Sad and Overwhelmed

[Hebbie]

I have been receiving such positive feedback while planning our NJ LC benefit, so I was surprised to find that I spent the weekend feeling rather down. I finally realized what it was, while laying wide awake around midnight last night.

I have been receiving "pre-registration" e-mails for the event every day. And everyone writes a small "story" as to why they want to attend. Each story sadder than the next.

A co-worker in my office saw my news article and said "great article -- my mom has lung cancer -- I'll be walking".

Last night, I received an e-mail from a woman, who's best friend since they were 5 years old, has Stage IV NSCLC. She's a 35 year old single mom who lives in the next town over. This friend is gathering up all of their friends and families to participate and support her.

The "35 year old single mom" part hit home with me and I shut off the computer feeling stressed. I went outside to take out some trash, and met my next-door-neighbor at the curb. She said "I saw your newspaper article....I had no idea.....my mom has lung cancer".

I had the realization that this disease is all around us. No one talks about it, but it surrounds us.

It extends so far beyond those of us on this website. If you have a moment and an extra prayer, please pray for all of those suffering with this disease who have not found us here....and need support......and need the prayers of 1,000+. Even if they don't know they are receiving them!

Thanks,

Heather

[Donna G]

I know what you mean. I have been an RN for too many years, lets say 36, Since I got lung cancer not a week goes by sometimes not a day goes by that either I have a patient, or a co worker, or someone I know at church , etc who has lung cancer. Was I blind before? I don't even remember but a few people that I knew had lung cancer the first 30 yrs, the past 6 yrs it is nearly a daily thing! I am open about my journey, perhaps that helps others share theirs with me. Donna G

[kimblanchard]

Heather, you are doing exactly the kinds of things Becky would have done had she beaten the beast. You make me so proud, and I want to thank you again. Keep up the fight even when it hurts like this. I think we all pray for all of us in this boat, whether we know each other's names or not.

Curtis

[cindi o'h]

Heather, I just think that what you are doing is amazing and wonderful. It is so sweet that people are gathering up for your walk. You are doing a great job. I guess that is why the ribbon for lung cancer is clear....it is the unseen cancer. Maybe one day it will be bright red with yellow polka dots...

Cindi

[Snowflake]

Heather,

Try to put a more positive spin on it all.... The people who are sending in stories and now know more about you and your battle - well, they probably felt like they were all alone, and now...well, now they know they aren't! They know there are young people out there with the disease, there are non-smokers, there are family members, there is HOPE... Things can seem hopeless when you think you are on your own and no one cares, you are shining a light here, Heather. People are noticing, people are talking...and people are getting involved!

YEAAAAA!!!

[draiocht_bean_si]

"the harderI work, the more I live."

George Bernard Shaw.

Go Heather!

[Nushka]

Heather,

Your article was a wonderful tribute to you and your cause. I agree with Becky, this is a positive thing. I know how you feel, cause I feel the same way each time I hear another story. But you are doing something about it and I admire you so much for doing it. The best of luck on your project and your ministry through your project. You are touching many lives.

Nina