Please feel free to leave a note/prayer/thought for Alicia.
When Alicia was in hospice care, we printed these notes out and gave them to her, sometimes reading them. Since Alicia has now passed, you’re welcome to share anything you wish here.
However, kindly respect this space as a place to leave notes for Alicia; please have discussions about religion, cures for cancer, or other somewhat-related topics to another site. Thank you.
Hit the “reply” button to leave a comment.
Alicia Parlette 
Alicia, it’s been 5 years since you left us. We’ve never forgotten you and the world misses you still
Hi Alicia. We haven’t spoken since we were resident assistants at UNR years ago. I had no idea about your situation its course. I was moving today and while moving some books, I came across a book I had been given during a conference I went to. I looked down and saw your face on the cover. I was floored. What made it more surreal was you received your treatment at MD Anderson. I have just started as a breast surgical oncologist at MD Anderson. Life is amazing to have us come together again after so many years apart. I will use your story and memory in the care of every patient. I haven’t been brought to sudden tears in many years, it is humbling. Blessings on your loved ones.
I think the truly amazing Walt Disney stated that
it is curiosity that keeps leading us down new paths.
I am pretty curious to walk this path together with you and find where it goes.
Alicia, where ever you might be now, I want to say that one thing you said before you died got me thinking. You died a writer. You got your wish fulfilled even if it cost you your life. I’m left wondering what do I want to be when I die? Am I going to die a writer? Or am I going to die a frustrated, unhappy man? You got the opportunity to work for a major publication before you died, something most aspiring writers never achieve. I’m left wondering what exactly I’ll have achieved when my time comes to pass. I sincerely hope I can say I died with some sense of fulfillment.
Hi Alecia,
I found some of your writings on sfgate and it brought back all the memories I had of you as I followed your story. You are not forgotten!
Thank you for another fantastic post. Where else could anyone get that kind
of information in such a perfect way of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.
I can’t find the link to the chronicle anymore. I emailed the Chronicle but haven’t heard back. Can you share where you found it please? ironbenderii@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Sorry for the delay but my professor gave me the hardcopy, all the seven chapters, originally published on the chronicle. I don’t think the link is working.
I emailed the Chronicle a few weeks ago. I heard back last night, they rebuilt the page for us! Thanks for the reply.
I still remember driving in my car listening to NPR when they did a story about Alicia and then I started reading her blog on the SF Gate.
Fast forward to today, June 24, 2012 and I found an old link and decided to search and see how she was doing. So sad to hear that Alicia passed away at such a young age.
I will think of her today and I’m sure my day will be sadder knowing the outcome.
However I know that with her passing will mean an end to the pain that she suffered.
May she rest in peace and may her family and friends have some peace in knowing the is finally pain free.
With deepest respect…..Scott
I heard Your history from my Radiology Professor and read the whole story on Chronicle. I am so moved and saddend with all she had been through but elevated by her spirit and belief. I know You are in heaven always smiling. Glad I heard about You…Love You
Can you share the link on the Chronicle site? I can’t find it anymore! ironbenderii@yahoo.com
Just want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just nice and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.
She was a wonderfully gifted writer. I read her first article in the SF Chronicle and followed her story as much as I could. She had a wonderful spirit, coming though her words. It was such a sad day when I read of her passing. The world has lost someone much too young and gifted. May her family find comfort in the words she left and her spirit remains. Rest in peace.
I know sadly that Ms Parlette is no longer with us. After I finished reading her book, I wanted to say that I think that either the SF Chronicle or her friends should publish her work in its entirety as a testament to her strength, spirit and courage. I think that the money made from this book should either be donated to UNR, Granite Bay HS or a sarcoma cancer charity in Ms Parlette’s name. I believe that Ms Parlette’s strength and grace under the most difficult situation can provide courage to others who have cancer or terminal diseases.
I’m sorry that we never got to meet Alicia, but I have heard and read amazing things.
You are in my heart as I push forward to end cancer once and for all.
Alicia, Thank you for sharing your life through your stories and blogs. I was deeply saddened to hear about your passing. You were and still are an inspiration. You will not be forgotten.
I first starting reading Alicia’s work on SFgate.com when she was writing Alicia’s story and then when she moved her work to a blog on the same site. Although she had not posted in many years, every so often I would still think of her and search periodically to see how she was doing. I was very saddened to find out of Alicia’s passing when I searched for her today. I hope her family and friends can take comfort in the fact that Alicia touched so many lives in such a short time. We will all cherish our memories of her. Rest in peace, Alicia.
Dear Alicia’s Family and Friends,
I’m so grateful that Alicia shared her life with us. I felt a particular closeness to her as a fellow young Lutheran. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Peace be with you,
Melissa
Grass Valley and Davis, CA
Dear Alicia,
The dignity, grace, and beauty that you lived your life will forever have a profound effect on my life. Thank you for courageously sharing your story with all of us. Although I didn’t know you personally, you gave me a connection into your life that is immeasurable. I am honored to have known you through your readings.
PS. I was inflicted with a disease that causes chronic pain. I call it an invisible disease because no one else can see it from the outside. Alicia obviously understood what I am talking about. I couldn’t help but think of one of my favorite sayings as I read Alicia’s story: Everybody experience pain, but suffering is optional…
Sincerely,
David Hilliard
Alicia,
I followed your journey through the years and I am so sad to hear of your passing. I really thought that you would make it through your battle with cancer. There is now another angel in heaven. You were such a brave, courageous, and beautiful young woman. Your generosity in sharing your story with the world, many of us total strangers to you, is so inspiring and beautiful. You are so inspiring and beautiful. My heart goes out to your family and friends. I will keep you and them in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God lifts your family and friends up in their time of grief and sorrow and that they find peace and comfort in His arms. You will be missed by many people, such as myself, that never even knew you. God bless you, Alicia. Thank you for sharing your very touching story with us all.
Kimberly-Oakland, CA.
