Meet Our Ultimate Warrior Blanket Recipients 2/26/13
This week proved to be a busy week for Project Chemo Crochet. We have had many nominations and have been fortunate enough to have blankets to share. Thanks to all of our crochets/knitters/stitchers. You are doing amazing work for some truly amazing people.
The follow are stories of our 7 most recent blanket recipients. Please take a moment to read about why they are considered “ultimate warriors”.
Liz, who is currently living in Canada, had been fighting lung cancer for quite some time. She had 1/3 of her lung removed and all reports indicated she was doing well. Yet, cancer has now spread to her esophagus and spine. She has recently been in and out of the hospital undergoing procedures to keep the cancer at bay. Within the past week, she has started palliative care. Although Liz is a single, only child to her elderly father, she has many people who love and support her. Liz has worked in the office at Crosskeys Drop Zone in New Jersey for years. She always greeted everyone with a smile and friendly conversation. She always remained quiet in her battle, never complaining or letting anyone know how hard her battle was or had become. She is a amazing person! Although Liz’s many loved ones cannot be there to help care for her, we send all of our love and support in our blanket. It has been crafted with extra love and care to be sure that you can feel our hugs. Stay strong Liz, you are NOT alone! We love you!
Mike, a Warminster cop, is currently receiving chemotherapy for scleroderma. Unfortunately, he has been through chemo once before and even had a stem cell transplant. The scleroderma has come back in full force. He will be receiving chemo for another year and then having another bone marrow transplant. He had his first treatment 2 weeks ago. His friend Denise said, "Mike is the nicest person and a wonderful father to his many children. You can never say anything wrong about him. He faces life everyday and never asks why him. He is a true inspiration.” Keep fighting Mike! You can beat this once again.
Patty, who was diagnosed in early Jan ’13 with stage 2B invasive lobular breast cancer, just turned 43 last week. Less than two weeks after diagnosis she had a bilateral mastectomy has just started on a 20 week course of chemotherapy, with 4-6wks of radiation therapy to follow. Her friend Wendy nominated her for one of our blankets because of her inspiring attitude and commitment to the fight. The words following are from Patty. After reading this, you can see why Wendy says that she is a true inspiration. I wholeheartedly agree, Wendy!
"My inspiration truly comes from my family and friends, but most of all from all the wonderful nurses and healthcare workers, I've been fortunate to work with over the last 7 years! I honestly feel I don't have an option whether to be positive about my outcome - I am the mother of 10 year old twin boys and their father and I have been together for 14 years-I will kick cancer's butt because I have too much to live for! I know this is going to be the toughest year of my life for my family and myself, but I also believe we will come out stronger and better for the struggle! I know I'll be a better nurse from the empathy and knowledge I’m gaining and a better mother, partner, and friend for all the love and support I'm being shown during this fight!"
Patty, you are an ULTIMATE WARRIOR! Always stay positive.
Dawn, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during the holidays, is an incredible mom and a great friend. She is the mother of 4 children, a single child and a set of triplets. Her four kids and husband adore her as well as her soccer family. She just received her first chemo treatment this past week. Although she is new to the fight, we is committed to working under treatment to help support her family.
Her friend Leslie nominated her this week saying, “Dawn is strong, mighty and a soccer mom. She will survive!” We hope you can find the strength you need in our blanket. Stay strong and fight on!
Daniela is in the middle of undergoing chemo for stage 3 breast cancer. Beth, Daniela’s friend, nominated her for a blanket this week saying, "She is a single mom of a teenage daughter and most of her family live in Italy. So, she has gone through surgery and the first stage of chemotherapy mostly on her own without a close caregiver. She starts the 2nd phase of her chemo this coming week. After chemo she will then undergo radiation. She has some cousins and friends that help where they can, but most of them them don't live close by. Surgery and chemo have been extremely hard on her physically, but with all her difficulties she has maintained an amazing spirit of strength and hope. Knowing the pink warriors are behind her and supporting her will help her get through he rest of her treatment!”
We ARE here supporting you Daniela! You CAN do this! Please know that even though we may be far, you are close to our hearts. Keep fighting!
Betsy, is a clinical aesthetician at Deme’, has been fighting lung cancer that has metastasized to her back and brain. She has two adult children who live in CA. Her friend Nancy nominated her saying, “Betsy is an extremely nice person, the kind that would do anything for you. And she most definitely is a fighter! I have no doubt she will get through this as bad as it is.” She has undergone radiation, chemo, and now a hormone therapy to try to fight the cancer monster. Through the blanket, we hope Betsy can continue her fight know that there are so many of us near and far supporting her.
Jack was recently diagnosed with lymph node, lung, and tongue cancer. He is a resilient, brave man. He never complains or wants to be the center of attention. He has been through so much in such a short time, including losing numerous family members and even caring for his wife who recently fought breast cancer. For Jack, we hope this blanket reminds him that there are people here to support him. Stay strong Jack! You CAN do this.
