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dakotabuckeye · 05-14-2007, 08:12 AM

We'll be making our first long distance trip in our new RV later this week. If you look for us, we'll be the one's not smiling as we drive along I-80. We won't be smiling because we'll be going to visit one of my wife's best friends. They gradated medical school together, interned together and completed their residencies together. Our friend, Dr. Darla is now 35 years old. At age 31 she was diagnosed with Breast cancer and aggressively fought the cancer for 4 years while maintaining her medical practice. Earlier this month she received the news that her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and Lungs. Now with no immune system, 2 open wounds on her chest from the double mastectomy that will not heal and Cancer rapidly spreading throughout her body, Dr. Darla closed her medical practice last week and most likely will not see her 36th birthday.

I'm sharing this with you because I hope you'll think about Dr. Darla. And the thought of her will encourage you to call an old friend or family member you haven't seen in some time, to invite them to go camping with you and share some laughter around the campfire.

No matter your age, profession or beliefs, there is no better time than today to take somebody camping.

dakotabuckeye · 05-14-2007, 08:12 AM

We'll be making our first long distance trip in our new RV later this week. If you look for us, we'll be the one's not smiling as we drive along I-80. We won't be smiling because we'll be going to visit one of my wife's best friends. They gradated medical school together, interned together and completed their residencies together. Our friend, Dr. Darla is now 35 years old. At age 31 she was diagnosed with Breast cancer and aggressively fought the cancer for 4 years while maintaining her medical practice. Earlier this month she received the news that her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and Lungs. Now with no immune system, 2 open wounds on her chest from the double mastectomy that will not heal and Cancer rapidly spreading throughout her body, Dr. Darla closed her medical practice last week and most likely will not see her 36th birthday.

I'm sharing this with you because I hope you'll think about Dr. Darla. And the thought of her will encourage you to call an old friend or family member you haven't seen in some time, to invite them to go camping with you and share some laughter around the campfire.

No matter your age, profession or beliefs, there is no better time than today to take somebody camping.

Y-Guy · 05-14-2007, 08:34 AM

Sorry to hear you are making a trip under those conditions, but I applaud you for doing so.

One of the greatest pleasures my wife and I have had has been from a close friend of mine. Having gone through divorce, sale of business, etc. we reached out and started inviting him to join us camping and riding. He's remarried now and his new wife and all their kids love camping and riding with us. Its been good to lend a hand when he needed it and see him back on his feet again.

Good luck on your journey and god bless.

Jeanne M. · 05-15-2007, 06:04 AM

We are very sorry to hear of your friend Dr. Darla's illness. She (and you) will definately be in our thoughts and prayers.

As a survivor of this horrible disease, I would like to thank you for sharing this. My hope is that it will serve as another, very strong, reminder for regular mammograms!

God bless all of you.

rebelsbeach · 05-15-2007, 06:12 AM

This was originally posted in the Winnebago Forum but given it's message I felt it best to share with all.

God bless!

MonacoMama · 05-15-2007, 08:08 PM

Bob.. Thank you for moving this post...

Dakotabuckeye...my prayers go out to Dr D and also to your DW. For the two of you to make this trip tells me how close they are - and how much your wife is hurting, also. I hope things will turn around...

It is also a reminder for all of us to make sure to perform a monthly breast exam... This really is not just a female thing... so please ...on the first pay your MH payment and your mortgage, give your pets their monthly "Heartguard" and do your exam...it may save a life...