Ever feel like your life is just an uphill battle? Sure, we have all faced that feeling. For many of us, 2007 was a continuous battle. In fact, just this morning I was going thru a little bit of a "poor Kelley party", just feeling blue about a few things. Then, I received a call from my friend Dawn, and just like that, my problems diminished in the face of what really matters.
In February 2006, Valentines Day to be exact, Dawn took her then-12 year old son to the hospital, because he had been complaining of awful headaches, and losing weight at a rapid speed. She called me when they arrived, to tell me they were running a few tests, and seemed pretty calm about it all. By the end of the day, I was back on the phone with Dawn, both of us crying because neurologists had been called in, and it looked like something very serious might be happening. 2 days later, her son Casey had brain surgery for tumor bigger than a golf ball.
The doctors told her they thought they got it all, and for a few precious days, we all celebrated. But it was premature. Later scans showed more cancer. It was found to be a stage 4 tumor, extremely malignant brain tumor, and the doctors were amazed that Casey was even alive, living with something so poison inside his body. They told him he would not see his next birthday.
It has been long journey since. Casey has had so many treatments I lost count. He went in 2006 to the live finale of "SURVIVOR" as a special guest, and was awarded a free trip to New York City from the Special Wish foundation. He has been interviewd countless times, and even became a special guest speaker for the Special Wish Foundation, making grants and gifts for other families all the more achievable. Last May, 2007, the Doctors told Casey the cancer was gone. The brain scans didn't show a thing. And for 8 months, Casey has been back in school, and getting back to a life of normalcy.
Well, his wonderful mother; my good friend and co-worker Dawn, she told me earlier this week that Casey was going back to the hospital. He was getting sick a lot, and losing weight again. One MRI on Tuesday told the story. The tumor is back. They have found actually several spots. He cannot do radiation, because he has already had 5 times the legal limit. He cannot do chemo. Casey and his family were told yesterday to "enjoy the next 6 weeks". At that point they will take another look and discuss what, if any, options are left.
Here is the message I wanted to impart with this blog. The market is slow. Our pockets are lighter. People are leaving the business and the media is all doom and gloom. Yet, my friend Dawn, even with all of the adversities, STILL was honored as a top producer for 2006 and 2007, and has had 2 closings this year already.
Dawn lives everyday with a fear in her heart that she will someday have to bury her son. Yet she still makes the best of everyday, and still manages to give great service to her clients, motivate those she works with, and even listen to the "problems" of her friends.
So I ask you all now to please say a prayer for my friend and her wonderfully strong son Casey, and to let your adversities strengthen you. The world, your life, is what you make it. Enjoy EVERY minute.
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