On my fifth anniversary of writing this column, I want to take a
moment to thank readers and supporters both near and far.
On my fifth anniversary of writing this column, I want to take a moment to thank readers and supporters both near and far. It warms my heart to read your mail each week; I enjoy your reactions to stories, your insights, and your heartfelt commitment to making our community a better place to live. I’d like to share this Oct. 2005 letter from Kellie, a Gilroy mom:
“Dear Kat, I wanted to thank you for sharing the story about your mom in the Dispatch today. My prayers go out to you both.
“The reason I’m writing you is to let you know how much your words meant to me. I started wondering what my husband and two young sons would do if I ever had a serious medical problem. So, right after I read your story, I pulled out the phone book and called my doctor to schedule my annual mammogram (one year late) and a complete physical and pap smear (four years late).
“So Thank You, Thank You, Thank You … you never realize how much your words can affect someone!!!
“You can use my words to hopefully encourage other women to go get their checkups. We spend so much time taking care of our families and homes and then put off taking care of ourselves. I forgot to mention my Mom is a 15-year breast cancer survivor and hers was caught very early. It runs in my family (my aunt died from breast cancer two years ago) so I know the risks, but somehow manage to put off my own check-ups … why is that?
“I hope your waiting for results is not much longer and that it is good news. Let me/us (the readers) know how it goes! All the best, Kellie.
“P.S. Have you had your yearly check-ups?”
Not only did I receive mail from all across the U.S. and Canada this past year, but from across the ocean as well.
From Chandler, Arizona:
“Kat, I found your article on the web and I wanted to pass along a ‘thank you’ for writing it. Olivia’s music has touched me and meant much to me throughout various stages of my life. It’s wonderful to know there’s someone else out there who ‘gets it.’ Interestingly enough, you specifically referenced a few of my favorite lyrics from the “Grace and Gratitude” CD.
“Best of luck with your mother; I hope whatever the diagnosis, she will live long and well. Sincerely, Jeff Kulas.”
From Chicago, Illinois:
“Hi, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your article about you, your Mom, and Olivia Newton-John’s new CD. I have been living with HIV for 15 years now and too have found Olivia Newton-John’s music to be very inspiring.
“I’m trying to get the word out about this new CD and have bought several copies for friends of mine dealing with health challenges.
“Coincidentally, as I was reading the column, Olivia was performing songs from it on the ‘Today’ show! She was also on Larry King where she talked a lot about the music and her Foundation. She also pointed to a number on the CD where 24 hours a day you can call and talk to a breast cancer survivor.
“I am a social worker and work mostly with HIV+ lower-income, uninsured women. Once a year we do a ‘HIV Women’s Day’ and last year used the “Phenomenal Woman” song and idea as the conference theme. This year I will use material from the new CD.
“Not only am I dealing with HIV but have also survived cancer twice. Sometimes I feel that it’s just not worth the struggle, but inspirational music like Olivia’s and stories like yours keep us all going and hoping.”
And from Cambridge, England:
“Hello Kat, How are you? I have just read your article about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. After my Father died of stress-related diseases, I made an emotional decision to always keep learning about stress and how to minimize it.
“I have developed what I call alphamusic which is used to slow brain waves to the alpha state and below. My CDs are used by cancer patients to help reduce pain, cope with the ordeal of chemo, reduce nausea, and encourage sleep … Looking forward to hearing from you, Best Regards, John Levine, Suite 462, Parkers House, 48 Regent Street, CAMBRIDGE CB2 1FD United Kingdom.”
As we reach out to help each other, there are folks far and wide touched by stories from our little corner of the world.
