Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group A Heartfelt Request

Hello to all you AS survivors!

I have not been here in such a long time…but you have all… always… been close in my thoughts…and many of you I remember fondly…and do miss…I must admit I had mixed feelings when I first saw how the member list had grown…well over 4K now! My first thought was…how sad…that so many people have this painful disease that challenges their lives everyday….however, my sadness quickly changed to a feeling of joy…for you all have found each other…within this site…a place that brings help and hope…love and laughter…and that is what I believe… life is all about…I didn’t know when I would return to KA…and although I knew I would visit again someday… I could never have envisioned returning for such a heartfelt request…but here I am…not for me…but for my very dear … amazing… and beautiful friend Lizzy…who I so love... respect and admire…

Liz is very ill with Ovarian Cancer…she has been fighting a long time… I was very fortunate to spend some time with her last summer…to hold her in my arms…to help her smile…and laugh…but it was very hard to leave…to say good-bye…for we live too far apart …and I cannot wrap my arms around her… in the physical sense…however I am trying to…in any small way that I can…give her strength…and hope…which is why I come to you now…

Many of you may remember Liz…her online name was Deejane… there was…what she always refers to as…. “a beautiful Valentine thread” many years ago… that still warms her heart whenever she speaks of it…

Liz has many wonderful friends in Toronto…but one in particular…Diana Stapleton…has really reached out to Liz and started a much needed ‘Survivor Fund’ for her…I have asked Diana if I could bring her letter…her words to KA…Diana has truly given Liz hope…and I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart…for the responses she has received so far… have brought a new lightness to Lizzy’s voice…and the last time I spoke with her…I could truly hear her smile….

So in closing…may I respectfully ask….whether stranger or friend…to please send your prayers… positive thoughts and energy to Lizzy…for I do know… she will feel it!

Thank-you for listening

peace & love
Kathy

I have taken some of the personal contact information out of Diana’s letter below…but if you would like to contact Liz…or if you have any questions…please feel free to PM or email me.

earthwoman25@yahoo.com


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Hello to you!

Most of you don't know me, but I am a long time friend of Liz Dixon's. I am sure that you are aware that Liz is waging a difficult and deadly war against Ovarian Cancer. After battling debilitating arthritis for years, Liz was diagnosed last spring with this terrible disease. After several surgery's, and many rounds of chemotherapy, she is still battling bravely.
Over the past few months I have been very fortunate to be able to spend time with Liz. Her strength and attitude have inspired me. Recently she told me that for years people have felt sorry for her due to her health issues, and even more so recently. But then she said something that really hit home. "You know Diana, every day brings small miracles, and little gifts. Every day is worth living".

So on that note, I am writing to you to see if you could help Liz at this time. I have started a "Survival Fund" to support Liz financially. She is really struggling with all the costs involved with fighting this disease. Living alone in Toronto is expensive in itself. If you can help out in any way - with a donation, or a card or call of support - that would be wonderful.
You can mail me a cheque made out to Elizabeth J. Dixon, and I will deposit it in her account.
You can contact Liz directly at……
Any support you offer will be gratefully received. Just knowing that you care helps give Liz strength to fight another day.
Thank you for all that you do for Liz.

Diana Stapleton

Kathy,

Hello, and welcome back to KA! Sorry to read that it is for such a tough reason. I don't remember Deejane, I'm afraid, but I will definitely put her in my thoughts and prayers now, and if I can swing it, I will send a donation to her fund. I just hate it when one of our members has to learn the cruel lesson that having AS unfortunately does not protect us from contracting the other terrible illnesses that exist. Dang it, I think we've earned that much.

You are being a great friend to Liz for bringing this forward and by being there for her. It is obvious from her words what a great friend you are and how much you care for her. I'll be sure to find room in those thoughts and prayers for you too, as it can be so hard to be consumed with worry about someone you love.

Thanks again for letting us know about this. I have no doubt that KA will respond the way it always does and come to Liz's aid in her time of need.

Brad

Hi Kathy

I would like to send Liz loving thoughts and prayers, and many gentle hugs, that will give her the energy she needs to carry on.



Gerri

Went back and checked for the post. Thought many would love to read it( or re-read it and reminisce) as it was a great thread. So here it is:

Valentine Post

So wonderful to see you here again Kathy... Thank you for what you're doing for Liz... she needs all the love and support she can get.

Hi Mike!

Many thanks for re-posting that Valentine's Day post Must have taken some finding?? It was lovely reading through all those messages again - many from ppl who are no longer here, like Liz herself, and others (like you??) who don't come visiting very often

Good to see you again.

Sue

Hi Kathy,

Good to hear from you, but such a sad post

I well remember Liz - such a lovely lady. It's terrible to think of her fighting this dreadful cancer, on top of all her other problems.....
Please keep us posted when you can. You sound like a wonderful friend.

Please give my love and best wishes, as well as my heartfelt prayers for her recovery.

Sue

Kath, thank you for this. I do remember her and am sending white light and love her way. If possible, I will also contribute to her fund.

And it's good to see you again. I wish I'd been more on the ball last year when you were in the area.

Many hugs,

I am new here...but I want you to know that I will pray for Liz. She is fortunate to have you as her caring friend.

Thanks for posting Kathy, thoughts and prayers with Liz as she battles the cancer. Hopefully some answers can be found for her.

Also good to see you posting again.

Take care,

Tim

To LiZ

I sincerely hope that things improve for you. Sending some hugs your way.

Maggie