What is the Definition of Strong?

Very Inspiring

Hello everyone, As I struggle with my everyday troubles today I sit here feeling blessed. I just got off the phone with a close friend of mine who is going through her own life troubles. She asked me "Laura you have 4 kids how do you do it all by yourself?" All I could say to her is that my belief is that God will not give you anything he doesn't believe you can't handle. She told me I was her role model. Imagine that. Me being someone's role model? All I did was tell her everything would be ok. And I truly believe that. I still struggle with the thought of losing mom lately more than I use to. The holidays have passed and I really enjoyed them this year. Things were done a little differently this year than in years past. I really enjoyed them. I thought the holidays would be somewhat tougher this year because quite honestly I'm not sure if we will continue to have them all together again. Mom has been up and down lately. All I want is for her to get better. It's hard for me to see her coughing so hard that she can't breathe, and then she has a headache for an hour afterwards. I know together as a family we will get through this one step at a time. Things have been a little slow lately for the foundation. I can only hope things will pick up. I am eager to get the word out for awareness of this awful disease. Please as you read our blogs pass on the word to get the awareness out there. Anyway until next time I will leave you with this: You may never know who looks up to you. It's possible that you too are someone’s role model. Remember that anything is possible. Live, love & prosper.
Laura Hart

You Tube Video One

Remember to cherish every moment

Well today is Friday. It has been a particulary long week for me. I am struggling with finals and mom being sick again. On Monday morning I made my usual call to mom, however this time was different. She was crying. She was bleeding and didn't know why. I told her she would be fine and not to worry. However in my mind I was breaking down. Towards the end of the conversation mom said she doesn't want to die and she's not ready to die. At that moment I couldn't hold it any longer. I too started to cry telling her she's not going any where and she would be just fine. But honestly I wasn't sure myself. I am at a point now that I cherish every moment with her because I never no when the last might be. Well I relieved my brother Jeff at the hospital at about 6 & didn't leave until around 2:30 am when mom finally got a room. I have had many long nights like this but never imagined so close to Christmas this would happen again. It's now the end of the week and after 3 days mom is back home. Doing better than before. I must close this now because the tears are starting to roll, but in closing I want to say, Remember to cherish every moment like it's your last. Love and appreciate everyone you love always not just when they are sick.


With love until next time,
Laura

it’s been a very long while

Hello all, it’s been a very long while since I have blogged so where do I start well mom’s progress is doing well. She has completed her last chemo cycle we will see what will be the next step to her full recovery. Funny as I say that the beginning of the week was a very scary and a step back. Reality this disease is on, Monday morning I get a call from my wife and she says “mom called her about some bleeding she was having and she needs to go to the emergency room”. I can’t imagine what’s going through her mind but when I got that call it was hard even though it wasn’t the first time that I had gotten a call about mom having to go the hospital.
Here we go a couple of days before Christmas mom back in the hospital wondering what’s going on with her body. As I got to the hospital mom asks “what are u doing here “I say “I want to be here with your ups and downs.” Mom really would rather us spend our day at work than worry about her. How can you stay and focused not knowing what’s going on with her. Everybody states you have to be strong, how can you be strong and not worry so much about her health. That’s why I have my best friend Cameron come over when things like this come up because I can express my feelings to him and not get judged about how this is really affecting me mentally. However I have to be strong for mom’s full recovery. Sometimes I wondering how my brother is really doing being that he lives in Phoenix and is not around the corner when that phone call comes and can’t be by mom’s side like we are. It’s got to be taking a toll when one of us calls and he doesn’t answer is phone and we leave a voice mail. Then he listens, what goes through your mind. I know for me that moment the world stops. A sense of panic comes to play. I know when mom has to go to the hospital she is in the best hands possible so that is somewhat a relief. In closing I would like to say that through these journeys in our lives we have to strong but really what is the definition of strong.

With love Jeffrey J Hart

Tough Year End

Just the other day I was reflecting on the year and the year as the foundation president. I began to compose a blog however I did not finish due to emotions. ( I promise to finish it soon and post it)
Today has been nothing less than a tough day. I awoke to a message from Jazmine, my sister in law, saying mom had extreme bleeding and she was going to the hospital. I called mom to see what was going on and how she was. It was 9:30am AZ time, only 8:30 CA time when I spoke to mom. Mom and Jazmine were already on the way to UCSD La Jolla. Mom told me what was going on with her. She took a shower and went to the restroom after. She said she had filled the toilet with blood. She was scared and crying and need to blow her nose when she noticed the tissue was also full of blood. She called Jazmine as she was scared. Jazmine called the nurse who said she needed to get to the hospital.
That was 8:45 am CA time……. Fast forward…… Mom had a palette transfusion. Her 3rd I think since chemo has begun. I say I think simply because I live in AZ and I do not get to be there every time.
It’s almost 9pm as I type this (CA time) and mom is still waiting for a hospital room. They want to keep her overnight to make sure the bleeding is only due to platelets (so I am told). My brother, sister in law, sister and dad have been with her throughout the day. I have been next to the phone all day waiting for a call from one of them to give me an update. My sister called me two hours ago saying mom would have a room by 10pm CA time. I am still waiting for the phone to ring.
Today as many is one of the days I wish I could just pick up and move back to San Diego. One of those days I wish I was there to hold my mom’s hand, as I know she is scared. One of those days I could tell her it’s all going to be ok, without a crack in my voice. One of those days when I could make it all right. It has been anything but one of those days.
I look forward to the day when my mom has great grand children. She is looking forward to it as am I. I will be an awesome great uncle just as I am an uncle.
Today is tough simply because everything was going so well. My family all came out here to AZ for Thanksgiving. We had a great time. I am going to San Diego for Christmas. I know we will have even a better time. It’s just really tough being so far away from my mom when she goes through such tough times. I do have to thank her for, yet again, making me a stronger man. Today is a tribute to that. This morning I sat here in Phoenix and wondered what I would do if I were bleeding from both ends. I don’t think I would do much more than my mom did. I would make sure those that I love know it, I make sure they have a special place in my in my heart.
Well as always I went on to long. I need to close and wait for my sister to call me.
With Love and Gratitude,
Dan Hart

One man really stood out

Hey it’s me, Dan Hart. It has been a while since I have posted a blog so I thought I better get back into it. Let me start off with how hectic life has been. Since my last blog I went to an amazing conference hosted by my mom’s doctor. I have to say I was blown away. The people we met were amazing. My brother, sister, mom and sister in-law all went together. I went to the conference with one thing, no expectations. I left with more knowledge and gratitude than I could have ever imagined.

While we were at the conference mom ran into a couple of people she knew from her support groups. One man really stood out, he had tubes going into his nose, it was obvious he was ill. Mom mentioned how much worse he looked since she last saw him. Let’s call him Bob. We also ran into another really nice couple, most likely in their 60’s. The husband is a 3 year lung cancer survivor. He had 2 of 3 lobes in one lung removed and the other lung no longer worked. He was told 3 years ago he had 3-6 months to live. Guess he proved them wrong. Looking at this man you would never know he was sick, you could tell that he had smoked, actually he looked like a smoker. He is living with only 20% of what a normal person has for lung capacity yes he was walking around just like you and I. The best part is he could not wait for the first Saturday of Nov 09 as this would be his third conference given by Dr B, my mom’s Dr. It was refreshing to know after 3 years his life was so normal.

