I want to write a post for all my friends and family regarding my diagnosis, how we found the cancer, and my treatment plan. But this post today is not that.
When I was diagnosed two of my closest friends reached out right away asking if they could make our family a GoFundMe. I can’t quite put my finger on exactly why that didn’t feel right. It just didn’t. But, as a group we started brain storming about ways that people who wanted to help could support our family. We all went back and forth on marco polo and ultimately came up with a Cancer Family Wish List . This site allowed us to create a registry of items that we want/need to get through this hard time. It includes things from surgery recovery items, nutritional needs, gift cards for dinners, exciting new toys for the boys that we can pull out on hard days, comfort items, and so much more. So many amazing people reached out once I was open about my diagnosis asking if there was anything they could do for us…. I was reluctant to share the site, I never wanted any person to feel in any way that they had to contribute. When I shared the site, the outpouring of love and support was unbelievable. People I have met from every walk of life showed up to support us. High school friends, clients, my best friends “neighborhood girls,” fellow photographers, people I have never met. I underestimated how this support would make me feel. People mailed cards, flowers, gifts, books, and every single one made me smile and cry and just explode with gratitude. These acts of generosity and kindness have meant so much to my family. It’s honestly hard to put into words. I am just beyond thankful. I am humbled. I feel changed for the better.
I’ve had this overwhelming feeling that keeps popping up, how doing just a little bit can make the biggest difference in someone’s life. This community I have has shown up. They’ve shown up in emotional support, in humor, in gifts, in motivation, in meals. I am just floored. When we contribute what we can, even if it’s the smallest amount (or may feel small to us) when we all come together it becomes this gigantic amazing thing. Hundreds of people each doing a small thing is SO HUGE. I’ve never been so overcome with the power of community. The impact we can all make as a group is enormous. I promise to pay this all forward when I am able.
I have met so many amazing people in my life. My job has brought me so close to so many families. The photography community has been so amazing to me over the years. My old high school friends, my closest family friends. All of these people in my life have made such a point to reach out and offer their love over the last week and it has made all the difference in my mood and strength since hearing this news. As someone on the receiving end of this kind of support, I am here to tell you it means the world. Every message, every card, every word, it is so so so so appreciated and life changing.
I truly feel like words are falling short to express my gratitude. I have plans to thank each of you personally, I promise! I am working through my list day by day. If I haven’t gotten to you yet, please know that what you have done for us has brought us so much comfort and joy and that we are just thankful beyond words. My heart is forever changed.
Yesterday Nick and I spent 12 hours @ The James Cancer Hospital. I’m not ready to go into full detail about this visit just yet. (It was so long and overwhelming!) But what I will say is that I am confident that I am in great hands, there is a treatment plan in place, and we are ready to go. I have my first chemo date set. I need a few tests before that day comes, and then it’s time for me to rally all the strength I have to fight this disease. I know so many of you are thinking of us, praying for us, sending loving and positive vibes to our family…. Thank you so much. We will try to update you as often as we find the energy and courage to. Until then, thank you so much for taking the time out of your life to support my family in the many ways that you all have. Every single thing is noticed and making all the difference in our lives. We love you.