Alicia, I have never cried so much for a human being’s death, whom I didn’t know like you, even Polly Klaus whom I shed a few tears…I have a daughter you age and can’t imagine what losing her would be like…If there is a Heaven you are already there enjoying the magnificence of the Universe ! Jane Corcoran, Walnut Creek
Alicia,
You are finally out of your pain and suffering….you are with God, Angels, and your Mom…….no more needles or hospitals…you are out of your shell and into a beautiful white long silky dress that just flo’s with you when you walk…….you are so much in my prayers, thoughts, and rosary……I will have a Mass said for you on Sunday……my sympathy and condolences go out to your Families, Friends, and everyone who became readers of your story……..my heart just has pain…God will heal us all and he will show us the way……..
Alicia – God rest your soul, what a amazing young woman. You touched so many with your words, a true writer. Your story will touch so many more.
Rest in peace Angel
Gloria
To Kathy: thank you for opening the way for us to express our gratitude to our mutual friend and to the community surrounding her. Alicia and family: Thank you, Alicia, for taking the call about your work from me, at work. This was when you were hesitant about saying anything about your faith, because you thought it would put a barrier between you and your readers. Now you know you have a beloved, on earth in Lucas Beeler, in Heaven with your LORD, because you realized that faith needs compassion and hope to operate also, and,through grace, you have all three. And to Alicia’s family: thank you for raising her with such poise, that she went for her goals until the very last moment.
I began reading Alicia’s chronicles of her cancer fight 5 years ago, and have hoped that somehow there might be a miracle, and she would beat it…she absolutely fought the good fight throughout, and serves as an example of the ultimate writer who can affect the lives of countless thousands of us who either develop cancer or know relatives or friends who do…we all leave this life sometime, but in her brief time on this earth, she enabled those of us who face trials everyday to face them head on with grace and wit…we will not forget you, Alicia…your spirit lives!
We will always remember you. You have touched many lives and were an inspiration.
Courage, beauty and grace. That’s really all I can think of to say.
Very sorry to hear the news of Alicia’s passing. I hope she’s in a better place. I just read of her ordeal for the first time last week in the Chronicle, and I was touched immediately by her courage and outlook on life and this diagnosis. We can learn a lot from people like her. Rest in peace!
Alicia’s story came out shortly after my first surgery (I’ve had two surgeries, plus radiation and hormone therapy). I knew your fears, and wept for us both. Yesterday afternoon I read of your passing. I knew you were at peace, and though it saddened me, my eyes were dry. From you I learned grace; thank you so much. We ARE survivors.
The passing of such a brave and generous woman is sad. Like so many others, I take some comfort in knowing that Alicia is now at peace and pain free. Her words, challenges, honestly, and story are an inspiration. My fondest thoughts of peace go out to her family and friends. To all…let those you care about know how much they mean to you and never hold back your love.
I am so sorry that this message didn’t not get to Alicia before her passing but hopefully to her family. I first read her story when it came out in the paper, I somehow associated with the beautiful young redhead because she reminded me of my daughter who is the same age and has red hair. I enjoyed her writing and looked forward to her next piece every time, I was always very hopeful that she would be cured or in remission forever, unfortunately that will not happen. My thoughts and prayers are with the family now. Peace!
Dear Alicia, I join the thousands who miss you so much. Your words have inspired all of us, and when we couldn’t find them anymore we felt both hope and fear… Now the feelings are the same, but final rather than pending. What we feared has now come to pass. What I (and I’m sure so many others) hope is that your well-deserved reward has begun and will continue forever. You are enjoying peace, love, and finally perfect health and basking in the radiance of God. Finally, that your family and friends will feel your love and protection as they achieve acceptance and peace… and remember all good times as they realize that you are now pain-free. Love always.
Gee, it seemed to happen so fast after the Chronicle published that Alicia had moved to hospice. I was moved by Alicia’s straightforward writing, and her grace as she encountered her cancer. My thoughts are with her family.
I feel such emptiness and sadness for her and her family.
I hope peace may come to the family.
The family has lost a very beautiful young woman.
Farewell Scout.
Thank you for your courage and vulnerability, qualities so important and often so lacking.
You, someone I have never met, have instilled in me the life and love that come through cultivating hope while suffering and grace while passing to our next phase.
I am so thankful for being able to share your journey and process.
Sometime in 2005, when Alicia’s story was ongoing in The Chronicle, I was in a Hayes Valley cafe (were I still live) and was mistaken for Alicia. It was a very odd experience because I was unaware of Alicia and I had a very hard time telling the stranger that I was not Alicia. I went home, found the story and was floored. Yes, I look a *little* bit like her, but more importantly I’m the same age and also came to San Francisco to be a writer. Alicia’s story has been a daily inspiration to live life to the fullest and I was very saddened to read this today.
Dear Alicia, rest in peace and thank you for your inspiration.
And if the family catches this note, I am curious about Clarabelle. I have a small adopted dog myself and would be interested in adopting Clarabelle.
Oh, Alicia, I had prayed that you would beat this thing. The past couple/several of the past years I hoped you had gone into remission, and that was why we did not hear from you. Today, I felt as though I had lost a friend. Although I never met you, through your journal entries, I felt I was walking beside to you, trying to provide your support. The world has lost a bright light.
Now you have been fully healed from Above.
Rest in peace,
Karen
I just read the news.
Im so sad, and sorry. I literally just a few days ago, thought of Alicia’s story and went to read up to see if there was any news.
Of course I was hoping for good news. Sadly that was not the case.
She was so lucky to have so many who loved her and helped her (as with this blog thingy…) For that, Im very glad she has such good support.
Bless you all for this.
And I just know, Heaven has a new angel. (smile)
Its the only way I can look at it.
I play Atticus Finch in the current TheatreWorks production of To Kill a Mockingbird. I read about Alicia’s struggle and her love of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird.
I wanted to remind Alicia of the character of Mrs. Dubose, the angry, prejudiced neighbor who was wracked with pain from her own disease. Given morphine for her pain and becoming addicted to it, she wanted to break herself of the habit before she died. She wanted to die clean.
Every night in the show, I say to the young actor playing my son, Jem, “Courage isn’t a man with a knife in his hand, Jem. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win–but sometimes you do. Mrs. Dubose won, all ninety-eight pounds of her. She died clean as the mountain air.”