On Nov 3, 2008 I had the pleasure of taking my mom to her chemo treatment for the first time. Again I went with no expectations. The infusion center was comfortable. They even had a place for guests to site. Mom and I sat there and watched TV (each station has its own TV) It was nothing like I imagined. The Moore’s Cancer Center brings pleasure to those dealing with Cancer. Mom had her big treatment that day. I must say I am grateful for being able to share that day with my mom. After all she held my hand when I was 11, on Halloween, getting my appendix out. Chemo reminded me of donating plasma, yet you do not have the side effects or fear of whether or not it is working.

Oh yea, you also do not have the statistics looming in your mind, after all statistics say 5 years. Mom is a fighter and so are we (her kids)
After my pleasure of taking mom to chemo I had to face the fact I was no longer employed. While I quit my job based on values and respect, the fact I did it in such a tough economy makes it hard. The great part is I am pouring all of my heart and soul into the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation. The LMLCF.org is still new and funding is limited; however, emailing and talking to people that are in need and bringing them the help they so deserve makes me sleep well at night. One of the friends I met through the foundation, who is also dealing with stage IV lung cancer, told me my calls to her help to keep her going just another day. She doesn’t have anyone else to talk to, yet when I call she picks up the phone right away. The amazing part is we never talk about her illness, we talk about her goals. She enlightens me and I hope to thing I bring a smile to her face.

There is no purpose to this blog other than the fact if you believe in your heart and you make a change in ONE person’s life it will go on and on and on. Pay it forward and do it everyday.
God Bless,

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

Dan Hart
www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

Where do you find enough hours in a day?

Tonight as I start this blog I have to say today has been very similar as the past few days. There are more things to do than hours in the day. How is that always the case? How do I leverage my time more to ensure I have the time to devote to the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation? How did the other lung cancer foundations that walked before us do it?
What keeps me going at times like this? Several things, getting incredible emails and updates from people we as a lung cancer foundation have helped. You can’t help but to smile when you know you have helped someone living with lung cancer, someone possibly faced with their last breath. I, as the president of the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation am humbled every time we get an email from someone we have helped. I guess it kind of helps me personally on a different level. I live 350 miles from my mom, who as you probably know, is currently living with lung cancer, and all that goes along with it. Helping others and reading and hearing their stories helps me deal with the fact I am not there with mom in person.
Daily I focus on that “letter” from the IRS coming. The letter stating we are finally approved as a 501c3 organization. It seems that for so many that one (maybe two) pieces of paper make such a difference. Those waiting for us to get that piece of paper must feel we have finally worked hard enough to be legitimate. Honestly I am not sure we worked hard enough, yet I know we have all worked with persistence and without resistance. We again were not going to allow people to tell us “no”. We were simply going to find out how to get where we wanted to be, and ask a ton of questions along the way.
So how does the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation move into the next generation? As many successful organizations know the answers are sometimes unknown. I do know this; most new businesses do not survive their first few years in business. Since the foundation is all about survival of lung cancer patients there is no way we can fail. We simply need to improve our fund raising efforts. There are hundreds of people every week that deserve to benefit from the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation. That does not include the millions of people that need education on Lung Cancer.
To kick off Lung Cancer Awareness Month the LMLCF.org is launching a wrist bracelet campaign to help educate elementary school aged children on the risks associated with smoking. This campaign will bring awareness to children as well as their parents. Lung Cancer is commonly known as the silent killer. In the majority of cases lung cancer is found in the later stages, when surgery to remove the cancer is often not an option. If you are interested in purchasing a bracelet please contact lungcancerfoundation@gmail.com
With Warm Regards,

Dan Hart
www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

The foundation has had an amazing week.

Today has been a tough day. Mainly because I allowed it to be. I am to blame for it, yet tomorrow will be better.
The foundation has had an amazing week.

We held our first of many fund raisers on 9/24/08. You can view some of the pictures at www.lizmartoccilungcancerfoundation.org/fundraiser It was a HUGE success. I am so happy and grateful our mom was there to see it. The kind words she spoke on her audio brought tears to my eyes. Since that night her spirits have been so high, I know they will continue to be that way.

We founded this foundation for ONE reason, to help others, not our mom. However on 9/24/08 it helped our mom more than I could have ever imagined. Having all of these strangers to he show up and donate their time for such a great cause, named after her, sparked a new lite in her eyes.

Personally I could not be more proud of where we are heading. We after only 3 months are helping complete strangers, with the help of complete strangers. I am overwhelmed when I read emails such as “It just arrived. Again, Thank you so much. We really need it.” Coming from a women who’s rent we were able to pay for the last two months.
My life has changed a great deal over the past 4 months, all for the better. I give more than I ever imagined I could.

When we started this foundation we never had a clue what it would do. Simply one person at a time we are changing the world. The butterfly effect I like to call it. Make another’s life a little better and it comes back 10 fold.
I am facing my own personal challenges, yet the foundation and inspiration I find in people faced with this devastating disease makes my challenges seems so small.

I am going to close, but I hope you support our cause as much as me and our board and family members do. Just look at the pictures of my mom, with a huge smile and so much gratitude and you too will know its all worth it.

With Love and Gratitude,
Dan Hart
www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

Another Chapter

Well I haven’t blogged for awhile; mom is doing really well with her chemo The first couple of chemos made her feel not so good. I think her body just had to get use to the poison going in her body to kill the other poison that’s already there. Two weeks ago mom came to Brittnee’s soccer game, it was her first game of the year and we won only reason mom came to this game because it was in the am mom doesn’t do to well with sunlight. Early that week we got some good news from the doctor moms tumors are shrinking. Wow this is the best news our family has gotten since we started this mission. We were all very excited mom always has in the back of her mind that the chemo won’t work. Well now I guess she can erase that part and put positives back in there like the blues fundraiser concert that we just had out in the desert. Who would think that we would have the success that we had at the Blues Concert. My brother and his friends set it up. I would like to thank them for doing it and much thanks to the bands for there time.

My wife and Mom went with me out there and on the way out there I got a speeding ticket first time in about 13 years i guess i was just pumped up to go out there for this great mission that we are doing but the funny thing about the ticket it was I got it about 20 mins outside of were I live.

Mom also got a new companion when we got home she got a new Yorkshire terrier her name is Penelope and seems to make her very happy. When I saw the dog last night I told her we should rename the dog to splinter, you know the rat from the teenage mutant turtles that’s what she looks like but she is a cool dog. Well in closing I just want to thank everyone for there support in my moms recovery from this deadly disease this has been the best journey in my life that I can say I am proud of and with continued support of our mission pledge we can help other families with there journeys because we have experienced first hand.

With Love,
Jeffrey Hart

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation Blues Concert at the Rhythm Room Sings Success

The Liz Martocci Cancer Foundation Blues Concert at the Rhythm Room to raise money for the charity on Wednesday was a success with numerous Blues Bands lending their voices and talent to a heart felt cause. A huge list of bands played to assist cancer survivor Liz Martocci including: Blind Ronnie’s House of Blues, Bluzone, Uvon, Gary Jordan, Krismson Chord, The Flamekeepers and more.

