Linnie and I went to High school together she was a year behind me, I graduated with her brother and we are also relatives her Grandmother and my great grandfather were brother and sister...
We weren't close in school but a little over a year ago I was looking around on facebook and came across a post about Linnie that made my heart catch in my throat, her sweet little angel of a girl had Cancer... Their story tore my heart out and I had to meet this tiny but mighty amazing angel... So I got together some things and went for a visit and soon we became close friends...How strange things played out as now she is cancer free and today she came bearing me gifts and bringing me a little sunshine into my day today...and let me tell you there is not a better smile or cuter dimples in the world...
Today I want to tell you about the miracle that this little girl is..She is now 4 and is two years cancer free... She was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma... Her story is horrible and wonderful all rolled up in one and eventually after I check with her Mom and okay it I would like to get into more detail in the hopes that maybe the awareness of this disease will possibly save a life or at the very least spur people to donate to pediatric cancer research...
I am a full grown adult and I cannot express to you how physically painful and terrifying this is for me...NO CHILD should have to endure this...
Here's a quote I took off one of Linnie's Posts:
"Ok everyone, its that time of year! September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! Although I would hope that everyone would spread the awareness and educate people all year through, it really would mean alot if you did it in September! I'm not asking for your money or your time, I'm just asking to pass it on! Spread the word and the info you receive! Educate people........Do you all remember this part of our journey? I do..... I talk about Sydney's cancer and try to educate people about it, not for your sympathy or attention but because I do not want any other parent or child to have to endure this!"
This picture is of my friend who has the biggest Heart I know having her perfectly healthy head of hair shaved off every year to raise money for Pediatric cancer research for the St. Baldriks.org her Name is Renee Kosky and she is nothing less than amazing...So, I have been asked by so many of you what you can do for me ...well here's what it is... Go donate a couple bucks to a children's cancer charity...PLEASE... I am an adult and can take care of myself with the help of God... I would do anything to take the suffering I feel away from a child...
Syd
Syd Prior to diagnosis
Syd in treatment November 2010
Sydney at her one year cancer free ball
Well it's a playdoh pizza with pickles of course!
Well, I am sure you can see why this sweet angel owns a huge spot in my heart... Now I want to make a little tribute to Linnie Willson her mother...
I have always thought that Linnie was so beautiful with the prettiest of smiles.... And beautiful on the inside as well...
I knew she was a strong woman and a good mom and as a Mother I felt for her because I couldn't imagine having a child go through having cancer (truly every Mom's worst fear)
It wasn't until I got Cancer and started going through the tests and stress and painful procedures and sheer terror that accompanies every doctors visit and every waking hour after being diagnosed that I realized just who Linnie Willson REALLY is... She is a HERO as well... their private story is not mine to tell, but I just have to say Linnie Willson, I now "get it"... as bad as this is for me to go through... There would be nothing in the world worse than not just watching your child, but having to be the one to make your child do all of the necessary things they do not understand to survive... I realize you still live in fear , and your lives have been forever changed, and though I get it , I have not lived it by the grace of God... You have carried burdens that no one should ever bear....and yet you stand, you did not stay down, you have made decision to be able to stay at home and be with your kids in spite of the financial burdens... You have sacrificed , and gone above and beyond anything that should be expected of anyone... I love you and admire you with all of my heart!
Today was a hard day for you as it was the day you lost your Dad, but today you chose to come here and see me and share some of your sunshine on my bleak day... I am forever grateful that God has brought you and your family back into by life...And I am in awe of you... You said today you have changed and I will too... and you are right... But I just wanted you to see what I see when I look at you and what I see is wonderful, is remarkable, strong, yet soft when needed... and perfectly you... I love you Linnie and Syd... thank you for the gift of today!
And to the rest of you as I was blogging about this... Renee Koskey who is mentioned above for her shaving her head for St. Baldricks dropped by with a gift Bag and some pretty gifts.... there was a card inside...Renee took time out of her raising money for these kids and set up a private facebook event in my name and raised money for the cost of my care... Renee you know what I think of you... i adore you... and when i get better I want to join you and see what amazing things we can do to help these kids... I love you my dear! Thank you to Maleah and Martha Keifer who do not know me but enclosed a check for me just out of the goodness of their heart...Thank you Diane and Harry Swartz, Diane Miller who was a dear friend in school and has had this ugly disease touch her in a very personal way...And Justine and Faber Conrad... I love you all and my family and I thank you from the bottom of our heart!
Amazing story <3
ReplyDelete