This is just a quick note to let
you know what this blog and the letters found within are all about.
As you might know, sixteen years ago, this coming January, I was
diagnosed with cancer, and I underwent treatment that included extensive
surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation.
With two more rounds of chemotherapy to go before I was to finish
with treatment, my family and I found out that, not only had a “tumor” grown
where my original tumor had been, but it had metastasized to my lung. I was given three months at most to
live. When three months came and went,
my doctors saw the most incredible thing happen. The tumor in my lung had slowly begun to
shrink, until it was completely gone. By
then we decided to go in and see what the other “tumor” was. Needless to say it wasn’t a tumor.
The
day that we received the news that I was dying was October 22, 1997. That was fifteen years ago, and every year I
celebrate that with a letter to my friends and family. From beating the odds, that wasn’t the first
nor would it be the last time my imminent death would be predicted, to learning
that life is such a precious thing and to enjoy it, I celebrate life each day,
but October 22nd is even more special. It’s my Glad to Be Alive Day, a day when I
can share how blessed I am by the fact that not only have I beaten cancer and
overcome paralysis, but I continue to overcome the challenges that each day
brings. My letters are a way to tell
everyone in my life what is happening, and to share my experiences with them.
As
I meet new people, and continue to share my story, the list of people to whom I
send my letters grow. My wish is to just
share the joy of life and living with others.
Knowing that everyone has days that are difficult to live through, my
Glad to Be Alive Day is a day to reflect on how each day is a gift, for none of
us know what tomorrow may bring. That is
what this day and letter are all about.
It is my hope that my Glad to Be Alive Day, becomes your day too.
Wishing YOU a very Happy Glad to Be
Alive Day,
Emily [but you can call me Em :-) ]
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