“The raffle tickets and cookies alone were enough to collect hundreds of dollars,” said Foundation President Dan Hart. The Rhythm Room provided blues recording CDs and other prizes for raffle ticket winners. Home made chocolate chip, peanut butter and snicker doodle cookies were donated and available for sale at the event. “The generosity of the community and music lovers was a true help to the foundation,” Hart added.

Cancer Survivor Liz Martocci was on hand to witness the festive concert. “I was very pleased at the turn out. I had no idea that so many people would be so generous as to give their time and art to the cause. I am deeply appreciative of all the bands. They played so well. People sang and danced all night. It was a pleasure to watch,” Mrs. Martocci.

This was the first Fundraising Concert for the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation. A minimum donation of $5 or more was collected at the door with the assistance of the Rhythm Room staff. Those requesting more information about the foundation can visit the foundation website at http://www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org or contact the foundation directly via email: lungcancerfoundation@gmail.com.


The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation began on July 9, 2008 with one purpose in mind to help those faced with this horrible disease, living without insurance, find and receive the medical treatment they so deserve. Often the middle class hard working are often the ones that can not get the help and support needed during such a tough time. The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is here to help those faced with the challenges of the “system” while offering support, resources and compassion.

What a Blessing Life Is

So it has been a while since I have blogged; however, I have audio blogged. It was pointed out to me today that our family blog site needed to be update so here I go.

WOW what a roller coaster of emotions I have been enduring. When there was the “fear” of mom having lung cancer back in June of 2008 I never imagined what the road ahead might look like. The road has been filled with many bumps and pot holes, yet it has been filled with many successes.

This month has been a challenge for all of my family, the economy is tight and gas prices are through the roof. We (myself, brother and sister) all drive 30 plus miles each way to work. That means on average we spend $14 (post tax) a day on fuel. That makes going to work a cost of $280 a month, not including other costs like wear and tear.

This month has also been a HUGE success for mom. Her tumors have shrunk and her spirits are high. Today she has chemo and tomorrow, based on how she feels, she is coming to Phoenix. I could not be more excited that mom is visiting Phoenix for two reasons, first she is going to be blow away by the number of people that will be in attendance at the first ever Live Fund Raiser for the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation, but also it is the first time mom has seen my home since it burned down in April 2007.

Today something completely out of the blue happened, yet I knew it would to a degree. The foundation received an amazing donation. It was at the perfect time as we have 3 people, living with lung cancer, looking for help. As a foundation this donation meant the world, it meant changing our wording from “we will help you when we can” to “we WILL help you”. When people are faced with a life challenge, offering support and help is all they need to move them forward. Listen to my mom’s audios and you will know this is true.

While starting the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation has been taxing on everyone involved, I am speaking for myself, it has been far worth the effort. Knowing that the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is helping to make the lives of lung cancer patients easier helps us all to sleep better at night.

With Love,

Dan Hart

About the Foundation:

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation began on July 9, 2008 with one purpose in mind to help those faced with this horrible disease, living without insurance, find and receive the medical treatment they so deserve. Often the middle class hard working are often the ones that can not get the help and support needed during such a tough time. The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is here to help those faced with the challenges of the "system" while offering support, resources and compassion.

Coming to Terms With Lung Cancer: Singing the Blues on Stage

In 2004 doctors told legendary singer Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown that he had lung cancer but instead of getting blue, he went on stage and happily sang the blues. At that moment, the 80-year-old refused treatment and said "no one's gonna cut me open" and preferred to spend his days doing what he had always done - living his life.

Well not everyone has the attitude to do the same. Facing cancer is one of the most difficult challenges a person can experience. There is no right or wrong way to feel about your diagnosis. What matters is being able to cope so that you are able to experience the good parts of each day along with the difficult parts that lung cancer will place in your every day life.
Coping is widely defined as one's way of handling difficult situations. Although the definition is broad, a person's individual strategies are quite precise. There is no right way to cope with the diagnosis of lung cancer. People handle cancer in different ways, just as people cope with any life problem in a different way.

The first reaction many people have after being diagnosed with lung cancer is shock. The feeling of numbness may be particularly distressing but it is quite normal. It is your mind's way of keeping you from being overwhelmed. Your thinking may seem disorganized at first, as your mind is likely to be filled with questions and concerns.

Through her bravery, fortitude, determination, and tenacity, Liz Martocci works on a daily basis to free her body of cancerous cells in order to live a long, happy, and fruitful life with her family and friends. Please come have the blues with us in support of the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation which will be holding its first Fundraising Concert at the Rhythm Room on Wednesday September 24. The doors open at 7p.m. with a minimum donation of $5 or more is appreciated. For more information on the foundation visit http://www.lizmartoccilungcancerfoundation.org/


The Rhythm Room "Phoenix's Roots and Blues Concert Club" is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road Phoenix, Arizona 85014.

The benefit show for Liz Martocci, cancer survivor, will include a huge list of blues bands including: BLIND RONNIE'S HOUSE OF BLUES, BLUZONE, UVON, GARY JORDAN, KRIMSON CHORD, THE FLAMEKEEPERS and more.

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation began on July 9, 2008 with one purpose in mind to help those faced with this horrible disease, living without insurance, find and receive the medical treatment they so deserve. Often the middle class hard working are often the ones that can not get the help and support needed during such a tough time. The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is here to help those faced with the challenges of the "system" while offering support, resources and compassion.

Tougher than expected

Who could have prepared themselves for the last week? Mom did her first round of chemo a week ago today. The days to follow were very hard for me. All of us. As I sit here again at work not able to go to chemo with mom again, my thoughts are: Will it hit her in the days to follow as hard as it did this last week? My brother came to visit this weekend & we actually got mom out of the house. She's finally eating & now she has to do it all over again. Mom hang in there! We will kick this cancer in the butt!! I can't imagine how my mom is feeling, as for me it's killing me inside. Seeing how pail her face is, how much weight she is losing, just not having enough energy to walk to the car. Can anyone really prepare themselves for this? I don't think so. My life has been so crazy lately all I want to do is make my mom better. I know she will get better & soon. My mom is a fighter & so are all of us. Hang in there brothers! I love you guys! Mom please remember when you are feeling like sh.. That you have it in you to fight, just have to find it. I know sometimes (most) it's hard, hell it's easier to give up but we can't. We need you to get better. So mom continue this fight. It may get hard hopefully it will get easier, but we together all of us will fight it with you. Remember when you are home alone feeling yucky that we are here, Researching to make you better. I love you mom with all that I have in me. Isayah, Lamont Eugene, & Julias need you get strong! They can't wait until you can watch them pass the ball in football. We all love you mom! With all my love until next time. May god bless everyone. Lori

Chemo times three

Tonight is the first night I have been able to “feel ok”. As you may know mom started her chemo today. Three drugs that all seem very scary to me, yet I know they will make mom a survivor. Mom is an amazing person after all she created the 3 off us (children) much of the reason I feel the Dr knew she can handle these three drugs.

