We got back late last night and I lit the Shivah candle for Adrienne. It will burn for 7 days. It seems too short a time.
When we were in the hospital with Adrienne, I received a message from Ruth Sanders. She's a regular reader on the Webmagic forum and reads this blog regularly too. Ruth's daughter, Amanda, 25, was going through the same situation as us, with Amanda being admitted a week before Adrienne, going to the ICU on almost the same day, even getting a trach the same day. We spoke or wrote almost daily. Sadly, Amanda passed away from her Hodgkin's the day after Adrienne. Here's a link to Amanda's obituary: www.semissourian.com/story/1575827.html. Ruth, I hope you and your family find peace as well and I treasure your friendship.
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Adrienne was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease in 1996 at age 9. She had multiple relapses, two bone marrow transplants, and a range of chemos and radiation therapies, and passed away on October 1, 2009. We are heartbroken.
Out with the Girls
About Adrienne
- Adrienne
- Adrienne was very much like others with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, the most common cancer in teens and young adults. What was unusual is that she had it for more than half her life and ultimately, it took her life. Hodgkin's is curable for about 80% people, but Adrienne was one of the 20% for whom a cure was elusive. She considered herself lucky since treatments had been there for her with each relapse but she ran out of treatment options and her body just couldn’t take any more. As she said, "Though I’ve now had cancer for most of my life, I no longer plan my life around it; instead, I try to plan cancer around my life." We hope you can take inspiration from her and how she lived her life.
12 comments:
I think about you a lot and check in periodically. I'm glad you had Ruth during this time, though I'm so sorry that she lost her daughter, too. Just want you to know that you are still very much in our thoughts and prayers, and if any of us can do anything for you, please just ask.
Ann (Readalot)
Alison,
Although the shivah light may be lit only for 7 days...the light that you and Adrienne have brought to so many throughout all these years will last perpetually (Ner Tamid). My condolences to you again. May Adrienne's memory and the knowledge that she touched so many worldwide bring you at least some comfort in this sad time.
Brian
CalifGuy
I will not ever forget Adrienne, or your family's love for her.
IT does seem to short a time to burn, yet eternity would not be long enough for a mother's love for her child. I am thinking of you so often.
Love
Maggie May
Adrienne is unforgettable....every time I look at the stars, she will be remembered as the shining example of strength, grace and dignity that she is.
And I'm so sorry about Amanda too......something has to be done about this disease, too many beautiful young lives are being stolen...........remember how much you are loved, Alison......Vx
Alison,
Adrienne left a little piece of herself with each of us who knew her, both personally and... through this blog.
Her everlasting smile, her kind and gentle heart and her ability to touch so many in such a short amount of time, speak volumes of the person she was and the memories that each of us hold so dear.
My condolences to Ruth and her family, on the passing of Amanda.
May you all find peace during these difficult days and comfort in the cherished memories of your loved ones.
My love to you and the family... always,
Sandy
Alison,
Adrienne's light will shine forever in my soul - I can assure you of that. I learned so much from her and hope I can be one-onehundreth as much of a living example to others, as was she.
I was so sorry to hear about Amanda Sanders. In reading her obituary, she seemed like such a bright and wonderful young woman. Any person who cherishes children and devotes their life to helping them is a very special individual. Ruth, if you are reading this, I pray for your comfort and strength.
Love,
Lisa
Alison,
You and your family are in my daily prayers and thoughts. I wish I was more eloquent with words, but I'm not. Know that what I can't express with words is in my heart.
Much love,
Julie Doll
(beightler68)
Alison, thinking of you.
With love.
at least they are together. so sorry.
Candle or no candle, Adrienne's light will always shine. She achieved what many strive for and never attain . . .she made a real difference in peoples lives. You raised a beautiful young woman inside and out Alison.
Always in my thoughts.
Bonnie
Just echoing Duane, thinking of you.
Seven days does seem, too short. For such an amazing and beautiful life.
Sending my love,
B
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