4.02.2011

it feels like nothing: chemo angel


Banner Nate helped me paint; we mailed one a day for 12 days

I promise I'll write more pregnancy updates shortly but I want to talk to you about my friend Ella. She's 13 and in the final stages of hospice care. Since last fall, I've been her "chemo angel" which basically means nothing other than I attempt to cheer her up once a week with cards and letters and notes and little trinkets and stickers and whatever else I think might entertain a 13 year old girl stuck in bed all day long. I don't know a lot about the details of her cancer. Honestly, I don't know much about her life at all. I DO know she likes kitties and scrapbooking and the color pink. I know she has a best friend named Abby and parents who adore her.

I received an update on her recently and her chemo has been stopped and the note from her mom indicated she was in quite a bit of pain.

I found Ella online (I know, you're SHOCKED.) through this program - if you are so inclined to sign up it allows you to be matched with a patient undergoing chemotherapy. There are also "Senior Angels" for writing to those who are in nursing or convalescent homes. You must be 25 years old and commit to a once a week letter or gift. Assignments last 18 months (unless it is an end of life situation). You don't get a response from your patient so it's def NOT a pen pal type deal but you do get updates through the Chemo Angels administration.

So, really, the point of me telling you this is, well, it's easy and little and you might want to sign up yourself. OR you might want to send a card to Ella - which you can do by mailing or delivering to me this week (if you need my maling address email me.) and I'll make her a big package. I know it's not much but I figure any little thing to distract her at this point is a positive.


11 comments:

melissa said...

i'm proud to know you, friend. and i'm not explaining THAT half as well as i could. you inspire me. xo

sdhorton said...

WOW what a heartbreaking situation but an awesome opportunity to brighten someone's day. If I can help let me know.

Aubrey said...

You're awesome, Kat. I pray to God that my Ella won't ever need a chemo angel, but this Ella is fortunate to have you in her life. Thanks for sharing.

Panamamama said...

I agree, you're awesome. What a wonderful program.

Jax said...

Ohmygosh.. Wow.. What an awesome program, Kat. That just breaks my heart about Ella.. and warms my heart that you're doing this for her. Saying prayers for Ella and looking into joining this program...

Our Happy Married Life... said...

that's awesome what you are doing! And congrats on the pregnancy, I must have missed that post. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, I've been a Chemo Angel twice. It is such a great program. The first time, it didn't have a happy ending, and the 2nd time, well time will tell. I was lucky in both my situations in that the parents of the kids I "angeled" both kept in contact with me via email and letters, and sent photos and notes. I know that is not the norm, but it was definitely nice to have some feedback and feel that I got to know their likes and dislikes a little better. I still exchange Christmas cards with them, and sent a special necklace to the mother that lost her son on his angel-versary.

Michelle
mmitch68@sbcglobal.net

Desperately Seeking Gina said...

Kat,

Thanks so much for posting about this! I am now an Angel-in-waiting.

I've been searching for a way to pay-it-forward for all the kindness that has been shown to me lately {like the people who helped me when my tire blew} and this pulled at my heart and soul....and it's definitely something that i can do!

Unknown said...

ray ban
hogan,hogan outlet,scarpe hogan,hogan sito ufficiale,hogan interactive
ghd
kobe 9
fred perry polo shirts
hollister uk
mcm bags
cheap uggs, http://www.uggboot.com.co
air max 2015
ugg uk
cheap oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakleysunglasses-outlet.us.com
louis vuitton handbags
barcelona jersey
ralph lauren
ray ban sunglasses online
prada shoes
replica watches
louis vuitton handbags
cheap jordans, http://www.jordan-shoes.us.com
prada handbags
kobe shoes
coach outlet
air jordan 11
coach outlet online
michael kors factory outlet, http://www.michaelkorsfactoryoutletonline.com
oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakleysunglasses-outlet.us.com
coach outlet online
oakley sunglasses wholesale, http://www.oakleysunglasseswholesale.in.net
cheap nhl jerseys
louis vuitton handbags
nike running shoes
true religion outlet, http://www.truereligionjean.in.net
coach outlet
pandora jewelry
achang0817

raybanoutlet001 said...

fitflops shoes
true religion outlet store
nike roshe
nike tn
ugg outlet
ugg outlet
ugg outlet
sac longchamp
coach outlet
ugg boots
2017.7.5

Unknown said...

jordan shoes
adidas yeezy boost
michael jordan shoes
adidas tubular x
yeezys
nfl jerseys
kobe shoes
nike roshe one
nike huarache
pandora bracelet