I sit here at my laptop, at my dinning room table, as I do many (most) evenings, thinking about how much gratitude I have for life. I own a home and a small piece of land, my home sits on. I have an amazing lawn and garden, that was only a parking lot 12 months ago. My home burned, and if it were not brick it would have been a total lost. Without the values my mom instilled in me I would not have my home. I also have to thank my brother as he introduced me to our mortgage broker. I have my health. I am only 35 yet my heart is still ticking just as it should. My plan in life is to never have any regrets, know I did everything I could for that day.

I wrote the first press release for the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation today. Only days before we hit our 30 day mark. When I say 30 day mark I mean when the idea became a reality, it was all one day. One day, one thought is all it takes to change the world. What color car do you drive? Henry ford said “The Customer Can Have Any Color He Wants So Long As It's Black” My truck is white. Imagination if a goal is what makes a goal real. I imagine Henry knew back then cars would not always be black, but he knew what people needed and wanted at the time. Much like the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation. Henry Ford said “I will build a car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one-and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God's great open spaces” The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer is geared to do the same. Change the lives of lung cancer patients and those living with it one person, family at a time.

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation knows people need love, compassion and support everyday. Lung cancer does not change that. Lung cancer simply means people dealing with it might need even more support.

Life is an amazing thing and we never know the impact we have on another’s life. When all is said and done we simply know what we did in the world made a difference. Did you make a difference today that will impact the world?

Please stop by and sign the guest book of the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation. You may never know what a difference a few key strokes can make.

Mom I am so proud of you for making today a complete success. Without you the world would be very different. No Dan, Jeff, Laura, Isayah, Brittnee, Lamont, Eugene, or Julius, not to mention the lives all of us have changed along the way.

I could type all night about the lives you have changed yet I respect you know.

Love Always with a new passion,

Danny

Today was the day of moms first chemo

Today was the day of moms first chemo and boy what a day it started a 7 am and didn’t end until 230pm mom was scared and talking all the way about the poison that’s about enter her body all I said is this poison is going to take away the poison that is already in your body I think that kind of made her feel a little better she didn’t eat breakfast because she didn’t know if she could so we are waiting for her to get called I go and get a newspaper from the hospital but I made a sidetrack to the cafeteria I hadn’t eaten either and my stomach was growling so I grabbed a breakfast burrito ate it on the way back so mom couldn’t see me eat it (boy was that a guilt) by the time i get back she is getting ready to go and start the chemo we are now in the room and Sharon the nurse greets us and ask if she brought lunch mom says she didn't know what to expect and did not Sharon states she has a menu for mom and moms eyes lit up like no tomorrow. She was really hungry Sharon puts the first drug in about 1030 which will take about and hr and half mom is watching her watch because the said they would bring her menu about 12 but instead Jaz and I go up to the cafe and grab mom some lunch she ate it all boy was she hungry. Then mom falls asleep and watching her in the bed was pretty painful knowing my mom is sick is truly painful but as the drips go slowly into her arm I know it will get her better. So as I close this blog I just wonder what my brother and sister were thinking as the day went by as I was fortunate enough to be there for her on her first day of chemo and many more to come.

Mom I love you.

Jeff

Today is a little harder than most.

Today mom is going through her first round of chemo. As I sit here at work my only thoughts are of her. How she must be feeling, what she's going through physically and emotionally. I know she's going to get through it because she is strong and Jay and Jaz are with her. Oh how I wish I could be there holding her hand and talking her through this. I can't imagine what my brother Danny is going through. He misses many of the things mom goes through because he's so far away. I wonder how she will feel afterwards. I spoke with her last night and I could hear the fright in her voice as she is dreading today. In her heart and mine I know this will make here better but the fact that she is going to get very sick before getting better is tearing me up inside. My boys are starting pop warner today and mom is worried she won't make it to many of their games. Got to love my mom that's what she's worried about. Isayah my oldest the only one of my boys who truely knows what's going on with his Nana told me to tell her it's ok if she doesn't make it to any of his games but just to get better. I wonder what this is doing to him. They are so very close. It must be hard to deal with this as a kid, hell it's hard for me as an adult. Isayah is strong though and so is mom. Together our family will get through this. So I am ending this with Mom you are a fighter and so are all of us. Just continue to fight and never give up! We all need you. Thank you for making me the woman I am today. One thing I learned from mom is always fight, never give up.
I LOVE YOU MOM, LORI
www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

When Passion and Purpose Become One

As I begin to type this the blog the current time is 10:43pm. In my mind I know I should head off to bed as I have a full work day ahead and mom starts her chemo tomorrow. 1000’s of people all over the world will need my assistance tomorrow, yet I just wish I were there to hold my moms hand and give her a hug as her doctor injects a poison into her body with the faith in will make her cancer go into remission. As the tears roll down my cheeks I try to imagine what my mom must be feeling right now, I know she laid down in bed several hours ago, as she normally does, yet tonight she must be more scared that even the night she found out she has stage 4 lung cancer.

I know I will find a restful nights sleep knowing I have done everything I can today to ensure my mom knows how much she is loved and how much she means to me. Without her you would not be reading this. Not only did my mom bring me into this world, she had molded me into the man I am today. I am sure that alone will give her the strength to fight as hard as she can to beat this terrible cancer. She did not only mold and create me; she also molded and created my brother and sister. They are both strong and amazing people. Together the 3 of us have created something that has become more than we could have ever imagined. We created a foundation in our mothers name to help not only cancer patients, but the ones around them that love them so much.

I wonder what pops must be feeling. He took the 3 of us in as his own. My niece and nephews are the apple of his eyes, just as they are the apple of my mom’s eyes. I know mom will be there to watch them grow up and have children, her great grandchildren. I know she will give them even more wisdom than she gave us. After all mom was only 17, barely an adult when she gave birth to me. My mind has a hard time imagining what she has to offer her grandchildren.

I sit her at my dinning room table as I have for over a month, every night. Tonight to my left is a list of the drugs they are going to inject my mom’s body with tomorrow. The side effects of these drugs are wild. How do you deal with the fact you may have “closing of the throat’?

I sit here wondering what my mom will look and feel like the next time I see her. I live in Phoenix and she lives in San Diego. I know less than two weeks ago I barely recognized her as they wheeled her back to her hospital room after a procedure. A procedure that the Dr told her, in front of me and pops, would “not be bad”. Mom was in so much pain I had to do a double take, because I did not recognize her as they wheeled her 10 feet past me.

Mom (at least via the phone) has an amazing outlook, yet I know deep inside she must be as scared as I am. On the other hand I know mom has a created an amazingly strong person in me thus she must be just as strong, after all she created 3 of us.

I am going to close this blog with one thing. Mom I love you more than you can imagine and my brother sister and I are going to do everything we know, or may need to learn to ensure you beat this cancer, and that you will live a happy fulfilled life on your terms. Simply knowing you can raise kids that can do so much so many has to give you faith in yourself.

I love you always, your a fighter, kick this in the @ss

Danny

It's been a rough one....

