Saturday, August 1, 2009

Feeling the Love


I am in awe.  Completely overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness.  Three months ago I thought $100,000 in 100 days? - sure, why not make a pie-in-the-sky fundraising goal.  And now I'm astounded as the end date for the campaign is here... and so is $100,000.  

Because of your donations I have been - and will continue to be - able to afford the treatments my insurance company has denied.  These treatments have greatly reduced the cancer in my body, and I'm feeling very good, physically and emotionally, as I sit here and type.  

Although the funds raised have a direct effect on my health, I think of equal and possibly even greater effect is the outpouring of love and support.  I don't know how to have enough gratitude for all of it.  It has changed my life.  People would find it hard to believe that after a stage IV cancer diagnosis I could be the happiest I've been in my life, but it's true!

On top of the amazing life-affirming and loving notes from family and friends, I've received hundreds of supportive messages and donations from strangers, some from places as far away as Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Switzerland.  I've just been blown away by this response.

I know that all the positive messages, prayers and good energy directed at me have improved my condition, and I am extremely thankful to everyone who has helped me in this way.  Doctors can't quantify the effect of positivity on a patient's prognosis, but they know it helps.  I know it helped me very much, and continues to propel me towards more healing and recovery.

I want to write every expression of gratitude to everyone because "thank you" is just not enough.  So here are some more!  Danke!  Merci!  Much obliged!  Cheers!  Na gode!  Xie xie!  Domo arigato!  Mahalo nui loa!  Well, that was a little more satisfying (for those of you playing, yes, that IS Hausa!).  But what I really want to do is give everyone a big hug and say, "I'm so happy you're here!"  And I'm so happy I'm here!

Muchas Gracias.

10 comments:

  1. I am so happy for you that everyone pulled together! I firmly believe that we are all firmly connected and as we help each other, we help ourselves. I want to thank you for allowing us to help you!! And I am so glad the treatments are working. Hugs, Silke
    P.S. You are incredibly bautiful!!

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  2. Glad to see you're feeling better. I still owe you that visit when you're up to it :) Prayers and good thoughts for continued recovery. Hang in there! JR

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  3. I am so happy that you have reached your goal and best yet feel so good right now. I keep praying that you win this battle.

    corinnexxx

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  4. I was able to make a small donation, I hope it helps and I am praying for you! You will beat this!! Your positive energy and prayers will win out!! God bless you!! I am a wife and mom of 6 in Kansas, saw your story on Kellie Rae's blog. Keep us posted!

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  5. I am DELIGHTED to see that you were able to reach your goal. May you live long, strong, savour everything and experience all the love this world has to offer.

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  6. Megan, I am a 23 year old student from Germany and I just got involved to the American Health Care for a work I am writing about MIchael Moore's movie 'Sicko'. I read your story and I am just shocked once again- this is unbelieveable! All the Americans need to stand up and do something about your health care, because you get not treated good by your insurance companies. Something like this does not happen everywhere else. Barack Obama is haveing a good idea about a health care reform- try to encourage as many people as possible to support him and his plan!

    Best wishes for you and your future,
    Daniela Adler

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  7. Even though I don't know you, I was touched by your story (on Kelly Rae's blog) and the thought that we are all in this together. How can we not respond to a courageous life in need!?! I hope and pray that your journey will be sprinkled with blessings along the way and that your body will be completely healed!!

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  8. A long time ago I said I was a cynic with nothing left to be cynical about; for a while here I thought I'd found it again. Cancer, of course, and our piece of crap health care "system."
    But, once more, people's ability to see the worth in helping each other has trumped it. "Chip in" is proof of that.
    I'm still pissed off at cancer and the U.S. healthcare sham, but real people are so much stronger than either; I am consistently reminded we are what matters.
    And you are my talisman for that right now. I am excited, but not surprised you've reached the money goal and I continue to take joy in your physical progress.
    I am blessed to call you a friend and will continue to talk it up, pray it up, and know we are in for a win.
    Love you and look forward to seeing you and Jon soon.

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  9. Hi All!

    I was tagged with an "award" (which basically means someone else likes my blog) a few days ago. I used the opportunity on my two dollar project to share some of the things I've learned through this summer. And when tagging folks, I thought about some of you who have taken interest in the project, some of the blogs that touch my heart and tagging people who I think are so creative that I admire them (which is basically you). Anyhow, I know that getting tagged isn't always the coolest thing, but do with it what you like. You listed on my blog at www.twodollarproject.blogspot.com. Have a good evening!

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  10. i couldn't find your email, so i just posted what i wrote in the email on your blog...sorry about the hi all!

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