelming, it ushers in questions and feelings not previously experienced. Patients begin the uncertain journey of not only learning how to live with illness, but how to navigate their interactions with the people around them.
Read moreToday Is Precious
I am reminded today that there are no guarantees for a tomorrow. Being close to people who are fighting a life threatening illness is a sad, yet a refreshing reminder of the importance of being grateful for today. Sick people do not want to be pitied, they want to be seen as whole. I listen intently to their fears and concerns, realizing that it is often only my ears and heart-felt empathy that they need. Sometimes they need practical help with navigating their medical care, family dynamics, and personal disappointments. Nobody needs the same thing, therefore, we must listen...we must observe...and only then shall we answer the question, "How can I help?"
Bling Awakening
After fourteen long years, I have finally competed mine and Jeff's book, Blind Awakening. I am currently in search for just the right agent who will help me share it with the world. I am excited to memorialize my brother's unique journey with cancer and blindness, and to share how he changed my life forever.
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