TryNkeepUp

Carmen and Dennis just left my house a little while ago.....it took me quite some time to pull myself together to make this post.

I kept this off the forum for the past few months and kept it to a pretty close circle of friends (who also deserve so much thanks!) I knew I wasn't keeping it a secret and I suppose I had my reasons, but I just can't let what you all did today go without expressing the gratitude that you will never know I feel......

Most of you know I had a health issue a few years back.....well this past July an official diagnosis of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma was handed down to me. It hadn't quite surfaced back in the beginning and I'd hoped it would turn out to be nothing. Its an aggressive, fast moving cancer of the blood that initially affects the lymph nodes and if left untreated, will rapidly spread to the bones and other organs. Mine behaved in such a backward fashion that we had to take a watch and wait approach until now.

I won't get into the specifics of what I've been through the past two months, only that there has been some minor surgery, a collapsed lung and now chemo....with one more surgery to go. I had been working for a small company who's owner is a cancer survivor and until the **** hit the fan, he was very supportive of me......but when I needed to reduce my hours and/or work from home, his understanding came to a screeching halt - ps....I no longer work there.

Fast forward.......I was looking so forward to this years VDP BBQ, I had such a great time organizing it and attending last year, but the high doses of chemo have torn my immune system down to nothing and the doctor warned me to avoid large crowds, close contact etc....it broke my heart that I couldn't be there this year for Carmen, Dennis, Joe and Vinny.......after all these guys have done for me, helping with this event is my way of giving back to them.

Well, they one upped me again.......I had jokingly asked if someone could bring me a cheeseburger and John and Edith so kindly took time out of their day and drove to my house with lunch. I can't thank you both enough for that!! I really didn't expect anyone to do it.

Nor was I expecting to see Carmen and Dennis pull up to my house this afternoon with a dunk tank attached to the back of their truck! I was absolutely stunned when I heard what these guys did for me!!! It wasn't enough that they built me the car I'd always dreamed of - but then they went and set this up today to help me out when I need it the most.

Carmen, Dennis......I have no words to express how much you touched me with how much you two care about me..and I still can't figure out what I did to deserve this. I've sat here for the past two hours trying to find just the right thing to say. Thank you doesn't even begin to express the gratitude.......I am lucky to have friends like you!!!

To all of you that were in attendance today.........WOW! Your caring and generosity are truly unparalleled. I knew I couldn't be there without hugging everyone and after seeing what you all did, I knew there was no way I could go there and NOT be in close contact with all of you. You all have absolutely no idea how much you've helped me right now. I just don't know how to say thank you. I wanted to write something very deep and heartfelt, but you've all truly left me at a loss for words. I hope that each of you knows how special you've made me feel and how deeply you've touched my life. It truly is more than just a "corvette"

I couldn't for the life of me figure out why Barry kept calling and asking if there was any way he could talk me into going today after I'd told him several times I couldn't........now I know. I think he was just as stunned as I was and I'm glad he was there to represent both of us. I could not have gotten through the last two months without my guardian angel......thanks babe, you're the greatest gift of all xoxo

Thank you again Carmen, Dennis, Joe and Vinny. I'm suppose to be the Alpha Female of this group, yet I've never cried so much in my life - I ought to shoot all four of you! I am hanging the banner you made in my garage - its just beautiful.

From the very bottom of my heart.......thank you everyone!! And thank you Vette Doctors Performance for being so much more than just a speed shop......for being incredible friends


Oh and PS......Carmen, the cow suit holy crap That alone had to be worth the price of admission!!!!

Much love and hugs to ALL of you!!!!!

Humanoid 2.0

Hang in there Deb you are in our prayers

John Shiels

You see your real friend's when things are not so good. It was our pleasure to stop by. You'll have to come to a track event next year with Edith & I when I dust off the car. I saw today you have a lot of good friends speedy recovery.

edith & john

BT-01-vette

Wow Deb I can't begin to express how sorry I am to hear this. You are in my prayers

6SPD98

Deb
You beter show up next year. I had no one to play touchie, feelie with.
Well, not without getting in trouble. It was tough walking around with my hands in my pockets all day.
Get well, real soon
that is all

Ol'55

It does our hearts (RA and me) good to read that Deb's friends are helping her through this difficult time in her life. This Forum and it's many branches of folks and vendors really is a great group of people and I'm very proud to be a part of the CFNE Corvette Community. Keep up the good work Debbi (you're doin' a fine job with this medical adventure of yours) and we can't wait to hear the great news on your declaration of remission (read a great reason to party this 2011). God bless. Many prayers and best wishes for as comfortable a recovery as possible from down here in the trailer park.

Ikester

Louis, dont c-block me!

Deb- wow, I cant even imagine what your going through but I do know you're one strong lady and you will get by this challenge. You are in my Sunday prayers.

Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

EPMM 03 C5

It just shows how the corvette family is when somebody is in need whatever it is....take care Deb and my prayers are with you!

Ed@TheVetteDoctors

Deb,

Today was such a special day and dedicating it to you made it even that much more fufilling. You know how your close circle of friends reach out and offer our moral support in your battle, but when it expands to the magnitude it did today, it shows the caring and love that our VDP family is truely capable of. You mean so much to us and everyday we hope our prayers and thoughts will supply the extra kick to pull you through to the next day.....it is as we know, recovery is a a one day at a time battle

We are so blessed that we could bring a bit of peace and tranquility into your day and push you one step closer to victory.

From the VDP family and Karin and I, we wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing your smiling face back at the shop in the very near future. You and Danny have become an inspiration to us all

Karin and Ed

moserbe

Best wishes Deb and get better soon.

24hr Z06

My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.. I wish you a fast and positive recovery...

John

CraZee ZO6

Deb I will keep you in my prayers... god bless and speedy recovery!



-Zee

Wicked Weasel

Deb you are always in our prayers. Look forward to seeing you soon.

Chuck A

saying a prayer , deb

hollyt

Deb,

Mike and I have been keeping you in our thoughts and Prayers.

pastorbrad

Wow so very sorry to hear, will most definitely pray for one strong and special lady!

savewave

Godspeed for a full recovery, Deb!

Mike Siska

Deb, I'm praying for victory for you. You are a wonderful person whom I can call friend.

Rogue Wave

I hope you know you are always in our prayers.

lghtsout

I wish you the best always. Your in my prayers