Evelyn's Personal Story as a Cancer Survivor

I'm left speechless. . and all I can say is amen! I know how reading "A Special Day" affected me and I'll never be the same, and how the words reached inside me and I knew that I was not alone - that's what I'm trying to say, just won't come out in a sensical, understood way.

It's been a tough time for me, trying to believe in myself and actually doing it - my doctor said (never thought about it before), that serious, invasive illness can and often does cause severe depression that can be life threatening in its own way. Having folks to reach out to, and to be able to "be yourself with" is healing and can give life new meaning. That's what the bb has meant for me. . finding you all and just being myself - with all the pain, loneliness, and fear that crippled me so long. You are special friends, even the lurkers who some how gain strength by our every day ramblings. The sunrise sure says so much, it is there after the darkness has disappeared, only if we want to see it. Thanks for pointing the way.

Evelyn K. in New Jersey, USA

Some new thoughts to share. . .on an August day in Jersey (8/18/2006)

Dear All. .. It's been awhile since I sent any comments or thoughts . . .but, just this morning I was approached by a co-worker, a lovely young girl, who told me about her young cousin, living back in her home country of ElSalvador who was just diagnosed with an extremely rare form of leukemia. .. And was given "no hope". I had the same chill I always get when I hear that the monster has struck again, especially someone who has yet to live life. . He's only 12 years old. I told her the story of Jim (read Special Day under the thoughts on the Cancer Survivors Gathering Place website for his story). She smiled. . And wanted to know more. . She knows my story. . There are two others who work here who are also survivors. . Seems to me that there are more survivors these days and that's a good thing. Places like this website. . Have grown. . And spread the word that surviving is a part of this life. . And there are more and more. . Cures. . More and more. . Possibilities out there. I once again want to say THANK YOU to our Jim. . . And to Chuck and to all the folks who had and have and continue to have a part of his place. . Needless to say I steered her to the website. . And to the list of links to search for help. . . She wept. . And will follow up on any and all leads she can find.

I ask any who read this to send healing thoughts to Raoul. . . And to his family as they search for answers to the why's and the why me's . . And I again am sending my deep gratitude to those who keep fighting. . And searching for a cure. . We WILL WIN. . Each minute, each hour, each day. . Of life. . Will be lived with joy. . . And anticipation. I will celebrate 14 years of surviving in February next year.. . . Miracle of living each day. .

Thanks Jim, Chuck, Marla, Anne, Nancy, Syl, and all the others I've met, heard from via email, telephone, snail mail, thoughts. . Etc.

Thanks for the opportunity. . To share my thoughts. . . THANK YOU!!!!

Love from my house to yours. . .

Evie, aka Evelyn. . . GrammE . .. The Joisey Gurl

Evelyn K. in New Jersey, USA
e-mail Evelyn Here