Hello everyone, these past two weeks have been very rough for our family. First they told us mom's cancer had spread to her neck & colon. Then after more (agonizing) test for mom thankfully nothing in the neck however it has spread around the colon. It's going to be ok though. Mom is strong & so are we. You know they say "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get" & my wonderful brother (Jeff) says play life like a deck of cards. Like I said before I didn't know what that meant at first, I'm not a poker player! But as the days have gone by I now know what he's talking about. Play them dam cards they are no bodies business. Basically we have been dealt alot. It's been very trying for us as a family to deal with it together & personally. I had a long conversation with my amazing brother (Dan) last night. I was rambling to him about my life’s troubles at this moment & he was telling me how he was having troubles writing a blog when he said you know what if mom says I just can't do this... So we have to be strong together. And remember brothers, mom, pops, & Jazmine we will get through this. As I said before God will only give us what he thinks we can handle i guess that's the deck of cards my brother is talking about. So as we unite together to make this foundation a strong one & help so many other families similar to ours thank you for all you have done to help us. May god bless everyone in some way or another.

With love,

Laura.

www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

With love respect and Gratitude

WOW is all I can type. Me, myself and I (Dan Hart) has had the most AMAZING journey to get to where I am. Where I, am, is, a son of an incredible mother, a brother to an amazing man, a sister in law (law sucks) to an amazing woman and a brother to an astounding woman. Without each and every one of them I would simply be a face in a crowd. If you have met me or any of my family you know we are not a face in the crowd. We have nothing that stands out and makes us “different” except one thing our last name is HART.

As I type these words I could not be more proud to say I am a HART. Our mom married into the Hart family and dealt with the “crap” it would bring. She has 3 wonderful children that are proud of her for everything she has ever done. Recently while at UCSD Thornton Hospital mom said to me “ I am sorry, I wish I could turn back time and make you, kids life better, I would change so much” In that nano second I thought, but did not say, “Mom you have made me who I am and you did the same for my brother and sister, you should be so proud.”

My uncle Tim brought my reality back to earth when he said “ I am so proud of you kids for pulling together to help your mom the way you have”.

What was our option?? To pull together and make it happen or sit around and watch it happen?? Make it happen was the only option. I am certain we all crossed lines, broke thru brick walls we did not mean to cross with only one vision in mind, MOM WILL BE CANCER FREE. Actually MOM IS CANCER FREE. Strange how you change the text and meaning and feeling is so different. Or is it?

Mom is a FIGHTER. She is going to kick this cancer is the @ss. Mom has the support and prayers of 10’s of thousands of people she has never met and the WILL she gave her children at birth. Personally I would never change a thing about my up bringing. It has made me who I am. My brother Jeff, sister Laura and I all sit on the board of the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation with only one vote; however we know we have the power within our selves to change the world.

Tomorrow brings a new day and a new encounter; however as a HART I know we will face it, find a way around it without starting another war, and move forward.

With love respect and Gratitude I close this,

I love you mom and 10’s of thousands feel the same way. Fight with all you have!!!

Love Always,

Dan

So we are over the first speed bump

This morning first thing, even before my first cup of coffee, I sent an email to my brother, sister and uncle telling them we are only at the first of many “bumps” in the road. The road ahead is long and unpaved and we need to be the ones to pave it. The foundation was not started to help only mom, it was started to help, help people just like us. The people faced with a brick wall over and over. Helping to get over that brick wall, one person and family at a time. We are going to knock that wall over and overcome the challenges we as a family have faced.

Today we have started just that. Since we started this mission, purpose or passion in life we have been blessed with the support, thoughts and prayers of over 100 people. I can’t speak for the other board members or family members when I say this, however this has become a passion and purpose in my life. I am sure the other board members and family members will agree. We have started something that should have been started years ago, back in the 1970’s when the US declared war on Cancer. I often wonder why the USA, being a world leader does not have national insurance. The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation will work hard to change that, every person deserves the same treatment, regardless of their financial situation.

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation was only an idea just 13 days ago and today we are impacting the lives of people all over the continental US and soon to be the world. We have in place already a Blue’s Band fund raiser here in Phoenix as a start. We are going to bring this cause across the world so The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation will change the lives of millions.

I am going to close this blog with only one thing. Mom I love you and with your battle with lung cancer the foundation started in your name will change the world.

So even I am not sure why I say I am going to close with only one thing, as I never do. Mom for your 53^rd birthday you are getting a passport. I am headed back to Cancun for an amazing transformational workshop where you and I will walk over 1200 hundred degree coals hand in hand, without breaking a sweat.

I love you mom, and I love that you have taught us to change the world even though we were unsure how to do it. You did it without knowing, I am pretty sure!

Danny

A more positive outlook

Well today has been a great day. We have been getting contributions for the foundation most of the day! Wonderful! As I chatted with my brother over the weekend we were both wondering when the contributions would start kicking in. As you know tomorrow is a big day for mom. She's going to have her scans, which are costing a ton of money!! $6900.No worries though. We are getting there. By mom's appointment tomorrow we will have what it takes. I am a true believer in "God will only give you what he thinks you can handle". Everything that he has given me thus far I have been able to over come (mostly with the help of my family). When I first found out mom has lung cancer, it devastated me. But as time passed with the support of my brothers (I LOVE YOU GUYS!) I have been able to get through this, you see because I know the Lord knows I can't lose my mom therefore she's not going anywhere. This devastating disease has definitely taken a toll on our family. We have grown stronger as a family & we will get through this. I can remember at the beginning of this wondering how we were going to help our mom. We all put ours heads together & started this foundation for mom & many others. Please visit our site Lizmartoccilungcancerfoundation.org. Contribute if you can but if you can't remember to sign in on our guest book. I'm going to wrap this up by saying mom is feeling good most days. Soon she will feel better everyday. Thank you to everyone who has helped our family and this foundation. May god bless you & your families.

With Love Laura

We Will Beat this Disease

Today when I woke up I called mom she didn't answer so I went on about my morning business well about 45 mins went by and mom still hadn't called back so I called again still no answer this time I was getting kind of worried she usually answers the phone when one of the kids call. I called my pops and asked him if mom was around he said she was in the shower, wow what a relief I thought maybe something was wrong because with this disease you just don't know what tomorrow is going to bring. I know that we will make this goal to cover the scans so we can find out what stage were in and fight this thing head on. This has been a real struggle for me other than the coughing you really cant tell mom is sick but in my head I know she is truly sick and will only get better with the support from our family members.
So in closing I just want to say that everything works out for a reason and this is just another reason for us to continue on. because we will beat this disease that makes everyone stronger. May god bless you and your family's

Jeff

Never in a Million Years Would I have Thought

Daily I sit here at my dinning room table on my laptop computer waiting to hear the next “ding” of my computer indicating an email has arrived. Some of the emails are those of support and prayers which I truly value and some of the emails are titled “Dear Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation a Donation has been received”. Today I am waiting the hear a ding indicating the latter. As I mentioned in my previous blog we need to be gifted another $4800 by Tuesday. I gave my mom my word the PET scan and Brain scan were already taken care of. At this very moment I am hoping for a miracle, yet inside me I know it is just going to happen if I allow it to.

