Thursday, February 18, 2010

Ringing Out Cancer

Today, sometime right around now, Barry over at An Explorer's View of Life is finishing his last chemotherapy treatment and, as tradition dictates, he is marking the occasion by ringing The Bell on his way out of the hospital. And across the world, many others are joining in the bell ringing, in honor of Barry and all the other cancer survivors in our collective lives.


video

I'm honored to join in with these dainty little bells that we have had forever. I'm not even sure I know where they originally came from, but they have been with us through at least three moves, and have, I think, been waiting patiently for a momentous occasion for which to be rung.

So, here's to Barry's last chemotherapy treatment. And here's to my friend with Stage 4 melanoma who, after a clinical tumor vaccine trial, whole brain radiation therapy and umpteen grueling doses is IL-2, is currently tumor-free. And here's to the memory of my aunt, who succumbed to breast cancer many years ago after a mighty battle. And here's to ALL of our friends and loved ones who are fighting the good fight against this terrible disease. Ring-a-ling!

12 comments:

Queenmothermamaw said...

Ringing with you. Heard yours too.
QMM

giantspeckledchihuahua said...

Ringing with you, and heading over to Baqrry's to let him know...

KB said...

Do you hear the ringing from here?

Earlier today, I had one of those moments when I nearly doubled over in sadness from losses. I was thinking of my mother, of a dog of mine who died 6 years ago of a brain tumor, and of S who died from cancer also.

This is a little off topic but... One of the dogs, Cadi, was an extension of my soul, like K has become for me. I'm not a mystical or religious person but I discovered an incredible coincidence after K entered my life. Her breeder told me the date that K was conceived - and I immediately realized that it was the same day as my Cadi died. That caught my attention.

So, cancer didn't only steal my mother when I was young but has stolen two of my dogs. I ring with you.

BTW, your most recent comment on my blog had us chuckling because we'd made the same joke ourselves! I'd love to meet you in person someday because I think that we may be kindred spirits.

Skip Simpson said...

The bells rang in Alabama at 2!

Roxanne @ Champion of My Heart said...

Very cool. I keep telling my sis we need to have a Baked Potato Party when she finishes radiation in a few weeks. Alas, her chemo lasts well into summer. But, then ... we'll find some bells and ring-a-ling-a-ling.

Barry said...

What a beautiful sound. I am completely over whelmed, Dog-Geek!

Maery Rose said...

So many people touched by cancer. I just found out this morning that it's hitting our family again - one of my brother-in-laws. I'm waiting to hear what's happening next. So tired of this disease. My Mom beat it but my Dad didn't.

troutbirder said...

Indeed. And for Mrs. T also

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh, I rang the bells here in NC. For your friend, for your aunt, and for all who are gone and those who battle still.

Barry said...

Thank you for this.

I am overwhelmed by the response.

jeanmac said...

Ring-a-ling, indeed!

LadyFi said...

What a great idea! Here's to Barry and all the others - may you fight and win!