About

When I started this blog in June 2009, I thought it would be a great way to keep friends and family members updated on Andrew's recent cancer diagnosis.  I had no idea how much the blog would become a part of me and my every day life.  Instead of anti-depressants or therapists, I blogged.  I was able to talk about what was going on without saying a word out loud.  Being the wife of a cancer patient, became tolerable and manageable at the same time.  I have been able to see my life, dreams and future aspirations come clear before my eyes ... and all it took was for my husband to be diagnosed with cancer. No biggie!

Growing up, in what I commonly refer to as 'Small Town USA', the tiny town of Uniontown, PA, situated at the base of the Summit Mountain, provided me with a safe-haven to live a care-free childhood.  My parents, educators in the local school district, only ever asked one thing of me ... to do well in school and go to college.  And in the end, I graduated from Penn State University and went on to receive my Masters at Georgetown University, but none of it came without a lot of kicking, screaming, drinking and some biting.  Without going into great detail, I am positive that my father would have a full head of hair if I would have just listened and studied when he asked.  But anyone who knows me is aware that I do things in my own way and on my own time .... Traits that I inherited from my father, along with his long arms, big head, kidney stones and gluten and dairy allergies.  I am his clone; strong willed, determined and passionate ..... even at my age, we still butt heads.

Now my mother on the other hand goes with the flow, believes that the Brooklyn Bridge is for sale and owns more Silpada Jewelry than their sales staff ... but she's happy and my favorite shopping partner.  I enjoy her gullibility and how content she is living in 'Small Town USA', which is great so I always have a great place to retreat and rest when I need a breather from the big city.

And then there's Adam, my younger brother and partner in crime.  He's the person who calls me every Christmas eve and says, "What did WE get mom and dad for Christmas?"  He is only 3 years younger than me, but the 'miracle child' will always be my baby brother.  He is strong and steady like my dad with the common sense of my keyboard.  And he's almost completely deaf in one ear and a true man who literally has selective hearing.

Rounding out my life are Andrew, my husband, and Winston, my 'perfect' English Bulldog.  Andrew and I were married in a beautiful Jewish ceremony in Uniontown, Pennsylvania on July 29, 2006.  Life, as we knew it, was all champagne and kisses, until June 2009, when after months of inconclusive tests revealed that Andrew had cancer.  And not just any cancer, but Ewing's Sarcoma in his left hip, a rare form of cancer almost exclusively found in males under the age of 21.  At twenty-nine years old, rare is an understatement.  Much to our luck, the cancer had not metastasized to any other portion of his body.  Andrew endured 63 days of chemotherapy and 33 days of radiation over a years time.  In July 2010 he was put into remission where he remains to this day.  This never-ending journey makes us appreciate each day and never take opportunities for granite.  In some senses we are almost thankful for that year, as strange as it sounds.

And last but not least, there is Winston.  My BFF.  Winston became part of our family in 2007 at the age of 4.  We rescued him from HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue in NJ.  He is less than perfect, doesn't let you clean his wrinkles, pick him up, bath him or cut his nails but despite all of his 'less than desirable traits' he adds an element of entertainment and constant companionship to our lives.  He has a 'forever home' as they say, with us.

So welcome to my life.  I'm an open book and I wear my heart on my sleeve. I keep my friends close and could care less about having enemies.  I'm fearless and tireless and I'm not afraid to go after what I want ... just ask Andrew.  I love a good book but couldn't go without TV, there is one in every room of our house.  My favorite hobby, besides shopping, is cooking.  I eat completely gluten and dairy free.  I love Penn State football and have season tickets.  I'm addicted to Facebook, gossip magazines and wearing pearls.  My favorite movie is PS: I love you, which is ironic since the woman in the film loses her own husband to cancer just days before her 30th birthday.  I'm a closet country music junkie and know all the words to every song ... though I'd never admit it out loud.  I can't go without coffee, Jelly Belly's and gummy bears.  I don't feed the dog anything I haven't tried first, but can rarely try the food I make Andrew for dinner ... does anyone else see that as an issue?  And I call my parents every day ... and so does Andrew.  That's how I knew he was perfect for me.  That and the fact my father actually brought him back after a walk in the woods.  I saw that as 'my sign'!

The way I see it, my story is ever developing ....... so stay tuned.


Raising Awareness for Rare Diseases