As Mrs. Dubose was an example, so, too, was Alicia, and those words will ring truer as I say them every performance.
Like so many others I have followed your story and was deeply touched. God bless you and your family. Your friends and family are truly amazing. Alicia, you will be missed here on earth, but I know you are with your other family now. I don’t know any of you, but today I cry tears of sorrow for you. Thank you for helping to continue her story.
I followed Alicia from Day One when she started writing and she kept me inspired and to think positive. My daughter (same age) has stage 4 brain cancer and Alicia just fired me up when I read the amazing things she was doing while she was sick. My condolences to the family and her fiance. I wanted her to live forever! Goodbye Alicia…we love you!
What a courageous young woman Alicia was! In the face of such a bleak diagnosis, and the constant pain she must have suffered, her written account of her struggle with cancer inspired so many of us. It reminded me in many ways of Randy Pausch, who lost his own fight with cancer several years ago. Anyone who read her journals in “The Chronicle” felt as if they knew her personally. May her spirit continue to give us all the courage to face our own pain and illnesses.
Alicia, bless you and have peace. You have brought so much to this world. You are cherished.
Hi Alicia,
I have been following your story in the SF rag. The strength and courage that shows through the writers story, is a reflection of a truly wonderful person and I cry with every story, both good and bad, tears of happiness and tears of sadness.
Despite the pain and sorrow and mystery for an adult barely removed from her adolescent invincibilty, you are fortunate to be blessed with a “team” and a vast army of well-wishers that would be the envy of any General.
I know you are religious and spiritual and so I will pray for you… and your family.
I pray that your final days will be peaceful and calm and that your soul finds wisdom and understanding as you come closer to your reward.
A reward of happiness-eternal, well deserved for the help that you have been to thousands of us, your fans.
Alicia,
Peace to you. You will not be forgotten.
Laura
Hi Alicia,
I, along with so many others, am touched by your story.
I work for State Senator Dave Cox, who represents your family in Roseville. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Very best,
Kirk
Godspeed, Alicia! I only learned about you recently in the Reno Gazette and will read your life story.
My mother also fought colon cancer for five years before resting in 2008. Please say hello to her on the other side.
Lord bless and Mary keep!
Chito
Hi Alicia,
Just wanted to write and thank you for being so courageous in writing about your illness. I struggle with health issues myself and you are an inspiration to me.
Here is one of my favorite quotes that I would like to share with you: If God leads you to it, He will lead you through it.
Peace and love,
Danielle
Alicia – I started reading the story in the RGJ about you this afternoon around 3:30 followed by your series in The Chronicle and on to your blog – it’s now 11:15pm. I’m not finished yet but I will finish tomorrow. I can’t count the number of times I cried along with you. My WHOLE heart goes out to you tonight and forever will. My Grandfather passed away in January from colon cancer. I sat at his side as he left us. A humbling experience. Cancer is an evil, evil thing. Heartbreaking and devastating. Your courage and strength amazes me and makes me feel like I should be doing more with my life. Look at all you’ve done in the time you’ve been sick. If you can do it being sick then why can’t I while I’m healthy.
Thank you. Thank you for being so open and honest and willing to share your life with all of us. I feel I can be a better, kinder person having read your story. Thank you for opening my eyes.
I will continue to follow your story and wish you many happy “feel-good” times in your days and weeks ahead. I will most definitley be thinking about you in my daily life. You and your family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
Part of me is really excited that you get to see your mom again but deeply saddened that in order to do that you will leave behind your loving family and friends.
Bless You Alicia…
Hi Alicia! I just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about you a lot lately and that my family and I send all our love!
Alicia,
Your obvious love for writing and your final outcome has instilled a fire in me stronger than any that I’ve ever had. That fire is with regard to the novel I am writing. I want to become as good a writer as you are-and will not give up on it under any circumstances.
Please know that I will continue to think about you and that your message has not fallen on deaf ears.
Alicia – I followed your story back in 2005 when a friend of mine was also going through cancer – and was also at the “Old Person Cancer Hotel” – although your story had disappeared from sfgate – I never forgot your name.
A couple of weeks ago, I thought of you and googled your name and this site popped up – just one day after you’d been admitted to the hospital.
It is incomprehensible for someone to leave us at 28 – but the impression you have left behind and your story is big enough to touch several lifetimes.
Godspeed and peace Alicia Parlette. Your name will always be remembered.
Alicia,
You have touched and inspired more people in a short time than most do in many lifetimes. May God bless you and keep you.
Celia
Reno
I love you…God bless you…..peace be with you….
Dear Alicia,
Your story of courage and strength is such an inspiration. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Meredith
Dear Alicia,
Your story and your courage has touched me deeply. I’ve been following your story from the very beginning and I always thought that everything would be ok, a miracle would happen. But now I see the miracle is your life and all those you have touched, and being surrounded by so much love on your final journey. You and your loved ones are in my prayers. Peace be with you.
Love,
Karla
Alicia,
I read the article printed in the Reno Gazette Journal. Thank you for being special, thank you for giving others strength to fight and thank you for being a light in this world.
Guy
We”re all prayin’ for ya Alicia!
Dear Alicia,
We you wanted you to know that God has a purpose for your life, especially as it has impacted our family. Your love of life despite the pain and set backs has had a profound influence on our son Darren who has twice attempted suicide. He remembers you when he was a young child growing up in Concord.
He read your story in the Chronicle the other day and has decided to work on resolving some of his issues by getting spirtually connected again.
We love you and all of the saints that went before you.
You’re in our prayers.
Pat and Art
Hello Alicia:
In the oddly small world of journalism, people always meet up again and again. We have worked together at two different jobs, the Sac Bee and The Chron.
You were our intern at The Bee, but really you were as full-fledged a worker as we could hope for. But most of all it’s your sunny smile, laugh, energy and sparkle that I am reminded of. And so when I ran into you again at The Chron, your glow was still strong and true, just like your work and words.
There is so much to be said and yet I feel that maybe you already know how much we love and respect you. You have blessed this world and the people who surround you with your presence, a glorious light, and that’s a gift we cherish. The most magical experiences of living are the people you attract and the love shared, and you are rich in both these areas.
