Emotional Day!
Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 04:11AM Well today was a very special day, we headed to the Prime Ministers House in Sydney for a Charity function for Bonnie Babes which supports families who have either miscarried, or had still born children and supports the medical needs of premature babies also.
It was such an amazing day, and one that I have so many connections too. Kev and I are very active in many charities and all of them involve children, and this was another. There was also a larger connection here, as sadly they lost one of their patrons Brian Naylor in the Bush fires recently and we also found a connection as I am donating all proceeds of my four shows in Australia to the Bush Fires Appeal. Strange how the day works out.
It was so moving to see so many people all fighting for one cause to create an awareness and help families who have tragic loss of babies. Check out their site at www.bonniebabes.org.au
We over looked the harbour and we watched the sailing boats and just took in the sights of Sydney before we depart tomorrow.
I spoke with mom to wish her a happy mothers day in the UK also.
I also heard of some tragic news which is very close to my heart. I am not sure that those americans amongst us will know of this person but she has created quite a stir in her 7 years of being in the limelight. Jade Goody shot to fame in the UK's big brother and that was one of the BB's I was watching intently.
Sadly Jade has been fighting cervical cancer and early this morning she lost her fight. She was 27 and left behind a devoted husband and 2 wonderful children.
News of Jades fight hit me a while ago when Kev informed me, and since then I have been watching it like a hawk. She decided to fight her cancer in the limelight and create a show about her fight to raise money for her children. I admire this as one who have had this fight myself, it's not a nice one, and to do this in front of the public is a courageous thing to do.
She has raised the awareness of cervical cancer, and (correct me if I am wrong) also has helped to change the screening laws in the UK. Cervical cancer is a cancer that we rarely hear about, but one that is as deadly as the rest. I was exceptionally luck and I count my blessing every day. But news of Jades passing has hit Kev and I very hard because we remember how close I was to losing my life.
My thoughts are with Jades family at this moment.
We all have to count our blessings, we may not have money, or a nice car, or a job. Yes they all help but what we have is our soul and our health. We are alive and well and that is what matters. That is what kept me going in my times of need, and when I was in my darkest hour, fighting cancer alone with no money, I kept thinking positively knowing that it would all change and I would create something that would help others, and I hope I have achieved just that!
Big Hugs everyone!
We are heading off on our adventures to Ayers Rock (Uluru) tomorrow!
Lisa xxx
Reader Comments (31)
Gosh Lisa...big hugz...a very sad day for sure...such a wonderful charity, helping so many and the death of Brian Naylor was very tragic indeed...among so many...
I am so, so sorry to hear of Jade's passing...I have also been watching the news...love and hugz to her family at this time...
I can imagine what memories this must stir within you...waking up every morning is a blessing...
Happy Mother's Day Lisa's Mum....our's is not until May here in Australia !!!
Uluru tomorrow !!! Fantastic !!! xoxo
I read about the death of Jade Goody in the newspapers today. I think it's a really important issue that she used the last months of her life to shed light on. I read somewhere that here in Norway 1 of 3 will get cancer in some form. And people like Jade, Kylie Minogue and the rest of the "celebrities" that use their situatuion to make people aware is so important, since we live in a society where celebrities is so much looked up to.
And I'm a bit envy of the trip to Ayers Tock ;)
Love and light to you and your family; and to Jades.
HI LISA!!
So sad about Jades passing, i bet it really hit home.
YES YOU HAVE ACHIEVED THAT!! And you continue to do so!
Have fun at uluru! That place is beautiful.. Goodluck if you are climbing it! If not enjoy the beautiful site..
Have fun and glad you are having a good time in Aus!
Look forward to seeing you in 8 days.. I bet your peeing your pants with excitement. ha.
Take care and enjoy yourself! You deserve it!!
Love Jayde
Lisa, sorry you & Kev had sad news today...sending you ((hugs)) It sounds like her journey was an amazing one, to help others become aware, is courageous. Your day sounds like it was full of emotions.
Enjoy your trip to Uluru tomorrow, enjoy the energies and the healing you will get from being there. I am sure you will feel them, it is an amazing place and might I add perfect timing :)
Love & Warm Fuzzies,
Vikki (peridot) xx
Glad to hear you had a fabulous time at the PM's house (charity event). Happy Mother's Day to your Nan and your Mum (Mom), in Oz Mother's Day isn't until May. Very sad news about Jade Goody, but know she's at peace now. I too have had this very same fight and now recently had my results come back saying I was back to normal, yay!!! After many operations and loads of praying and positive thoughts, this is really terrific news.
