I couldn't have been sorrier to read this; I also thought it was one of the nicest tributes I have seen. I truly believe Activerain is a Community, no matter how big it gets....and nothing happens to one, but to ALL of us.
Thank you, Kay Bennett, for a beautiful tribute and lasting memory.
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
Feng Shui Long Island and Manhattan's Mission is simply this: To provide each and every client quality, experienced consultations, a knowledge and understanding of Feng Shui to empower themselves at a price everyone can afford.
Dear Carole,
I am so sorry for your loss, and AR's loss. Kay seems like a great person and I am saddened that she is gone. I love your tribute to her, and the Robert Frost poem is one of my favorites.
Betina
So sorry to hear about this Carole. I just found out about someone who died this week and I had just seen him the day before in the gym. He was only 41 and died of a heart attack. It sure does make you stop and think.
I am saddened to hear of Christina's passing. My prayers go out to her family, friends and all of us here on AR that 'knew' her as a blessed member of our community.
May God hold you in his hands, Christina.
Carole, thank you for re-posting. Had heard this sad news, but now have the story. All very well done!
Betina, This is a reblog, it was Kay's post I read first thing this morning about Chrisina Williams--who is still on my subscribed list. Such sad news about a beautiful soul.
Bill, It sure does make you stop and think. About SO many things. Enjoy each day....and be grateful for it.
Carol, This may have been the first post I read this morning....and was off the rest of the day online. My thoughts and blessings to her family and friends and the AR community.
Charlie, I was shocked and saddened. What a loss. I knew her from AR and still felt a bond.
Carole-I was so sorry to hear about this. What a beautiful tribute to Christina by Kay. I love the picture too. The facts you listed about ovarian cancer are so important. I would like to add one that I just found out this month at my Dr. appointment. Even if you have NO OVARIES you can still get ovarian cancer. For women who have had total hysterectomies (ovaries removed hence no ovaries)you still have to be aware that you are suseptible to this disease. I had no idea that this was even possible. It is sooo important that women are aware of this. Thanks for the post Carole!
Carole, thank you for re-blogging this tribute. What a lovely smile... Heaven has a new beautiful angel now.
Debra, I had no idea, either. I'm actually stunned to hear that--I try to keep up with medical things but this is a new one. I'll have to find something to read about it but it talked about early detection....how could it be found if you don't have them? Thank you for the comment, I had no idea at all that was possible.
Marzena, Christina and I commented for each other and I felt as if I had known her. What a shame that I didn't get to meet her in person, I'm sure she was every bit as lovely as she was in the rain.
Carole-He told me there was no test. (great huh?) He told me to watch for swelling or pain in the abdominal area. Then they would go in and test the tissue in the abdominal area. Good to know because with everything gone there you might just shrug off what could turn out to be a very serious problem.
Thank you for re-blogging this Carole - I had not seen the original post. Christina was a beautiful person and shared so much with us. I knew of part of her battle but did not realize she also had ovarian cancer. What an incredible woman!
Carole - Thank you for your kindness. I will truly miss my friend, and so will many others. ~Kay