So i wish for you the happiest dreams, great laughter and peace how ever you define it.
You are a wondrous being Alicia.
Much love, Debbie Guadan
Alicia, I think I am the only person who is not familiar with you and I am somewhat embarrassed. I just saw an article in the Reno Gazette-Journal and have been reading about you for an hour. You have moved me to tears and I will be searching the internet tonight to find your book. You are in my thoughts and may you spend your days with continued peace, surrounded by those who love you. God Bless you today and always.
My prayers are with you…….maybe my story about my afterlife experience will help somehow……….
http://iwenttoheaven.blogspot.com/
I tell my story of going to Heaven and coming back. I promise you, it is wonderful there……..
All my love,
Bren
Dear Alicia,
I’ve been following your story since it was first published in 2005, at the same time as I was starting to battle my own health problems. First my kidneys stopped working, then I started getting fatigued all the time, and then I started having problems with my GI tract. After a long journey, I have finally found out that I have mitochondrial disease. It is degenerative and incurable; treatment is palliative. I’m 24 years old. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I am trying to prepare myself for whatever comes my way.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I know how hard it is to be young and sick, to have to deal with the ignorance and awkwardness that surrounds illness. It’s so much easier to just try to hide it. I admire your courage for sharing your feelings in your writing. It’s not easy.
I know one of my worst fears related to my illness is that I will die without having made an impact on the world. You’ve made a huge impact on so many people. I’ll never forget you.
Thank you, Alicia.
Hi Alicia!
My message is similar to many others, but I have to thank you anyway for selflessly sharing your journey with the public so honestly. We have never met, but after following your article series years ago, I have thought about you often, hoping you were well and enjoying your days. I hope you can know the positive impact your life has had on those who got to know you through your writing. Your story has touched me, and your strength, determination and love of life have inspired me. I will be thinking of you and your family and friends….Wishing you peace and love.
Alicia, I only learned of you and your story 4 days ago. I began reading on Friday and read your series all weekend. Your words comforted me as I care for my sister who was suddenly diagnosed with a rare aggressive cancer just 4 months ago. Your words are a gift to other cancer fighters and caregivers. I wish for you and your family Christ’s Peace which exceeds our human understanding.
I wish you peace and comfort. May God bless you.
Hi Alicia:
I wanted to let you know how much my heart and soul feel you…I wish you love and comfort..Please know that I’m with you and wish you peace.
Your strength and courage I’m sure is something your mother (from above) and family have been more than proud of.
It seems to happen more frequently these days – I have a recall of an article I read and wonder what has happen to that person only to have that person pop back up on my radar. I was thinking about you Alicia and lo’ and behold I open my April 16th SF Chronicle and there you are! It saddens me that your time here nears its end – your generous sharing of the journey beginning back with the first artcle will leave a rememberance that we can reflect back on. We do not know each other, but your story, writings and wisdom have made an impression that I will not soon forget. May your remaining days be pain free and filled with people you love. I hope you feel the love from all the prayers being said for you and your family. Elizabeth
I don’t even remember how I found your story years ago, but I was drawn to your strength and courage, Your willingness to share your story is amazing. How many people’s lives have you touched? More than you will ever know.
I hadn’t thought about you in years, but for some reason today I decided to see if you had ever updated your story. I am so sorry to hear that you aren’t doing well, but am happy that so many people you have touched are surrounding you with their love, not just in person, but virtually as well.
Dear Alicia,
I have followed your story since I first came across it during my morning SFGate.com fix. I found your poise and grace in the face of such life-changing circumstances amazing, and was moved and grateful for the brief glimpses into your life. At the time, my mother was into her 3rd year of battling ovarian cancer, and your writings helped me to understand some of the things my mother must have been also thinking, yet was reluctant to put into words because she didn’t want to upset us.
I have thought of you often since your series ended, and would search online periodically for any updates. My heart first leapt with joy when I saw the headline on SFGate the other day, only to be broken when I read the article. I had so hoped for happier news.
Once again, you have shown us grace in the face of sorrow. Please know that you have touched many lives. I wish you the best on this next step of your journey.
-Susan Cochran, Santa Cruz CA
Dear Alicia, family and friends- I am merely a sympathetic and interested reader of your long and brave story, and wish for each of you a safe and peaceful passage filled only with grace and no pain. I am adding a note printed recently about another young woman who left this earth much too soon. I do not know the author, but I find it prayerful and comforting, thinking about our own losses.
“She goes free of the earth. The sun of her last day sets clear in the sweetness of her liberty. The earth recovers from her dying, the hallow of her life remaining in all her death leaves. Radiances know her. Grown lighter than breath, she is set free in our remembering. Grown brighter than vision, she goes dark into the life of the hill that holds her peace. She’s hidden among all that is, and cannot be lost.
I started reading about Alicia and her story in the Chronicle when I was in San Francisco on a business trip several years ago.
When I got back to Los Angeles, I went on line to read installments I had missed – and to continue with her story. It was – is – so compelling and inspirational. Alicia is remarkable – and I hope I learn something from her patience (I’m not so great in that area), her fortitude, her loving generosity to those around her. My heart breaks that she is not better and up and around and beating this s.o.b. Saying prayers every day.
Thank you for what I have gained. God bless you and your family.
Hi Alicia,
This is Will, your friend from back in the Sac Bee days. We haven’t talked in a long time, but I still wear my Sarcoma Alliance t-shirt around proudly and think of you often. Back in Sacramento, I remember you were so sweet and earnest, quietly struggling to deal with your mom’s death, without any idea of the struggles to come. You’ve gone through so much since then, and you’ve handled it so beautifully. You’ve inspired and comforted so many people with your story. It’s an extraordinary feat and you’re an extraordinary person, Alicia. I want you to know that I’m thinking of you now and sending my love.
Dear Alicia — I’ve never met you, but like so many others, you have deeply touched my heart these past few years. I will always remember your couragous words to “Choose life.” And your most beautiful smile that reflects your beautiful inner spirit. May all the love that surrounds you bring you a deep sense of connection, peace, and eternal joy.
