trudy, jeff and the gang
In 2003 Trudy was diagnosed with cervical cancer, the same year her son was in a major motorcycle accident, her eldest daughter found out she had a life threatening brain tumor, and her youngest daughter was inflicted with a mysterious kidney infection. When we met her last week and introduced her to The Buried Life, she had much to say.
one hug everyday
Trudy and her husband Jeff have so much love for each other that when you meet them, you can’t help but grin. After everything they’ve been through, they’ve learned that the best things in life are simple. Hot coffee, the sunrise, fat snowy mountains, tall green grass.. the little things that give you shivers when you find a moment to really enjoy them - those are what make life great. They opened their home to us and offered Halloween candies and advice on life, love and football. She told us that giving up was “not in my vocabulary” and we believed her.
Trudy is fighting stage four ovarian cancer and is being treated at the Cancer Treatment Center in Oklahoma. She has eight more scheduled chemotherapy treatments. Three trips are covered by air mile donations at this point. Her family is fighting to pay for the rest of her treatment flights to Oklahoma, so if anyone out there may be able to lend a hand (air miles, donations or a plane), please let us know.
We want to thank Trudy and Jeff for inviting us into their home, sharing their story and teaching us that determination and love can move mountains.
Here’s a quote Trudy passed on to us…something that helped her while she was in the hospital..
“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words
Keep you words positive because your words become your actions
Keep you actions positive because your actions become your habits
Keep you habits positive because your habits become your values
Keep you values positive because your values become your destiny!”
Dr. Peter Johnson
Stay in touch Trudy, we’ll be back soon.
TBL
“Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance.”
- Rabindranath Tagore
Comment by Co9Mom — November 1, 2007 @ 1:23 am
Truly a touching story on Trudy and her family!
BUT… you never told us where she lives (this is important, if we are to donate Air Miles or Aeroplan — we need to know the distance to Oklahoma City).
Pls reply.
Thanks!
Comment by Dan — November 1, 2007 @ 5:15 am
I’m not sure if this will help, but I’ve heard great reviews of this company: http://www.airmed.com/. It has a low cost yearly membership for medical air transport. Sort of like subscribing to an ambulance service. I don’t know if it would work in this type of situation, but it might be worth looking into.
Comment by DogsDontPurr — November 2, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
Trudy is my sister. Thanks to you Canadians for visiting her and telling her story. And thank you for giving her the hug from me. She enjoyed your visit. We will enjoy reading about your travels and adventures in the future. Stay safe!!
Comment by Ann — November 4, 2007 @ 7:14 am
Oh. Most important about my sister. She is an incredible woman. I am proud of her.
Comment by Ann — November 4, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
Dan:
Trudy and her family live just outside Sun Valley, Idaho. While there is a small regional airport in Hailey, Idaho, the nearest major airport is in Boise, Idaho.
Comment by Jennifer — November 5, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Has Trudy called Angel Flight? The corp office is in So Cal.
They arrange flights for folks to receive medical TX.
Thanks for all the inspiration. And thanks for one of the best memories (shopping spree) I’ve experienced with our cancer kids while a volunteer for our organization. I only wish the great folks at Levi could have seen those kids!
PS the mall has agreed to allow us to man the holiday charity wrapping booth next year!:) Woo can air deliver!
Comment by Denise From Childhod Cancer Careline — January 8, 2008 @ 9:25 pm
I met Trudy in Twin Falls, Idaho when our boys were in their 1st year of T-ball together. I have adored & admired her strength from day 1. She has a beautiful family.
Comment by Denise Debban — January 19, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
This was my first look at the AMAZING trip these young Men lived. This adventure will have ever lasting effect on the people they came in contact with along the way. Not to mention people lke me. Reading this a year after the fact and still being moved with a renewed desire to make a difference. Thank You
Comment by Angel Adams Birmingham, Al. — June 2, 2008 @ 1:58 pm