Just before I started to type this blog one of those “dings” did happen. It was an email from PayPal requesting a bunch more paperwork we do not currently have. Again we are left waiting by the government. Once the 501c3 paperwork is complete and sent to the IRS is can take 3-6 months to get approval. If you don’t believe me do a search on the net or just visit http://www.501c3solutions.us/faq.htm You may also notice on that site the number of hours that are required to complete the paperwork. Let’s just say to complete the paperwork (if you are a pro) you would need to work on it non-stop for 5 days. That means no sleep for 5 days. Thankfully I hired a company to do the paperwork for us so I can spend my time building the website and getting the word out.

I have always known if you put your mind to something you can do it. I have walked over 1200 degree coals with the instruction of the same teacher that took Diane Sawyer over 1200 degree coals in time square. When you think about that it is pretty amazing, what a blessed life I have.

I sit here at my dinning room table knowing I can walk on fire wondering how we as a family, a foundation, with a board of directors, wondering how we are going to raise the funds needed with such little time. I continually look up at the clock thinking last night we need to average $50 an hour and now it about $67 and hour, and nothing has come in today. With each hour that passes the amount per hour needed goes up. Do I fear it will not happen? No I do not. Again I stay focused on the end result and somehow someway it will happen. As I reflect back on previous times in my life that have been a challenge I think about all the times my mom has said “don’t worry baby it will all work out for you it always does”. You know what it has always worked out for me, but this time it is not about me, it is about her. That makes this challenge even greater.

I am going to close this blog with one thing I truly believe in, thoughts become things. What you think about you bring about. I can already see the $6900 dollars in the bank account on Tuesday to cover her PET scan and Brain scan, after all we already have $2100 in there.

May god and the universe bless you and those around you!

Until next time,

Dan Hart

Disability Kicks In

So hear goes another night of my mind racing 100 miles an hour, wondering what else I can do to help my mom and others in her situation. The foundation has raised just over $2500 in gifts in just a week. $390 of that went to moms Dr Visit yesterday. Last night while I was blogging I knew we had it all under control. Mom needed a PET CT scan we were told. That was fine, $2400 would not be difficult to come up with, after all we still have just over $2100 in the foundations account. Then the shocker hit, the doctor has also requested a brain scan. The brain scan is $4500. It appears we will need to come up with about $4800 in less than 96 hours. If my math is correct we need to average gifts $50 an hour until her test, and that does not count the payment processing time. Of course it is possible; however I am not certain how to do it. Just over a week ago I could not imagine getting to the point we are currently at, yet we did so I know we will get over this hill. I am not sure what country song it is but one speaks about sometimes those mountains we are trying to get over are really just a grain of sand. I know this is just that. I will continue to focus on the end goal and the path to get there will appear.

Today has actually been a pretty cool day. Mom is scheduled to see what stage her lung cancer is in. Tuesday is the big day for the scans, both PET CT and brain, and then it is the waiting game. Waiting is hard for me I can’t imagine what she must feel like. Mom also got a letter from disability saying she will receive a check each week for $217. She called me at work to tell me and it was the most excitement and joy I have heard in her voice in weeks. The 501c3 paperwork is coming along well. It was suggested we add a disclaimer to the site stating donations are considered gifts at this time and may or may not be tax deductible.

As you may know from previous blogs mom has never really used a computer, thus making blogging a little difficult. We considered having her write in a journal with pen and paper and then one of us would type it out. Most likely my brother or sister since I live 350 miles away in Arizona. I decided it would be a good idea if mom did it in her own words and her own voice. I talked with mom and asked if she would be willing to do it and she agreed. I then spoke with my brother and sister to make sure they were on board and now you can listen to mom online. She simply calls into a number that records her much like a voicemail and a link is created that can be posted on the internet. If you read my last blog, tonight I am thinking the internet is a great thing.

I called her and told her the number to dial and what to do and asked her to call me back when she was done. She was eating ice cream at the time so I expected she would wait until tomorrow to do it. Not 5 minutes later my phone rang and it was mom. I played the audio on my computer while she listened. I think she was pretty amazed. I have now posted it on the foundation website www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org Currently it is on the Meet Liz page, however as she records more and more audio file of her battle with lung cancer I will archive them on a special page. My nephews that are not yet old enough to write to their nana can also call in and record and we will post them as well. The audio is a great way to hear my mom’s voice whenever I need to. I also hope it will inspire others that are either living with lung cancer or are a friend or family member to do the same.

Amazing things are happening all around us. What seemed impossible last week now is possible. Personally I have grown leaps and bounds in just the last week.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

Until next time may god and the universe bless you and those around you,

Dan Hart

Today has been a very positive, productive day

Today has been a very positive, productive day. The foundation received several emails from complete strangers with their stories sharing their support. The age of the internet is pretty astounding. The internet has become one of those things I love to hate, yet love. Let me explain just a little bit of what I mean. I am on the internet all day at my job, which I truly enjoy. It used to be after a day in the office the last thing I wanted to see was a computer. After being on a computer all day I certainly did not want to jump on one when I got home. Since June 10, 2008 when my mom found out she “might” have lung cancer I have been on the net pretty much everything for hours on end. Searching the keywords “lung cancer, lung cancer treatment” well you get the idea. Type that into google.com and most of what comes back is truly negative. And I was allowing myself to fill my mind with negative thoughts. The fear of “what if”. I will not go into my thoughts of “what if’s”. I’ll let you use your imagination.

If you have been keeping up with my blogs and the blogs of the family you are aware we have a signed letter from a Doctor stating my mom is terminal. We as a family believe this was simply to help push us over the brick wall we keep running into. Apparently when you have a piece of paper saying you are terminal the government and other funding will help. That seems extremely strange to me. I have not heard of anyone in the world that has gotten out alive. Aren’t we all terminal? Men and women are dying in wars, children are starving all over the world, the first 8 minutes of every new cast is about someone being murdered, a car crash, a school shooting the list goes on and on. When you have an illness and statistics say time is not on your side isn’t it just a mind over matter thing? People survive horrible illnesses everyday. A very good friend of mine was told he would not walk with his graduating High School class. He had cancer as well. HE made his mind up that this would not be an end, just a new beginning. He is now 26 going to be 27 in Sept. He was terminal, and just like everyone reading this, still is.

As a family we had a remarkable day today. My mom was able to see the doctor, thanks to the funds we have raised with the foundation. Given mom’s current medical records the doctor only believes the cancer to be at stage 2b. Mom needs some more tests to be sure, however 2b is awesome. It might be in stage 3a which is still ok. When my brother asked the Dr what if it is stage 4, the doctor said “let’s not even go there, I don’t think it is”. When I heard what the doctor said I knew we had finally stuck gold. If a doctor is going to be positive then it will help ease the feelings inside of all of our family. Something even more remarkable, the doctor visits are $390 each time regardless of the amount of time the doctor see’s my mom. Mom’s doctor is so cool she said most things can be handled over the phone. Thus saving us and the foundation a lot of money. The other miraculous thing is we have raised enough money for the next set of tests. Not but a week ago we (as a family) were not sure how we were going to pay the $390 for today’s doctor visit. It’s amazing how when you focus on the outcome and not the means to get there, it just happens.

So the typical Dan blog, I go on to long and as I type what I had originally planned to blog about completely changed. Much like life, sometimes what we have planned for life doesn’t always turn out how we have planned yet with every new step there is a new discovery. This week I have discovered how powerful my family is as a unit. When we all pulled together and took action, things began to happen.