Namaste,
Carole
Hey Alicia,
Put simply, I am a huge fan of your’s. I thank you for sharing your story in the Chronicle with strangers like me; you are a beautiful writer and person; I felt connected to you instantly – yes, another friend you’ve never met!
I am thinking of you and keeping you close. Peace be with you.
Love to you and Clarabelle from,
Gayle
Dearest Alicia (Leash),
Just wanted to let you know how often you’ve been in my thoughts and prayers over the last few weeks…over the last few years, really. I have so many wonderful memories with you, as I know many, many others do as well. You are an amazing woman who has touched so many lives around the world, and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to call you my friend.
Love and strength,
Laura
Dearest Alicia,
As personal friends to you and your family for years, we and the whole congregation of LCR have you in our prayers. We were asked not to visit you so you could spend more time with those closest to you.
We’re proud of your strenghth and accomplishments, but more so of your incredible courage and faith.
We love you, and are always here for your Dad and brother as you prepare to join your Mother, without pain, in heaven.
With hugs, Charlie and Rahne Schneider
I’ve admired Alicia’s powerful writing and raw honesty since following her story in the Chron. There’s another hero I wanted to praise: Dave Parlette.
I don’t know him, but his quiet presence, his sincerity and his pain are implicit in Alicia’s writing. The middle-of-the-night call to “Daddy,” the figure next to her in doctors’ offices and the conciliatory voice at the end of the phone: yes, he would get rid of the snail bait RIGHT NOW.
As the mother of a daughter who was diagnosed two years ago at the age of 7, with a malignant tumor, I can say there is no pain more excruciating than witnessing your child battle cancer. And there is no irony more bitter than experiencing this while your own (decades older) body continues to serve you well.
Bless you, Dave. I know Alicia has a great dad.
Beautiful Alicia,
Our paths crossed a few times in UNR ResLife, and although we were never close friends, I have followed this story from its beginning. The recent news has made my heart ache, but your continuing courage and warm smile are inspirational beyond words. You have taught me so much about the power of positive thinking and inner strength. Thank you for sharing your story and for helping me to find beauty in all things.
All My Love,
Larissa
On this day i wish your peace, In the days to come i wish you the strength & dignity you need, But mostly I wish you peace. You are a special soul. You are a great writer & reporter.
Peace to you
Many, many blessings to you…such a brave and wonderful spirit-here to teach the world how to live !!! I will send some healing Reiki Energy your way. May your transition into your new life be bright and full of wonder !!!
Dear Precious Alicia and her family,
You are in the prayers of so many people and you are certainely a heroine in the annals of Life . You have achieved your writing goal and I am catcthing up on your latest writings. Do you remember my daughter Susan?. She has MS and had had breast cancer and you and she were exchanging experiences. She is dealing with her health and doing ok. We all thank you for sharing so courageously and can just hear your laugh as you encourage others through your suffering. Sweetheart you are close to Jesus. Life is God and you have won the race. We hold your family in our hearts! Love Lorraine and Jim Wells
I’d never heard your name before this morning, but your story has truly moved me. I’m a girl from New York just a few months younger than you and I cannot fathom what you have experienced. Thank you for being talented enough and brave enough to share your story. It has opened my eyes how much I take for granted and how I’m wasting my life. I will try to change that.
I wish for your peace and pray for your family to get through this difficult time. From what I’ve read you have a truly blessed group of people surrounding you.
Alicia,
I tried to send you a little note on the granite bay card but the computer is smarter than me and I failed. So here I am on your blog :).
When I first heard 5 years ago what you were going through I was amazed at the strength and faith that God poured into you. Here we are years later and you are still so strong and full of faith-you go girl.
I pray that you find love and comfort in the arms of Jesus–and that the peace that only He can provide consumes you.
Praying for you,
Sarah (Wetzel) Maizland
Hi Alicia,
I live in Eugene, Oregon, but I lived in the Bay Area growing up and then for 8 years as an adult. I moved to Oregon from the East Bay a year and a half ago.
Surprisingly, I had somehow never come across your story while I lived in the Bay Area. I only recently came across your online archive at the Chronicle and read every installment voraciously. Your story has moved me to tears and beyond words, really.
At one point you wrote that one of your goals in life was to be A Writer. Well, I can confirm that you have more than accomplished that. You are indeed a very good, very engaging writer — and you always will be.
My mother battled breast cancer nine years ago (she is doing well today), and my mother-in-law was just diagnosed with colon cancer. It was so cathartic and emotionally good for me to read your story at this point in my life.
I am holding you in my prayers and thoughts during this next stage of your journey, and I hope that you are as peaceful and comfortable as possible, and that the joy you find in your fiance and your dog sustains you always.
With love from a stranger,
Dena
Hi Alicia –
Just wanted you to know how powerful your story has been to me. You are truly an inspiration, and I admire you so for your strength and courage.
I pray for you and wish you peace.
Greetings Alicia,
Thank you so much for sharing, your wisdom, your courage, and your life. You are a beautiful and talented writer. I have appreciated your honesty, your sense of humor, and the authenticity of your story. I am profoundly changed, influenced and inspired by you – I don’t know you however your stories have burrowed their way into my heart and profoundly affect how I see each day. I will think all good thoughts for you, your family, and for all who love and cherish you!
Peace be with you!
Alice may god be with you and your family. You are a angel for many people.
Dear Alicia,
I too am one of the many followers to your first articles writing in the Chronicle. Your writing definitely left an indelible mark in me. I often wondered how you were after your series disappeared and am glad for the recent update in the Chron. I wish you meaningful moments w/ friends and loved ones, and laughter in recounting old memories. I also wish you strength, comfort, and good chi:). My thoughts are with you!
sincerely,
win
Alicia,
I have been reading your beautiful writing since the beginning on the SFgate website. What a talented writer you are! You have been able to give me a glimpse into your life and experiences.
There are so many people who are your friends and family who love and care for you. And there are so many of us who are your FANS!! I am one of those fans who admires your talent and your writing.
I pray for you on this part of your journey. Spending you light, love and positive energy across the world from Ireland and California.
