Laurie vs. Breast Cancer
Donation protected
It’s with mixed emotions that I find myself here. Breast Cancer – just two simple words, but when combined, they assault the heart.
The diagnosis came on a beautiful sunny day in December – I was sure they had the wrong medical chart and needed to find mine because this had to be a mistake. It may have taken a moment or two to realize this was no mistake and an abrupt detour in the path of my life emerged. Appointments were scheduled, tests were performed, results interpreted, and tears shed. As time marched on, a small but steady sound continually rose through the chaos. The sound was that of a smooth breeze over the ocean that permits the sea birds to soar, with little effort of their own, above the waves. The steady sound was the love and support flowing in to my world from those around me that I have been blessed to know and love. With each hug, kind word, encouraging message and knowing smile I was being set above the waves. Gifts were given and received with such caring and joy that to say thank you felt completely inadequate. With each one came a bond that I will cherish for the rest of my days.
Those of you who know me, know that I am not good at asking for help. While receiving chemotherapy, I have been able to continue working with little time off. However, I will require a few weeks of recovery following surgery in May. I now know that I will not have enough personal time off/sick leave to cover living expenses and medical bills. I find myself in a place of need. Giving to others has always been such a joy to me. However, asking for help has never come easy – this is a lesson I am now learning. Please accept my humble thanks and deep gratitude for any gift that you can offer
Mahalo,
Laurie
The diagnosis came on a beautiful sunny day in December – I was sure they had the wrong medical chart and needed to find mine because this had to be a mistake. It may have taken a moment or two to realize this was no mistake and an abrupt detour in the path of my life emerged. Appointments were scheduled, tests were performed, results interpreted, and tears shed. As time marched on, a small but steady sound continually rose through the chaos. The sound was that of a smooth breeze over the ocean that permits the sea birds to soar, with little effort of their own, above the waves. The steady sound was the love and support flowing in to my world from those around me that I have been blessed to know and love. With each hug, kind word, encouraging message and knowing smile I was being set above the waves. Gifts were given and received with such caring and joy that to say thank you felt completely inadequate. With each one came a bond that I will cherish for the rest of my days.
Those of you who know me, know that I am not good at asking for help. While receiving chemotherapy, I have been able to continue working with little time off. However, I will require a few weeks of recovery following surgery in May. I now know that I will not have enough personal time off/sick leave to cover living expenses and medical bills. I find myself in a place of need. Giving to others has always been such a joy to me. However, asking for help has never come easy – this is a lesson I am now learning. Please accept my humble thanks and deep gratitude for any gift that you can offer
Mahalo,
Laurie
Organizer
Laurie Hammond
Organizer
Huntington Beach, CA
