I have an exceedingly amazing guest post for you guys today, I'm honored to have Jodi from Cupcake Earthquake sharing a bit of her story and what has come of it. Without further ado here is the lovely Jodi!
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My name is Jodi and
I am a mother of one amazingly bright, beautiful and heck of a terror
Emilee Grace. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter an employee and a cancer
patient. I started my journey or battle with this illness when I was 25
weeks pregnant with E. I thought I was going in for a routine check up,
I had a cold, nothing to worry about and I walked out with strict
orders to see a doctor at the hospital for a biopsy the very next
morning. I was scared but healthy in my assessment so I felt OK with
what was coming next, that would be the last time I felt OK to date.
I
was told over the phone a day later I had stage 4 thyroid cancer and
that I would be having surgery 2 days later, to prepare for an early
delivery and quite possibly a baby not making it "just in case" and that
thyroid cancer "was the best kind of cancer to get". They sat me down
telling me that my options were fairly limited have surgery or have it
spread or have surgery and know it would spread but take my chances with
E and have chemo right after surgery. I said no thanks. I would risk
the surgery and wait out the storm but I wanted and was determined to
have a healthy and happy baby. However and whatever the cost that was
going to happen.
We
made it through surgery with flying colors and a few minor blips on the
radar and were presented with the news that the cancer had already
moved to my lymph-nodes, I fought my doctor every step of the way and
told them no dice on my life, I wanted a healthy baby. I have one and
shes the love of my life.
My
prognosis is not great, my cancer has re-formed, I have never been in
remission or been *cured* or even better. I have fought every possible
battle with this
illness that life can throw you. But I am writing this today so my life
feels grand.
I
decided that through my struggle I needed to NOT have a pity party and
that I needed to reach out to others who were struggling. Cancer can be a
very lonely and deserted island even with the people in place to be a
great support system. Sadly you need someone who "gets it". So the Soaring Swallow Project was born.
I chose the name based upon the meaning within the words. I want people
to soar again, and
swallows are known to carry people's souls to the heavens when they are
losing their ground. I hand write letters to cancer patients. Simple as
that. I thank them for their fight, for their love for their family to
endure all they do and to accomplish all they have within the ugliness
of the cards they have been dealt.
Mail in the mailbox other than a bill? Yep! I love getting letters, my hope is and was that other people would as well.
My site is dedicated to my daily life, but also has information listed for
the project and I am willing to write anyone you know in need, there is
no requirement (meaning it does not have to be a cancer patient) it can
be anyone struggling with illness. I do not expect a letter back, I do
not accept donations for the project itself but I am always willing to
pass your information on and donation offering to organizations that I
know of in need.
To learn more about The Soaring Swallow Project click the photo above. If you'd like to contact Jodi you can by visiting her blog.
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Inspiration abounds, no? Thank you, Jodi for your vulnerability and willingness to share your story and create an amazing project into the bargain. xo Shannon
2 comments:
Thank you very much for sharing my story :)
this put tears in my eyes. when my Grammie was battling liver disease this summer, i gave her a handmade card that she read over & over. i am SURE that the patients who get your letters do just the same thing, Jodi. thank you for being such a beautiful spirit in an ugly world.
xoxo jamie
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How lovely! I love to read your comments and I'll be sure to return the favor! I'm glad you're here! xo, S