Brig
My husband has been diagnosed with melanoma and we are now going thru the treatment phase……the shock, anger and fear from hearing that diagnosis. However your writings have brought comfort and peace to me personally. Thank you for sharing your journey with so many people and may you find PEACE in the days ahead. Sending LOVE to you Alicia, Matt and Dave.
Dear Sweet Alicia,
I read your story from the very first day, and each day wanted to know you more. When you stopped writing I would pray that things were going well for you.
You are a beautiful person and we were all fortunate that you were a writer that shared with us. You’ve brightened lives, you’ve encouraged appreciation of things we take for granted. You are strong and brave.
My little beagle is there to greet you~both of you pain free…
Peace, Alicia xx
Thankyou for sharing your life with me.I was recently diagnosed with a lung tumour….fortunately they think its a benign hamartoma. But I went thru all the shocks of thinking…like my doctors….that it was the big C. I have shed many a tear since. Until i see my specialist next week …I am still in darkness but am feeling positive daily. I know that you are going thru this very bravely…..and I just wanted you to know that you have touched my heart.
Alicia: I read your story in the San Francisco Chronicle. I hadn’t heard anything about you for a while. I am so sorry for your illness. You are such a brave and sweet person. You have touched so many lives and made such a huge difference for many people.
You and your family will be in my prayers.
Love, Laurie
Dear sweet child of God,
I am a RC Deacon & I own a hospice (one of the more suitable combinations in my beloved RC Church today, if I must say so myself).
I try to pray, “The Angelus” three times a day & you are remembered at each one. It is an ancient prayer that contains the basic truths of our shared faith. It goes like this:
The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women & blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now & at the hour of our death.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary . . .
And the Word was made Flesh: +And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary . . .
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
We Catholics tend to memorize our prayers instead of the sometimes wonderous explainational (is that a word) expression of our souls. But the part of the prayer that I meditate a lot upon is, “and the word was made flesh, & dwelt among us.” You know that first there was the Word & though your words you will always be among us. The Word is the hinge that binds us to God & heaven. I have read most every word you have written at SFO & I have printed them out
for my care givers. You will continue to live, among us, there is no doubt, my sweet soul.
Dear Alicia,
You have been on my mind these last several months, and I even googled your name to see if you were still all right.
I read your series on sfgate.com a few years back, and was deeply touched.
Your courage, integrity, warmth and loving heart have given me much to think about, and I thank you. I am twice your age, and I still haven’t looked at life so deeply.
Age is just a number–what is important is that you have lived. Your life has made a difference to others in this world.
I continue to hold you in the light,
In peace,
Annette
Hi Alicia. I really don’t know what to say here. I learned of your battle yesterday and have spent every free moment over the past 2 days reading about it, getting to know you. I’m heart broken, devastated, can’t put into words to read the latest, that you’re saying your goodbye’s. I know it’s worse for you. I wish I could have met you, I could have learned so much.
I have long felt like I am not living up to my potential in life. I don’t appreciate the things that should be appreciated, I stress over things I shouldn’t, my values are all messed up. I have 4 beautiful children, after reading your story, tomorrow is a new day.
I know that you know that you have touched many people in deep personal ways, including me. I’m going to look into what I can do to help people that are going through cancer. I’m going to remind my kids of how beautiful life is and to enjoy the many gifts they have. Their health being one of them. I have friends in the medical industry, I’m going to forward your information to them, this should be required reading for anybody working in healthcare.
Honestly I don’t know what I can do, which is frustrating. I want to help you, to help people like you. I’m not sure I know what to do.
Have a safe journey, the world will not be as beautiful without you, we are loosing somebody amazing.
Again, so sorry to ready your story, I hope you get some peace in the fact that you’ve helped so many…
Alicia, thank you for sharing your journey with us. A friend pointed your writing out to me shortly after your first article was published, and I feel honored to have been a witness to your journey. I admire your courage and honesty.
Godspeed – I’m hoping the pain meds are doing their job, though soon enough, you’ll be free of the need for them…
Hi Alicia,
I wish you a marvelous last journey home. Thank you for sharing part of your trek with us. Please say “hello” for me to my children Daniel and Sarah who are already there and I’ll meet up with all of you one day.
May you feel the love of all forever more.
Peggy
Alicia,
My mom just forwarded me the most recent news on your journey. For a while I had completely forgotten about what you’ve been going through, but it quickly all came flooding back. I just wanted to leave you a note, say hi, let you know I’m thinking of you. You’ve got some guts, girl – courage to face this thing with humor and faith and always a vigor for life, it looks like.
I wish you the best, Alicia. So glad you can be surrounded by friends and family and everything that makes you smile. Give my best to Matt, too – I hope he’s hanging in there alright.
You’re being held right now, hope you can feel that. Thanks for sharing your story, and your life.
Love,
Meagan Nuss
I just recently read about your work and your story. I can’t begin to tell you how touched I’ve felt as you’ve detailed the most delicate and intimate moments of your journey. Your words have conveyed energy, pain, fear, and most of all, your faith in God and His plan. You referenced one of my favorite all time songs in your fifth chapter, The Servant Song. It made me cry and laugh all in the same breath.
I wish you the best as you continue your journey. May the love of God, your family and your friends be with you as you make your way into a new life, one filled with happiness, love and eternal life. Thank you for your words of truth, hope and faith.
