Awareness

About 10 years ago I had an Adnoma on my liver.  The good news was it was not cancer the bad news was it was the size of a grapefruit and I needed surgery.  This scared the hell out of me!  What if I did not wake up? What if there was a complication during the surgery and I died? What if??? What if??? What if???  To help me coupe with my fear I decided to talk with a psychologist.  As I sat there crying in his chair, I remember saying to him "why me?" and his reply I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET, "why not you? Shit happens to everyone!"  These words might feel a bit insensitive but I needed to hear them and ever since they have been embedded into my psyche like a permanent tattoo.  

This brings me to my point because shit does happen to everyone it is our duty not to roll over and play dead, not to blame others for our misfortunes but to create awareness, become teachers, grab the (proverbial) bull by the horns and FIGHT!!!  It is your responsibility and no one else......

Recently Rosie Odonnell's girlfriend, Michelle, was plagued with the same disease I have.  While I am sad for her, I am grateful to Rosie for shinning a spotlight on this rare condition and creating awareness.  She posted a beautiful poem on her blog that describes the torture Michelle went through prior to being diagnosed: http://rosie.com/page/2/.  That next day, I noticed Michelle was trending in the top 10 yahoo list.  WOO HOO!!!

Last night, I saw a video featuring another desmoid victim, Kevin Reilly.  Kevin was an NFL player who had the unfortunate luck of developing this stupid tumor causing him to lose his arm, shoulder and ribs, but Kevin did not cave in but triumphantly pulled himself up and is now a motivational speaker.  Here is Kevin's video...It is worth the 10 min.

Folks we are all plagued, weather it be by cancer, desmoid, drug abuse, sexual abuse________ (fill in your plague).  These are the cards that we have been dealt.  The question is how will you overcome your challenge?

For me, I will continue this blog, I will post on the DTRF Running for Answers Facebook page as well as Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF)  Facebook page; and continue to connect and support my fellow desmoidians.  I also continue to ask for your financial support  (even just $1) to help find a cure for this painful desease.  Donate HERE. 

Xoxo

Faith

P.S. Desmoids are Sarcomas and there is a petition that is going around that I am asking you to sign.   The petition urges your states representatives to support the designation of July as the National Sarcoma Awareness Month.  This random act of kindness is one huge step to creating awareness for Sarcomas and with awareness comes funding.  Please sign HERE