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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

#IWSG for March - Cancer, Friends and Helping Hands

This is a tough month for me. I've had friends fighting cancer for a while now. At least two have had to delay plans to move to Ecuador due to this horrible disease. I lost my husband to it in 2004. I lost my son-in-law to it in 2009.

Now a good author friend, Brandon Hale author of the popular Day Soldier series, has been diagnosed with colon cancer. He is a young man and only recently made the leap to full-time writer. Like all self-employed folks, he is responsible for his own paycheck and his own insurance.

He is a very positive person and you can read his initial post on his blog. To find out more about Brandon’s situation, here are two blogs that best summarize it: One on what getting this sort of devastating diagnosis has taught him, and the other on gratitude, and what will be required moving forward.

One of his author friends has started a fund for donations to help him and his family through this tough time. If you feel you can help, you can click here to donate as I and several other authors have done. You could also buy one or more of his books. Spread the word about this fine gentleman. Otherwise, please just post a positive comment on his blog. I know his positive attitude will take him a long way in this battle!

Thank you!

25 comments:

  1. Great blog...I hope many people read this a take action...Brandon needs our help.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Cleve. The fund is building but I know it's a drop in the bucket.

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  2. *hugs* That is so hard. David Farland has gone through this whole self-employed author thing with his youngest son who was severely injured in a long-boarding accident. The hospitalization and followup therapy went over a million dollars.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Donna. I have so many friends fighting this beast and have lost too many. Top that off with no insurance and income worries, yikes!

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  3. I have family that are suffering right now with it. It's horrible. Thanks for sharing the info about Brandon.

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    1. So sorry for your family, Mina. It does suck. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

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  4. I'm always amazed at the strength in people. I've lost people in my life due to cancer too. Brandon's post is great.

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    1. Brandon is retaining his wonderful sense of humor. That and a positive attitude will go a long way towards his recovery. Thanks for stopping by Christine.

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  5. So sorry to hear about your friends with cancer. It's a terrible disease, and I hope they fight and recover from it. That's lovely about the fund they've created for Brandon.

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    1. Hi Cherie, it is a terrible disease and it pains me every time I hear of a new diagnosis. Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Thanks for sharing. I lost my father to cancer in 2003. My prayers will be with him and his family.

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    1. Cancer is a beast and I think almost everyone knows someone that's been affected.

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  7. Oh, Donna. This just broke my heart to read. My heart goes out to you for all your loss and also to Brandon and his family.

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    1. Thank you, Elsie. It is terrible...I appreciate your kind words.

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  8. So sorry to hear this, Donna. Great way to try and help, by blogging about it. This sure makes us stop and take a moment to reflect on life, our blessing, our writing.
    Thanks for sharing. I wish you and yours all the very best.
    Silvia @
    SilviaWrites

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    1. You are right. I lost my husband to cancer in 2004 and I truly appreciate that life is too short. Thank you for stopping in passing along your wishes.

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  9. Thanks for telling us about Brandon. I am a 12 year cancer survivor so I understand how devastating a cancer diagnosis is. Supporting your friend is one of the best things you can do at this point.

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    1. Congratulations on your twelve years!! I love hearing survivor stories.

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  10. Thanks for putting in the link to Brandon's "5 Things..." post. I read it, thought it was great, and left a comment. I'm sorry to hear of your own experiences with cancer victims and hope the people you know survive it.

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    1. He is an amazing gentleman and I hope he stops by to read all these wonderful comments. Thank you, Lexa!

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  11. I have lost several people in my life to cancer, and some who have survived it, so this is a topic close to my heart. I admire your friend's strength, Donna, and your initiative to feature him and his book. Off to comment on his blog now.

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    1. I really appreciate your stopping by here as well as Brandon's blog and I know he does, too. Like you, I have lost people to cancer as well as know some survivors. it is a terrible disease that takes a terrible toll.

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  12. I too have lost several family members to it and my mother is going through it now. It is such a terrible thing.

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    1. So sorry to hear about your mother, it is wretched! I hope she beats it as I hope for Brandon. Thank you for stopping in!

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  13. Yes it is and especially bad when attacking someone young. Thanks for stopping by, Annalisa.

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