Showing posts with label life expectancy with lung cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life expectancy with lung cancer. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Did you See Farrah's Story Tonight?
Hello Everyone and Thank you for your Support,
If you saw the Farrah special tonight you have an idea of what cancer does to a person. Cancer affects the patient as a person, I often wonder what must go through their mind as they lay their head on their pillow each night. For me personally the Farrah special gave me a new perspective on what those dealing with any kind of cancer must feel. I only know it from a sons perspective. Farrah shed new light for me, and for that I thank her for her courage.
You see I only know it as a son. My mom is fighting, and fighting hard, stage IV lung cancer. It has been almost a year since she has started on her courageous fight. Next week will make the "X-ray" saying she needed more testing. It was not until July when she found out her stage, stage IV, the second to the last stage of cancer.
I want to share something with you that you may already know. In honor of my mom we started a foundation to help those that get that "X-Ray" get the tests they need as fast as possible. We NEED your help. We recent;y became a 501c3, thus you donations are tax free. I understand how tight money is, However if everyone donated just $1 and forwarded this email to everyone they know will be able to help those dealing with this horrible disease
Join us with a dollar or two. http://LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org
If you saw the Farrah special tonight you have an idea of what cancer does to a person. Cancer affects the patient as a person, I often wonder what must go through their mind as they lay their head on their pillow each night. For me personally the Farrah special gave me a new perspective on what those dealing with any kind of cancer must feel. I only know it from a sons perspective. Farrah shed new light for me, and for that I thank her for her courage.
You see I only know it as a son. My mom is fighting, and fighting hard, stage IV lung cancer. It has been almost a year since she has started on her courageous fight. Next week will make the "X-ray" saying she needed more testing. It was not until July when she found out her stage, stage IV, the second to the last stage of cancer.
I want to share something with you that you may already know. In honor of my mom we started a foundation to help those that get that "X-Ray" get the tests they need as fast as possible. We NEED your help. We recent;y became a 501c3, thus you donations are tax free. I understand how tight money is, However if everyone donated just $1 and forwarded this email to everyone they know will be able to help those dealing with this horrible disease
Join us with a dollar or two. http://LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Lung Cancer, The Silent Killer
When 44-year-old Dana Reeve sang Madison Square Garden she showed no sign she was battling lung cancer. Two months later she died. Lung Cancer acts quickly, one of the reasons it is called the silent killer.
Dana's death becomes a dramatic reminder that lung cancer strikes even non-smokers.
In an emotional broadcast in April 2005, longtime ABC News anchor Peter Jennings revealed that he was ill. Four months later Jennings died at home. His passing put a temporary spotlight on the country's most stigmatized and lethal cancer.
Even in Washington, where the number of smokers has dropped and cigarettes are banned from public places, lung cancer is the number-one cancer killer. Often overshadowed by pink ribbons and yellow wrist bands, the cancer has few advocates.
It is rare to hear about lung cancer in the news even though someone is diagnosed with lung cancer every two minutes. It is estimated that 60% of new lung cancer diagnoses will be in non-smokers - a combination of former smokers (many who quit 10, 20, even 30 years prior to the onset of lung cancer) and people who have never smoked. In 2008 it is projected lung cancer will kill three times as many men as prostate cancer and twice as many women as breast cancer.
Being the son of someone living with lung cancer one of the most common questions I get is “does your mother smoke?” In my case yes my mother did smoke. I also smoked until only two weeks ago. Many people feel that lung cancer is brought on by the patient themselves. Oddly when I met someone that has cervical cancer I don’t ask what kind of STD they had in the past. That is just something that does not happen.
In a world where as children we could buy candy cigarettes, you watched Tom and Jerry smoke on Saturday morning cartoons; I find it odd that lung cancer is still not talked about.
According to scenesmoking.org, tobacco use in films is back to levels not seen since the 1950's.
The Web site reports that 80 percent of movies rated PG-13 now have smoking and leading actors light up 60 percent of the time. Additional studies confirm it's one of the main reasons kids try their first cigarette.
Help us make a change. If you smoke put it out. Educate your children about the risks of smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but it is not the only cause. On March 8, 2009, I will be participating in Breath of Hope San Diego Lung Cancer Walk. Click here to sponsor our team. If you can give a dollar great, if you can give more even better. If you can’t give any money please be sure to tell your friends and family about this walk. We can no longer afford for lung cancer to be the silent killer.
Dana's death becomes a dramatic reminder that lung cancer strikes even non-smokers.
In an emotional broadcast in April 2005, longtime ABC News anchor Peter Jennings revealed that he was ill. Four months later Jennings died at home. His passing put a temporary spotlight on the country's most stigmatized and lethal cancer.
Even in Washington, where the number of smokers has dropped and cigarettes are banned from public places, lung cancer is the number-one cancer killer. Often overshadowed by pink ribbons and yellow wrist bands, the cancer has few advocates.
It is rare to hear about lung cancer in the news even though someone is diagnosed with lung cancer every two minutes. It is estimated that 60% of new lung cancer diagnoses will be in non-smokers - a combination of former smokers (many who quit 10, 20, even 30 years prior to the onset of lung cancer) and people who have never smoked. In 2008 it is projected lung cancer will kill three times as many men as prostate cancer and twice as many women as breast cancer.
Being the son of someone living with lung cancer one of the most common questions I get is “does your mother smoke?” In my case yes my mother did smoke. I also smoked until only two weeks ago. Many people feel that lung cancer is brought on by the patient themselves. Oddly when I met someone that has cervical cancer I don’t ask what kind of STD they had in the past. That is just something that does not happen.
In a world where as children we could buy candy cigarettes, you watched Tom and Jerry smoke on Saturday morning cartoons; I find it odd that lung cancer is still not talked about.
According to scenesmoking.org, tobacco use in films is back to levels not seen since the 1950's.
The Web site reports that 80 percent of movies rated PG-13 now have smoking and leading actors light up 60 percent of the time. Additional studies confirm it's one of the main reasons kids try their first cigarette.
Help us make a change. If you smoke put it out. Educate your children about the risks of smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but it is not the only cause. On March 8, 2009, I will be participating in Breath of Hope San Diego Lung Cancer Walk. Click here to sponsor our team. If you can give a dollar great, if you can give more even better. If you can’t give any money please be sure to tell your friends and family about this walk. We can no longer afford for lung cancer to be the silent killer.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
I can't find the words this time
Hello again everyone. Today was not a good day. Today was mom's follow up appointment. The news was not good. It seems moms tumors are getting bigger instead of smaller. I feel today like I felt the day Dr. Channick first told us mom had lung cancer. This is an awful disease. We really need to get the word out. Mom is now feeling like she is back at ground zero. Truly it seems like she is. She now has to go through it all over again except this time it's going to be more. Radiation & chemo. I know we will get through this again. It will be tough but we are a strong family & life is all about obstacles. I am going to close now, I know this is short but I am a little lost for words today. In closing remember to get the word out on lung cancer. We can do this.
With love,
Laura
With love,
Laura
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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
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
Friday, September 26, 2008
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.
“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.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, August 4, 2008
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
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
Friday, August 1, 2008
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
Friday, July 18, 2008
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
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
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
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
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