Enjoy your trip to Uluru (Ayres Rock) and... do remember the Aeroguard. You'll need it!!!
♥
Toni
Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry. Cancer is such a demon and I have had a lot of personal loss because of it.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and with Jade's family.
Hi my love, I am sorry to hear about Jade Goody. Boy, that dure hits home. My daughter Dawn dies of cervical cancer 2 years ago at the age of 28. My prayers go out to her snd her family. And you my deasr who had gotten through it! Miracles do happen! I am glad that you and Kev had a great tijme at the PM charity.I will definietly look it up. Thanks for the website. Do enjoy yourselves at Ayers Rock. Its great that you are enjoying your time in Oz. Happy mothers day to your mum and Nan over in the UK. Take care my love. thanks for keeping us posted on whats happening over there and enjoy the rest of your vacation. My love to the boys.
Love ya lots,
Mary
Lisa, As a cancer survivor myself (ovarian, when I was 17 yrs old) I know how you feel and I 'm saddened every time I hear about someone losing their life. And so young at that! Like you, I am thankful for every day that I have been given because I know 1st hand how very 'fragile' life is. And I LOVE the fact that you & Kev have been BLESSED with your BEAUTIFUL SON, 'Charley Barley'. (smile!) I was never able to have my own children through my experience with cancer (at that time there weren't the options that are available today) but I LOVE children and have lots of neices and nephews that I can enjoy.
You take good care my friend, and have a lovely time with your family over there in Australia! Someday (God willing) maybe I'll get to go there myself.
Know that we here in the US miss you very much!!! I'll be seeing you in York, PA USA on the 16th of April....I simply can't wait!!!
Namaste'
JustMe! Brenda in PA, USA
Bonjour Lisa,
Yes, life is so fragile... Sad news, I watch t.v this morning and see it... What an emotional day for you!! I'm very touched by everything you're doing you and your husband for the others...A lot of gratitude both of you!!! Hope tomorrow will be a better day with a lot of sun and love. It's difficult to me to express my emotions in english but what you are doing it's VERY important and it counts!!!
Have a good day to the Family!!
Pascale, Quebec ( :
xxx
My Mother died of cervical cancer at the age of 59...and that was in the good ole USA.....I hate cancer.......May the angels be with you on your journey as you & your family continue on your trip.....peace....deb t/illinois
Hi Lisa,
It is so very sad about Jade. She was really preparing herself and her family for the end. I saw a very moving piece about her on PBS (I believe it was) and an article in "OK" magazine (she and herfamily are on the cover). What a brave and lovely woman. I did not know a lot about her, but she certainly was loved and admired. She left this earth displaying so much dignity and grace; quite an example to many! I also offer my condolances and prayers to her family during this so very difficult time.
How selfless of you to donate so much to the fire victims and for the babies! You are the angel of hope to those and so many others. Thank you for being YOU!
Love and HUGE Hugs,
Cheryl
Hi Lisa,
I'd personally like to thank you for showing your support to the Bonnie Babies Foundation. It's a charity that is very close to my heart - my daughter Billie Rose was stillborn at 38 weeks and Bonnie Babies grief counsellors were an enormous help to my family at a very, very hard time in our lives. Billlie would have been 4 on April 13 this year.
Thanks Lisa, you are such an inspiration and such a loving and warm soul. Bless.
Gabbie
I am not familar with Jade but can tell she was a very sweet, courageous and loving person simply by the words you wrote about her. My heart goes out to her family and all who knew and loved her. I hope her journey was a peaceful and happy one.
Lisa, without a doubt this news affected you since you have lived this yourself and am sure it brought back all the memories you would like to forget. Praise God that you are a survivor, Lisa, in more ways than one.
Wow Lisa, looking thru the comments it seems cervical cancer is not as rare as we would like to think it is. I too had a nasty scare with it 11 years ago, when pregnant with my daughter. It was the pregnancy which brought it to the doctors' attention. I had to have tests done every 6 weeks to see if it had advanced - all the while just praying that it would not get worse so we would not have to abort our child. It was terrifying, just waiting until the next test each time. I breathed a sigh of relief when we reached the 36 week mark, knowing she would be ok even if she was born then. We made it to full term, then I had the dubious area treated with laser therapy. I have to confess here that of late I've been rather slack in keeping a check on things (that old denial again!), but after hearing about Jade Goody as well as your own scare, plus seeing how prevalent cervical cancer seems to be - I am now inspired to stop procrastinating and go get checked! I was very lucky and don't want to tempt fate a 2nd time.