As I close this blog I have to mention the foundation just received an email from a comedian in Boston, the other side of the country, offering to do a comic show. He is even will to gather 3 more comedians all we need to do is secure the venue. He will even make the flyer to promote it. His email came from a craigslist posting my uncle Tim did. Maybe the internet is not all that bad.

May god and the universe bless you and those around you,

Dan Hart

We were just dealt an ACE

Lets just start by saying today was a good day for this ace that has been dealt to our family. We had a doctor’s appointment with my mom’s primary lung cancer doctor by what she has seen in the CT scan she thinks that mom is in stage 2b which is a good thing it is curable. She ordered some more tests just to be sure. The only thing that I worry about is what if she is beyond the stage 3 of this horrible disease. Stage 4 is not curable she did say that stage 4 is treatable but in the long run comes to DEATH and that we will not let happen even if she does have stage 4 she will be a survivor. I guess the point I am trying to make is that if we keep thinking positive thoughts we will get through this and mom will be here until I die. MOM I LOVE YOU JEFFREY

Getting Through This

As I lay in my bed tonite I find myself tossing & turning. I can't remember the last time I had a good nights sleep. So I decided to blog. You see one of the most important people to me has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. This very special person is my mom. (Please visit her sight @ www.lizmartoccilungcancerfoundation.org) About a month ago my mom was diagnosed with this horrible disease. I know my family & I will fight to get her better but let me tell you it has been a hell of a struggle. One of my brothers told me it's like a deck of cards & we have been dealt the ace now play it right.. I still struggle to find out what that means because I have been dealt with a lot of crap in my life but the possibilty of losing my mom because the government doesn't want to help her, who by the way has been a tax paying citzen for a really long time, I just can't comprehend that. Ok so my mom has worked crappy jobs with no insurance coverage for all of her life & now when she needs the state on her side they say NO!! Well we are not going to take NO for an answer. This has been a struggle but we are getting through it. My brothers & I with the help of Jazmine have started this foundation to help our mom & many others that may come across what we have. I'm not real good at this blogging stuff because I don't talk about my feelings much. So please visit my mom's sight and donate if you can. Remember to sign in on her guest book page. Let's increase the awarness of Lung Cancer-this is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. Awareness is minimal. The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is going to strive to make a change. Let's not let it take another life! We are survivors! All of us! MOM I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART! I WILL WORK WITH MY BROTHERS TO MAKE YOU BETTER. YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME. DON'T GIVE UP. PLEASE STAY POSITIVE. LOVE LORI.

What a difference a Day makes

So if you stumbled across my blog you most likely know the story of what is going on in my life at the moment. If not please visit my moms website www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org to read about it. Anyway today has been pretty amazing. We hit the first of many records in our fund raising. In one day we received more donations than my mom used to make in two weeks and in 5 days we have raised more than she used to make in a month. I find it amazing yet sad it takes something like lung cancer to make people unite and pull together during tough times.

I do have to say thank you to everyone that has helped get the word out as well as to those that have donated money. Money is wonderful and money is needed, however one of our goals as a foundation is to bring more awareness to lung cancer. As I type this I am reflecting on what the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation has committed to do every day, and I am very proud to say again we have accomplished our goals, our vision. These are the goals we strive for each and every day. They are posted on the first page of our website.

•Financially Support those without help insurance so they receive the medical care they so deserve as quickly as possible.

•Address the informational needs of people living with lung cancer and their loved ones.

•Provide compassion and support to those facing the many challenges of lung cancer.

•Increase lung cancer awareness

•Bring optimism to families living with lung cancer

I can say these will never change, everyday we will achieve each one of these bullet points, and I know we will add to the list. As the foundation grows, with the help of wonderful people, we will continue to grow personally and professionally.

Now is it easy to achieve these goals each day? I have to be honest and say NO. Today for example I thought I had all of the 501c3 paperwork to make us a “real” no profit complete and ready. I had a go to guy that was going to take care of it. Well he did, not exactly. My vision was he was going to say ya Dan I can take care of it for you. Instead what he told me is that 501c3’s are not his specialty and he offered me advice as to how I could get it done, and what questions to ask along the way. At first I felt disappointed, then I realized I had just been given a gift. I was just about to learn more about corporate America than I ever cared to know. I read the sites he suggested and then I decided I just needed to “act” on it make the decision and get it done. So I used money that was set to pay my mortgage to hire a company to do all of the paperwork, filing, articles of incorporation and just get this project that is now going to be a life long passion. The awesome part is the company let me split it into 3 payments and my brother and sister both said they would take on a payment. Let me tell you, not one of the 3 of us has money. We are all one paycheck from foreclosure, yet we have a passion and with passion everything else will just fall into place.

I am going to close this blog with one thing. That one thing is “thoughts become things”. One week ago today this foundation was simply a thought. Less than one week into this we are already a six figure a year foundation and we have only just begun. We are going to pass this gift on to so many.

Ok so you know I rarely close with one thing. Almost a month ago, I broke and arrow with my throat, bent rebar with the soft spot in my neck and walked over 1200 degree coals 7 times. After doing all of those things I was left wondering what do I do next? Well my calling has come and it is the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation.

May god and the universe bless you and those around you,

Dan Hart

So where do I start because everyday is a struggle.

So where do I start because everyday is a struggle. It even comes more of a struggle when at about 3pm I get an email from my little sister saying that my mom has this new pain coming from her neck. We take a family vote and we say she needs to go to the hospital because the “what ifs” come to mind what if the cancer has spread what if it is not related at all we just have to be sure. My Wife Jazs takes her to the E.R. at Thorton Hospital in La Jolla I get there kind of late she has already checked in at the registration desk minutes later we get to the room my mom and myself go into the room while Jazmine is in the waiting room. While were waiting for the doctor to see us I start up a conversation with my mom I haven’t really got into deep feelings with my mom because I want to show her that I am strong but this is the worst card that has been dealt to me in my whole life. I have been dealt some bad cards but i got through them just like we going to get through this Ace. I have to let her know how I feel. I tell her she needs to keep positive thoughts (but really if you know that you are terminally ill how can you think positive thoughts) she understands that will help beat this horrible disease. She tells me she’s tired of people telling her us no getting the run around because time is the upmost importance right now. While sitting there she must have coughed for about 20 seconds straight I know that must hurt. I know when I have the chest flu it hurts to cough so just imagine if you had a 4cm tumor on your lung. She’s scared of chemotherapy and radiation she doesn’t want her babies (The grandkids) to see her sick. She knows the big ones know what’s up but the little ones have no clue. She wants them to remember her not being sick. That was pretty hard listening to I tried not to wet my eyes but how could I not. I give her a Big Hug and tell her were going to beat this in all ways and make awareness so this doesn’t happen to anybody else. Then the doctor comes in and ask what’s wrong she tells him that her chest hurts bad and the back of her neck is hurting as well he says "So the new pain is the neck" Mom responds "Yes" He does is checkout and tells her that it is from the stress WELL SHIT I THINK YOU WOULD HAVE STRESS IF EVERYBODY TELLS YOU NO. He says I can give you some muscle relaxers and some anti flamotory meds but this in an emergency room and right now the test you need is outpatient stuff and we cant run the tests that are needed here in this department you need to see your lung doctor. I then step in and say she’s afraid that the pain is being caused because the cancer might have spread into her neck. He assures her that lung cancer doesn’t spread that fast and she seems relaxed for that moment. They do and ekg just to be safe it turns out fine he discharges her. She’s hungry and we go eat. This was the first time I’ve seen her clean her plate wow that was great she hasn’t been eating that well. In closing i just want to say I think with the E.R. doctor telling her it can’t spread that fast it has eased her mind a little bit and that will help her get through this. MOM REMEMBER I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND YOU CAN BEAT THIS WITH POSITIVE THOUGHTS YOUR SON JEFFREY

