Story
September 1, 2024 Dear Family and Friends, On Monday August 26, my daughter Tara took me to the emergency room in severe pain. I was admitted to the hospital and that day I received a diagnosis of stage IV cancer. I want to thank Tara and my friends Stacey Glick and David Romanelli for immediately springing into action and organizing campaigns that will be tremendously helpful as I embark on my cancer journey. Knowing that I have support and am not facing this alone has been a huge boost and blessing while I process this new diagnosis and navigate a new way of living. Right now I am unable to work or drive, and have limited energy for taking care of most of the basics of life. When I start my treatment plan this first week of September, I will have many medical appointments, and good and bad days as I begin my healing journey. While it’s quite possible that the treatment will lead to at least a few more healthy years, (my oncologist and I are optimistic about this), what my experience will be in the near future is unclear. I’ve been dealing with health issues and pain for quite a while now. Sometimes, when the pain is overwhelming, I retreat to my lion’s den and go inward to “lick my wounds.” Having a system in place to assist me when I don’t have the energy to ask for help gives me a tremendous sense of comfort and immense gratitude. Asking for and accepting help are new skills I am working on improving, and all of the love and support I’ve already received has helped me to find new clarity in this area. One of the things I have clarity on is how I would like to be supported emotionally by friends and family who are ready and able to do so from near and far. I would like to experience as much light and joy as possible amidst the heaviness. What that looks like to me is: Good company Hugs Time in nature Laughter Good stories Delicious food Walks Meditation Tai Chi or Qigong Restorative Yoga Sound Healing Massage Live Music Dancing Adventure Creativity Silliness Patience Playing cards & board games Reading Lounging Letting me decide how and when I want to disclose my diagnosis to people who don’t already know, when I’m able to be out and about Indulging me in daydreaming about the future Allowing me to flirt outrageously as needed Understanding that it’s an emotional time for me and some days I will just need to sit with and experience those emotions Compassion when I just need to cry it out I appreciate you more than I can express at this moment. Thank you for being here for me, and for Tara, who is handling this beautifully. We are both encouraged and grateful for the support of our incredible community. Here are a couple of other ways that you can offer support if you are able (thank you again to Tara, Stacey, and Dave): Meal Train: https://mealtrain.com/56y6qz Gofundme: https://gofund.me/d89cc54e We will be updating this page with ride and other requests as needed. 🥰