Always
Laura
Greetings Alicia; I’ve never met you, but I have met your Father once at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (LCR). Your name has been on the LCR Prayer Chain for…well, years now. It disappeared a while back and I hoped for the best. Instead It recently returned and it now appears we need to pray for something stronger than just “your recovery.” Today our Pastor talked about that Movie “The Breakfast Club” and how they became fast friends in the space of one day’s detention, and the concern that when they went back on Monday to their “normal” lives, would they forget about how important that day was. I hope you’ve seen the movie and remember that part. Well, I thought of you as he went through his sermon. Alicia, whether you live for 100 years or one more day, we will not forget you. Yes, we will go to our jobs or schools on Monday, but each of us will have been changed, just a little and for the better, in our own unique way. Because you forced us, just for a moment, to “look up from our IPODs” and admire your courage and determination. When times are tough, we’ll think of you and say to ourselves “I can do this” a little more confidently. Continued prayers to you and your family. Sincerely, Cary
Dear Alicia,
Thank you for sharing your story – I am sad to hear that it is already time for you to say your goodbyes. Courageous, beautiful, giving – barely begin to describe you. You truly are an angel –
Ly
Alicia – I just read your entire story on sfgate. You are such an amazing writer and sound like a wonderful person/friend. I grew up in the Bay Area and currently live in Rocklin. I enjoyed reading about all the places in the Bay and here that you visited. You are such an inspiration to live life to the fullest. I have such a hard time ‘living in the moment’ but because of you I am going to try much harder. While your story has brought tears to my eyes, knowing you are going to be with your mom soon comforts me. Thank you for sharing your story.
I followed your story when you first started writing in the Chronicle. I thought of you often and how brave, funny, real and pure your words were and still are. Very few could share so much with strangers. Thank you for sharing private experiences which have clearly made a difference both individually and collectively to a community.
You have taught many and your multi-faceted legacy will live on. In Jewish tradition, when we recall the life of a loved one we say “may her memory be for a blessing.” I know for certain that this will be the case when your community thinks of you.
Alicia,
You are so strong and brave! You are an inspiration to us all. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Toni
The writer shows us the truth behind the contradictions and the contradictions behind the truth: how strength can arise from fragility, how love can blossom from pain. I hope you know in your heart how your words have helped thousands to feel joy and sorrow — to care more deeply about those around them, as well as those they have never physically met. I hope you understand that your words have given numerous others the courage to become writers themselves, offering to us their own stories and experiences. For a writer, I can imagine no greater reward. Thank you so much for your gift — you have truly blessed us with your words.
Alicia, Stay strong!!
I have read your stories and they have been a great inspiration for me.
Dear Alicia,
Like everyone else, I read your columns in the Chronicle. You showed grace and courage, a tinge of anger, but never self pity. I cried, and was uplifted at the same time; to have that power in one’s writing is a gift.
In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and although I live in Tahoe, I was treated at UCSF Mt Zion, so we have that in common.
Although your time here on Earth has been too short, the impact you have made is far, far greater than the years would suggest. You have touched legions of people beyond your immediate circle of friends and family.
Thank you, young Alicia, for sharing your story. May you find peace; you are already surrounded with love.
Kelly Shanahan, MD
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Oh Alicia! I read your story when it was first published & immediately became addicted to your writing style & your trials, wanting to send you good juju at every turn. When the stories stopped I was sad I wouldn’t be able to keep up with your inspiring life but was hopeful you were living it up & indeed you were, I’m so very glad. I am incredibly sad to know that you are in pain & saying goodbye to your loved ones & even though I never met you, & I’m miles away in Seattle, I want you to know there will be an Alicia sized hole in the world where I will miss reading your exploits, & rooting you on. Thank you so much for what you brought to this place. Hugs, Kisses & lots of pastry. Angela
Alicia,
This past week I came across a link to your series in the Chronicle. I admire and thank you for sharing your life, journey, and intimate thoughts to the world. You bring inspiration with your will to live, and have touched my life as you have with many others. It is lovely to see the support network that has been there throughout these years–what an honor to be loved by many.
Your uplifting story, your words, and your spirit brings me comfort and has consoled me in my own personal struggles. Through the most difficult and darkest times you carry on with a great fire in you, which reminds me to live and embrace every moment. I wish you nothing but contentment, happiness, and peace today and everyday.
With love,
Sheri
Hi, I’m Brett Stafford. I would like to send you a card and perhaps have a talk with you. May I send a card to hospital. I will not visit you or disclose hospital’s address without you’re ok. My phone is 415 567- 1329 (629 Post st. Apt. 409 SF 94109-8241 Mary Baker Eddy writes from Misc. writings: “Divine Love is our hope strength and shield and we have nothing to fear when Love is at the helm of thought, but everything to enjoy on earth and in Heaven.”
Alicia,
So many people have already written to you and articulated many of my thoughts regarding your life and journey. I just want you to know that you and your life story has made an indelible impression on me, one that I will never forget. You have touched my life in a very poignant and special way showing so much grace, love and courage, and most of all spunk when the chips were down, and you were facing the unknown. You show us all that one should never, never give up, live life to the fullest every minute that you can, and accept what you can not change but don’t let it get the better of you. To touch so many people’s lives, to show by example the very best way to deal with life’s optsticals you have given us a gift, the gift of yourself and your experience. What a gift that is and we thank you for it! And, after all, isn’t that what life is all about anyway, giving of ourselves to others in the best way we can? Alicia, may you know that your life is filled with love from so many people because you reached out and touched us all. Thank you and God bless you, your family and your special fiance. I will think of you when riding bart in the future!
small correction- the author of the Screenplay for the movie “To Kill A Mockingbird” and “Tender Mercies” was Horton Foote, who was a Christian Scientist.
Hi Alicia, The author of your favorite book- “To Kill A Mockingbird” was a Christian Scientist. The Christian Science religion has a book entitled “Science and Health with key to the Scriptures”. This book, read with a thirst for Truth, will cure you of your illness. Sincerely, Tom
Dear Alicia,
I have followed your writings from the very first SF Chronicle column, and your words have touched me deeply. I am a woman twice your age who has battled cancer in myself and my family (I also lost my mom to cancer at a young age), and i think you are the one with twice the courage and inspiration than anyone i have known. I am so sorry to hear that you are in so much pain now and i want you to know that we (all of your unknown followers) are thinking of you daily and wishing you love and peace during these difficult times. May you continue to be surrounded by your caring friends and loved ones. You are an inspiration to many thousands of people. Thank-you for opening up your heart to the world and sharing your story. There are many life lessons in your powerful words and we will always remember you lovingly and with enormous gratitude and admiration. May you enjoy peace and love forever.
In friendship and sympathy,
Deborah
Dear One,
Thank you for being you, Alicia. Countless prayers are said for you and your family. Yesterday I wrote a little about you on Open Salon. Wow! Turns out a LOT of people instantly feel in love with you.