Please visit her website and sign here guest book. www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

The last month has been tough

The last month has been a trying time for my family and I we just found out that our mother has been diagnosed with Lung cancer. This is a horrible disease and if not treated fast might just cost her her life. The problem that we have is that she has no health insurance so we been getting this run around with all these county services CMS, MEDICAL,SSI, we fill out the paperwork then they tell us to come back in 2 weeks well frankly what if she doesn't have 2 weeks she has a 4cm size tumor on her right lung (which is the size of a golf ball OUCH) I call her everyday to check on her to see how's she's feeling most of the time I think she hesitates to tell the truth because she has in the back of her mind she has no money to fight this disease but the funny thing is I never use to call my mother on a regular basis it took this horrible disease to just do that so don't take anything for granite. You don't know what tomorrow is going to bring. She has one of the best lung cancer doctors to treat her but they won’t see her unless she has funding of some kind. We have told the doctors many times just treat my mother and we will take care of the bill and we all know it will be a costly battle. The grandkids have said they will set up lemonade stands recycle bottles and cans and we have set up a foundation in her name so we can fight this together. That also has been a struggle but isn't life a struggle. MY MOTHER IS ONLY 52 AND HAS MANY MORE YEARS TO GO SO WE WILL NOT LET HER DIE. Sometimes I feel like doing what Denzel Washington did for is son in the movie John Q because I am “armed and ready” but I know in the back of my mind this is not the way to do it. I don't remember the last time I had a good nights sleep or had a dry eye. I just can't imagine what my mom is going through. Everyday somebody asks me how my mom is doing I say she woke up this morning so that was a good thing. MOM I LOVE U. Sometimes I wonder why we pay taxes aren't these services there for us when we need them. Ill tell you this some of our family members are getting a lot closer because of this and it helps to talk about it THANKS BRO LOVE YOU. In closing I just want to thank everybody who took the time to read this but most importantly is TO TELL MY MOTHER I LOVE HER AND WILL GET THROUGH THIS BATTLE YOUR SON JEFFREY AND FREINDS PLEASE REPOST

Brittnee's Story

My grandmother has lung cancer she is very sick she has done everything for me she bought me stuff she even bought us a fish. She has a special heart in my heart. She has the right to save us no matter what. She has the right to be healthy, to be strong and to be knowledgeable. We helped to collect cans to raise money for her foundation www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

No matter what she is still in my heart even if she dies i'll always remember her even when god thanks me for remembering her and loving her. She is my special grandmother she loves us and we love her, she cares about us and we care about her. please someone help her we need her in are life please she needs help.

From her very own granddaughter

Brittnee. 8 years old

Isayah's Story

My nana has lung cancer and she doesn't have insurance so we are trying to do a fundraiser to help her. My family also started www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org to help raise money for her and others. My nana is the best person in the world and i love her more than any thing in the world, there isn't anything i couldn't do without her, without her my life is a whole birds nest. I talk to her about my problems and she is the only one that can help me solve them my mom cant and my dad cant but only my nana can do it, she just has this special power that makes her do it. She takes us to the fair every year and does all that fun stuff with us she buys us things like today she bought us a fish so far shes bought us 5 pets and if you put all of them together that's a lot of money and do you know why she does all those things for and with us do you I'm asking you do you know why she does all those things ? Well i do she does it because she LOVES US AND WE LOVE HER AS MUCH AS SHE LOVES US ESPECIALLY ME I WOULD GIVE MY LIFE FOR HER AND I'M NOT JOKING I'M DEAD SERIOUS NOW YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE HER. I really hope you all that read this letter help our nana by at least donating maybe 5 to 10 maybe even less and remember if all of you that read this letter and give in a couple of dollars you will all be blessed by god if you allow him in to your heart you will be blessed

by your grandson who loves you more than anything in the world ISAYAH ANTHONIE BURNS - 11 years old

When NO is not an option

“Play it safe, don’t take any unnecessary risk with money and investments”, was the constant in put from my family growing up. You see I grew up the oldest child of a spilt family. My mom, a single working mother raised us three children the best she knew how. We moved from Michigan to California for a better life but was it really? Like so many other families now days the struggle to survive is very overwhelming and disempowering, with all the corporate downsizing due to outsourcing to other countries, lowering cost through automation, to where the old rules of working with the same company until you retire no longer apply anymore.

I will never forget the day I went to the mailbox with my mom, at 13 years old, reason unknown, but it has changed my life forever. My mom put that bronze key in the mailbox and opened it to find it STUFFED. I remember thinking we can’t have that many bills, granted I was only 13. All of the envelopes were the same. My mom opened one, then another. They were all made out for the same amount for every week my father was past due on child support. We had won the LOTTERY!!!!!! My mom, through her tears, said, “we’re going to Disney Land” she rented a van and allowed each of us to invite a friend to go. It was like Christmas in July for us. We had never been on a family vacation together, it was an unforgettable experience.

So, why am I sharing this with you now? Because my mom is an extremely powerpower woman. She has lung cancer and she does not have medical insurance to cover her treatment. Worse yet she can not even get disability or Social Security because her employer of 11 years has not paid into her SSI for the last 5 years. What a system we have in the US of A! Someone that works hard can not even get medical treatment because they only make $8 hr, and their boss does not do what they are supposed to do, simply take taxes from their check and pay them to Social Security. My mom and Pop’s are tax paying citizen’s, even with a total income of just of $30K a YEAR they had to pay more to the Federal Government.

Because of the law of attraction or The Secret, An Awaking or whatever you want to call it I have been blessed knowing some of the top people in the world personally, that have empowered and inspired me. Everyday names! Never did I think I would need to call on them for a cause so close to my heart, my own mother. I have always helped everyone I can along the way, before myself even. Now the focus is on my mom and the foundation we started in her name www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

I am finally afforded the opportunity the “pay it forward” and with the help of my brother Jay, Sister in-law Jasmine and my sister Laura to create this AMAZING foundation that will not only help our mom, but will also help to keep the tears from running down hundreds of thousands children’s eyes if they are ever faced with the same thing we have been faced with.

Life is what you make of it. If anyone is proof of this, it’s me.

I am going to close with one thing. Thoughts become things. You get what you focus on, whether good or bad. Wake up each day and be thankful. Be thankful you have another chance to change the world.

Ok Maybe two things….. Mom I love you more that you can ever imagine, and with every being in my soul I will be right next to you, whether miles apart, fighting this battle with you.

Love you always,

Dan Hart AKA Danny