8 replies to this topic

[Neptuner]

Hi Gang,

As many of you already know there are several people with friends and loved ones who are fighting their own special battles right now and this is one of those cases. Sometimes it seems like there are so many good causes to support, it is hard to choose between them, but because I know this one is personal to several people here, I thought I would share it with you.

My sister Marsha and I, who also lives in Colorado, have been walking/running races for the Susan G. Komen foundation for many years now. Little did we know that as of a few months ago, breast cancer would touch our own family so deeply, when my next sister in line, Wanetta, was diagnosed and began immediate treatment for her case. Marsha and I immediately decided that if there was any way possible we would both try to pursue the ultimate personal fund-raiser this year, on behalf of our sister, the 3 day walk. And, since Wannetta lives in Atlanta, it seemed a perfect opportunity to visit with her and show our support as well. Unfortunately, because of scheduling conflicts, I will not be able to attend the event this year, so I am simply rallying support for my sister Marsha who is. If you are not familiar with the event, the participants must pay a $90 registration fee just to sign up for the race and then they must obtain at least $2,100 in donations in order to be allowed to participate. If they don't reach this goal, they have to either pay the difference themselves or forfeit their participation.

I know that there are many organizations in need of money that are near and dear to our hearts, but sometimes it is the simple number of people pledging a tiny amount that adds up so quickly. I know from personal experience the depth of sincerity of the hearts here on SD.com, so I am enclosing a link that makes it extremely easy to offer up a pledge, if your heart so desires. You can make your pledge on behalf of your own loved ones fighting cancer or simply anonymously, the choice is yours. Thanks in advance for the consideration!

Michael

Marsha's Breast Cancer Pledges

[WreckWench]

Count me in my dear! Your sister has been in my prayers for quite some time now. Keep us aprised of how she is progressing. -ww

[Terri]

I sent my pledge in, Michael. My contribution is in memory for my aunt who died of breast cancer about 5 years ago....

My healing thoughts are with you and your family while your sister fights this!

[dustbowl diver]

Tuner,

Having lost my Mom earlier this year to this dreadful disease and learning of a close friends Mom going through the same thing as your sister, I just made my contribution to this worthy cause!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

DBD

[Neptuner]

As always, you are all so wonderful, it makes my heart smile!

I apologize for not giving you an update on my own sister Wanetta as well. I had intended to do so, but somehow I missed it in writing this. In any case, the diagnosis of her cancer was very early and the treatment was almost instantaneous. While going through chemo they designated her as the poster child for everything that could possibly go wrong (ie: had to change the portal location, white blood count low, etc.), but thankfully she is done with that phase and is now scheduled for six months of radiation treatments as well. Most importantly though, my sister is an amazing woman and her attitude has been nothing but glowing, right from the start. Every day she wears a smile and simply accepts that she will beat this... to her, there is no alternate course and there has never been any doubt in her mind. All of us (I have 1 brother, 4 other sisters and my mom) are in contact with her constantly and several of us have spent a considerable amount of time in Atlanta helping her around the house. Her and her second husband started the "second family" a little later in life, so she has a 5 year old running around whose energy level never fades, so the help was a welcome relief. She has started back to work at her office now that the chemo is done and the radiation treatments aren't as all consuming as the chemo was. I can't speak with any medical authority about this, but when she started chemo I began sending her the JuicePlus+ extracts and she claims they helped tremendously with her energy level, especially when she had a hard time keeping food down.

Again, thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers and please know that they are all reciprocated tenfold for all of your friends and family.

Sincerely,
Michael

[annasea]

Michael,

Thx for keeping us informed regarding your sister, Wanetta. I'm sorry to read that she had such a difficult time in the beginning, but am relieved to read that she's coping better now. No doubt it helps tremendously to have such a supportive family. Glad you're all there for her.

And best of luck to Marsha in her upcoming walk/run!

[Marion1336]

Michael,

I just made a contribution in support of Wanetta and in memory of my sister who lost her fight this past April.

You are a wonderful brother! God bless your family.

[ScubaPunk]

Everybody I know has a friend or family member who has been effected by this disease. I hope and pray that one day that miracle cure will be found. The time and efforts of people like your sister make it a possibility and gives us all hope. My donation is in memory of my Mom. Tell Wanetta I said Thank You.

[Neptuner]

You are all awesome! Thank you so much for all of your continued support!