In memory of my friend Christina Williams...

 

Remembering Christina...

After battling Ovarian Cancer and three brain tumors, Christina past away last evening.  Her battle was long and hard, and she never gave up living and smiling.  The people who's lives she touched knows her determination and love for all that is with God's creation.  Christina is a true inspiration to people as she always had a smile for everyone.  When I first met Christina, I saw her here on Active Rain.  It was Spring of 2007, and we were both on the Tennessee front page at 8,000 points.  As I began to blog on Active Rain, I would read other's blogs and especially noticed hers.  Her content was inspirational and quite informing about our area and interests.  Then, after a few weeks, her company closed and remembering that my broker had mentioned wanting to open an office in our neighboring town, I called her...It went something like this..."Hey girl, I know you don't know me, but I know you from Active Rain."  We both laughed and the friendship was on.  I am so glad she came to work with us and we became friends.  During her battle with Ovarian Cancer, she would tell me to spread the word.  She wanted women to know that your regular yearly exam (pap smear) does not test for Ovarian Cancer, but only Cervical Cancer.  As a fund raiser for her, I remembered her wishes and began to spread the word.  I have never felt so good about a cause before.  I know if we can reach at least one woman in time, our mission will not be wasted.  Bringing together people in love and friendship is who she was as a person.  She loved selling Real Estate for that very reason.

Some facts about Ovarian Cancer: 

• Ovarian Cancer is the fourth leading cause of death among women
• A Pap Smear is used to detect Cervical Cancer, not Ovarian Cancer
• There is NO consistent and accurate screening test, however, a blood test to determine the level of a tumor called a CA-125 is available.
• Only 5-10 percent of Ovarian Cancer is the result of inherited susceptibility gene.  Most Ovarian cancers are sporadic, meaning they occur in women who do not have a family history of Ovarian Cancer.
• Many people incur these symtoms: Abdominal pressure, bloating, discomfort, nausea, indigestion, or gas, constipation, diarrhea, or frequent urination, abnormal bleeding, unusual fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, and shortness of breath.  While these symptoms are often acute or intense, they are not silent.  Many of us experience these symptoms from time to time, do not be alarmed..It's when they persist or seem unusual that you should see your doctor.
• Early recognition is the best way to save lives.  Without increased education about Ovarian Cancer, many women and their doctors will continue to ignore or misinterpret the symptoms.  Remember, early detection can mean a 90% and over survival rate.

As she departs from this life, I will remember her as she would turn around and giggle, and as she walks away she gives a wink and a smile and says....Later tater....

I dedicate one of my favorite poems to Christina as this reminds me of her individualism and wisdom..

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN..

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~ROBERT FROST

POSTED BY:  Kay Bennett, Realtor®/Friend®

First Realty Company

116 S. Low Ave. 

Cookeville, TN. 38501