Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Come as Friends, Leave as Family -- Letter from a SURVIVOR!

Randi Kelly sent this letter to It's About Time regarding the SBR event this weekend!!

Wow, I don't know what to say other than what an amazing event today and thank you. This day was filled with so much emotion and for those of you that were there I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your hugs & support. There were many of you ladies that I've never met that came up to me and just gave me a hug and I cannot tell you how much that means to me.

The Cancer Coping Center is such an amazing organization and as you can see cancer not only affects those that are going through the treatments but our family, friends & coworkers and we all need support. It was so great to experience this day with my sister and have her there to support me and to have all of you my extended family be there to also support me. Whether you gave me a hug, a smile across the room or said nothing at all, the strong energy of love that was felt in the room was unbelievable and I cannot express my gratitude towards all of you. I will not forget any of you there today and you will have a special place in my heart forever.

When I couldn't speak what I really wanted to say was over 6 years ago married for only 11 months, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Although Hodgkins is a very treatable cancer to only be married for one year it was very devastating. I knew in my heart I'd beat it, I'm stubborn there was no other alternative for me. Six months of grueling chemo every other week really took its toll but in the end I beat it and I'm here 6 years later to tell you I AM A SURVIVOR! I really wanted to do this event the moment I heard about it because I knew it was close to my heart and had wished I had had something like this for my family while I was fighting cancer. My sister and I raised $875 just by sending a little email to our family & friends. I know everyone is busy in their daily lives but together we can raise more money and if we each send an email to our family & friends next time we could be raising $2000.00 as a group or even more. My sister had a great idea that next time we can go talk to local business and see if they will match our funds. So let's be in this fight together and help other families similar to mine face the challenges that cancer brings. Together we will be stronger!

Mel, Amy, Lisa, Melanie, Elena, Maryam & all the staff, thank you for this touching day. I had no idea I would be overcome with such emotion and I appreciate everything you all do everyday for the greater cause. You all are such amazing women and I'm so glad to call you my friends. I love you all!

Let's all remember this It's About Time saying,

Come as Friends, Leave as Family!

Thank you! Thank you all!

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