It sounds like your presence at the Charity function was meant to be. I'm sure you gave much comfort & so much more to the families who have experienced such a loss. It must be very rewarding to know you & Kev have helped so many people. What amazing people you are!
Deb R, Sydney
By the way - how did things turn out with the dress & bites on arms?
Wow... a roller coaster for you.... makes you very grateful for what you have.
{{{hugs}}}
Lisa, so sorry you had very sad news! What a tragedy at the age of 27! I so feel for that family. And I know how it must have hit home for you. Thank you to you and Kev for doing such charitable work for such a great cause! You are just amazing! Well enjoy your stay in Aussie! Keep us posted, and please post more pics of your lovely family. We LOVE seeing them. Hugs and much love, Natalie/freespirit
Sad.
This past week has indeed been a tough one to witness, with mortality at it's center. It has been so sad to watch the tragedy of Natasha Richardson's accident unfold as well. God Bless her and her family, as well as Jade, your Nan, and all of those others who are facing their mortality now. Money, fame, whatever - we are all mortal.
My daughter fought and won with Cervical cancer - I give thanks for that gift and good fortune.
Blessings to all of you ... live your life to the fullest:
Live, Love, Laugh ...
Lisa,
Blessings of comfort to Jade's family and hugs to you! xo I did not get to comment yesterday, but those pictures in the ocean are priceless! Congratulations on overcoming!! It looks so wonderful; I love the ocean!
Thanks for sharing the encouragement also...and yes, I think you have "achieved just that"!
Have fun!
xoxo
Heike
I am an American and knew all about Jade Goody and how she caused a stir while she was in BB's. For the last couple of months I have been following her and see how she has been doing until she was told she was terminally ill. I felt bad for her that she was going to lose her fight, but in retrospect in light of this she got her wish to marry Jack Tweed even for a short time and she has 2 lovely young boys. Thank Goodness she had family / visitors during her last days at her house. Yes, she did raise the awareness of the cervical cancer and she managed to lower the laws to a lower age where you can start testing at 20 yrs old. I got to give her credit for doing this and showing herself in front of the TV while she was battling this horrible beast that claimed her life. She was one brave soul to do all of this. God rest in peace Jade.
Thank you for posting this Lisa. Our little troubles can seem so big until you put them next to someone else's. It was nice to see a shining spirit among us before she left. She inspired love and compassion at a time when negativity is very strong here. What a gift! Love to you and all.
Lisa, because of your own personal experiences and because you care so deeply about people and causes, you also feel them on a very emotional level. That's part of what makes you so special to all of us who love you.
Lisa,
I'm so very sorry to hear of this
sad news. Please remember that
you are a bright and shining light
in this very fragile world. You bring
such comfort and hope to so many
people. Bless you, dear one, for all
that you have done and continue to
do. You are truly an inspiration to us
all. Love and Hugs to you and Kev in
this time of sorrow.
Peace and Hugs!
Hey Lisa,
Gosh, I am so sorry to hear about 27 yr. old Jade. This is such sad news and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family. I read your blog this morning and it just stayed with me because it made me think. So many people underestimate cervical cancer and how fatal it can truly be. Cancer is cancer regardless of where it is or who has it. This is a clear reminder to young women to get screened and get those yearly exams. I admit that I was sort of ignorant and skipped a few years in between exams and then got caught with it. Although it was an extremely tough time having undergone a few surgeries, I feel so lucky that I was able to be cured of it.
My heart is with you and Kev because I know this brings you both back to a very difficult time in your own lives battling this disease.
Enjoy your trip of a lifetime and go make some more lasting magical memories!
Sending you both comfort hugs,
DS
It is always so hard to accept a young death, you are like her a very brave lady and the realisation that we are all so vulnerable to lifes lessons what ever thayy may be gives you that ability to work without Ego. As a survivor you already give hope to many, we now have a vaccine beacause of so many that we lost and people donating to reseaerch. Lisa your blog tody went from Kirrabilli to feeling gratefull and this is why you are so respected you are earning everything you get in life. I believed Princess Diana was the same. Think about it!
Have a great week see you in Sydney!
Hi Lisa, I'm new to your website and I wanted to say I really enjoy reading your stories. I loved your book and your shows. I did get to see you when you were in Minnesota. You are amazing and you are doing a great job. Have fun on your trip and I will pray for everyone you mentioned today on your blog. LLP