Shannon O'Hara (Picture from www.Ohara-family.blogspot.com)1.7.2012
Today I write with a heavy heart. Cancer is an ugly disease no matter what form of it you have. I have experienced so much since my original diagnosis in the fall of 2008 and have seen a lot of people on Gonda 10. Some faces are returning for new treatments because the last one didn't work while others are new and filled with anxiousness and fear because they aren't sure what is to happen. The worst of it though is when you see a child, knowing he or she is ill never gets easier and it is the ugliest form of this awful disease.
So today I write with a heavy heart but also to give honor to a little girl our community has been following for the past nine months, Shannon O'Hara. Shannon was diagnosed with a brainstem glioma tumor last spring. Her story was broadcast on our local news station and because her family attends the same church as mine, I would hear about how her battle was going, as updates would come from our priest and members of the community. I am sad to report Shannon lost her fight yesterday.
I have never met Shannon nor have I met her family but listening to this little girl I felt a kindred bond with her. Our plights really aren't comparable other then the fact that we both have cancer and can somewhat relate to being told we are incurable. It makes me angry that she and her family have had to endure this awful roller coaster of hell. Absolutely no child should be struck with such a wretched form of this disease nor should any parent have to lose their child as her parents have. As I have felt this anger I am quickly reminded though of how much support comes to you in your hour of need and just how much living you do when you are given a diagnosis of cancer. I have no doubt that the O'Hara family was able to do that with their Shannon.
In the interview done by the local tv crew, Shannon states that she knows her battle isn't all for nothing because her life is going to matter to someone somewhere; whether it be the doctors to learn from or her family. Well dear Shannon, I am here to tell you your life has meant a lot to a many people, including me. Watching your interview and hearing about you makes me want to fight my disease harder then ever and to live life fully. I don't know how long my current chemo med is going to work, but you can bet I will be thinking of you as my inspiration for whatever curves are thrown in my path.
To the O'Hara family I send my sincerest condolences and know that I will be praying for your family. May the Lord keep you and hold you and may you find comfort within Him. To Shannon I say thank you; thank you for your giving us the gift of learning from you about life, love, and faith.
By the way, I had a scan yesterday and all my results were good. Today I am thanking God and praying for the O'Hara's. If you would like to read their family's blog, you may find it at www.ohara-family.blogspot.com.
Shannon O'Hara 1998-2012 Forever in Our Hearts
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