I just lost another fellow ovarian cancer survivor this week. She only lived 18 months after being diagnosed and had little in the way of any remission. After 7 1/2 years, my e-mail address book is full of addresses whose owners are no longer living. Every time I scroll down the list, I acutely miss each one of them. In this season of Joy, I also feel great sadness.
My mother Fern was a wise woman. She always gave our family good advice that we referred to as Fernyisms. One of my favorite is, “it is better to give than to receive.” She was so right! The sadness I feel can only be alleviated by reaching out to other survivors and donating to causes that are dear to my heart. The Clearity Foundation is my favorite nonprofit because the folks there are totally devoted to helping ovarian cancer survivors find and receive the best and most appropriate treatment for them.
I was diagnosed 7 1/2 years ago. I went into a complete remission and have been so since that time. However, I had a profile completed through Clearity 2 years after I was in remission. Imagine my happiness when the report they sent me said I would respond best to Avastin, the very drug I had. Because of the accuracy of that report, I’m a big believer in the work they do. I particularly admire their practice of giving financial assistance for molecular blue prints to those women who have no insurance to pay for them.
But that practice costs money. Therefore, one way you and I can help is by giving a gift each year to assist them. I’ve sent my check in and hope you will do the same.
I’m also including in this post, a Christmas Poem written by an unknown writer. I give it to you as a gift and hope you will pass the poem and this post on to others!
Thanks,
Althea/Annette
“Christmas”
By: Author Unknown
Every time a hand reaches out
To help another… that is Christmas.
Every time someone puts anger aside
And strives for understanding
That is Christmas.
Every time people forget their differences
And realize their love for each other
That is Christmas.
May this Christmas bring us
Closer to the spirit of human understanding
Closer to the blessing of peace!
To read this entire article by Annette McElhiney on The Clearity Portal, click here.