(So many in fact, I though maybe you might want to consider – warning your guy.)
Love,
Bonnie
My dearest Alicia,
I love you. Keep the faith. Remember, you are a strong Parlette woman. God bless.
Love, hugs and kisses to you, Uncle Dave and Matt.
Nancy an Ohio cousin
Dear Alicia,
I think of you in each poem I read and on every birthday. You will always be in my heart, rosita, and in every rose I see. I will place flowers out for you on the 11th of January each year, be sure to watch for them, ok?
Love you.
Veronica Riglick
Dearest Alicia, I saw a special on PBS once about the Houston gay men’s chorus, whose ranks were hard hit by AIDS. One gentleman, speaking at his lover’s funeral, said words that spoke to me in a profound way. He said his lover told him that he was not afraid to die, because he knew when he got to the other side, he’d either be on solid ground or he’d have wings to fly. I wish this comfort for you with all my heart.
Dear Alicia:
I read all your articles and you are such an inspiration to me. I too am working my way through problems brought on by Lupus. You are so courageous for such a young lady and your writings will be everlasting to be read by others on their own journeys through life.
Love, Kari
Dear alicia,
My name is mikabrook(14) and im from stockton califorina and i heard about you from my aunt on my facebook..i was having a bad day and then i decied to read about you like my aunt had told me to and im glade i did…your cancer and sickness makes my day look like a walk in the park but yet you still keep your hopes high…to me thats amazing because only strong people can do that and you are a very strong inspiring person…i just thought i came to my last bits of hope but reading this has changed my mind if you can have so much hope and be joyful then im going to too….im tired of bing depressed and your story really truly opend my eyes and made me think…what your going threw is so hard but yet you still keep hope…it really touched me and made me rethink everything going on…what you have tought me is nomatter how bad things get to always have hope because you may never no when its your last….you have really opend up my eyes and helped me im really thankful of and i hope that we can email one another to keep in touch…im going to be telling all my friends to read about you and to really think about it…because just recently a very good friend of mine just passed on from cancer and you and her are alot alike strong big hearted and postive person…i wish she would have stayed just a little longer so she could have read this because i no it would have made her day to see this…
alicia just no im thinking of you and hopping your pain gos away and that you may get better and ill never forget what you have tought me…thank you for so much and please feel free to email me himika1234@gmail.com
Dear Alicia,
You are a truly inspiration. My thought are with you and your family.
Dear Alicia,
I am so sad to hear that your cancer has progressed this far. You have been an inspiration to me and I wish you could see what an impact you have made on so many people’s lives. I know how much you want to travel and you inspired me to go through with my plans to travel the world. As you have said, live for every day. I’m volunteering in Asia and traveling throughout this part of the world for the next year. I will think of you often throughout my travels. I hope you enjoy these comments and know how many people care about you. We will miss you.
Alicia, as I read your stories of the trials and tribulations you have gone through I am floored and amazed. God has used you in so many ways to bless so many people around you. I remember you from high school as such a sweet and tender person and am only sad I never took the opportunity to know you better. My thoughts and prayers are with you this week for you, your close friends and family. You will be remembered always.
Dear Alicia,
When I saw the Chronicle’s recent article, I remembered reading your series a few years ago when it was published. I went back today and started reading the series; I couldn’t stop until I had read the whole thing.
Thank you for writing. Sharing such a personal journey with the world is a courageous act (clearly you are no stranger to courage!). In the series, you wrote of your many, many friends; by writing, you have made many more friends out of us strangers who have read your words.
I don’t wish to be so trite as to assign your cancer some purpose or meaning–that is a personal matter for you to decide–but I do want to say that what you have shared of your experiences has touched me deeply, and I feel like reading your words has changed me in some way–that my experience of life tomorrow will be different because it has been touched by yours.
I am glad to read in the Chronicle article that you are surrounded by loved ones. I hope that with their support, your faith, and the comfort of your dog (there’s nothing better in the world than cuddling up with a loved dog!), you have the strength to face the times ahead on your terms.
Hugs,
Darcy Cooper
I am sending you warm wishes of caring and a big big thank you for your sharing and caring with all of us. Lots of love to you.
Hi Alicia, I have been following your story for some time. From what I have read, I am in awe of your courage and strong charater in dealing w/ your illness. I am convicned you have touched & inspired many people w/ your candid reporting, sharing and insigthful obervations on a circumstance many would not choose to share. Rest assured that many people in this life do not accomplish as much as you have in your relatively short number of years. Your story is not one I will readily forget if ever. I f you wish to e-mail me back feel free to do so. I hope you continue onward in peace and tranquility. Remeber, miracles can and do happen. Best wishes, Alicia.
Alicia, I started reading your story while I still lived in SF in the Cron. I was a volunteer working at the shelter when you adopted your loving dog but wanted to grant you privacy so didn’t say ‘Hi I’ve been reading your life story!’ Somewhere along the way I couldn’t find anything more about you but I always wondered how you were doing. I am sorry to now read the current circumstance. You did a wonderful thing by sharing your ups and downs with the disease. Now that I have been diagnosed with what appears to be a minor and treatable cancer – any fears that I have are minor compared to your bravery. I look through the comments and see that so many feel exactly like me! You really did so many lives with your openness.
Hi Alicia,
I read your story a while. I didn’t followed up. I was on the SFgate today and I read your story. Myself I’ve been battling a medical problem for a while. I’m getting better and I know and felt what you’ve been through. I still have some procedures to go.You’re a very couragous person.Enjoy every moment of it to fullest. Take care. Love from my heart to you Alicia.
Hello Sweet Alicia,
I have been thinking of you often over the last five years, particularly over the last year or so.
Two ex-husbands, and 4 beautiful kids later, at age 35 I finally went back to UNR to finish my degree. I completed my degree in psychology with a minor in Journalism. I will finally graduate in May. Each time I go to into the Reynolds School of Journalism I think about you and your mom.
I remember being pregnant with my second child and getting a call from your mom asking me what I thought about the journalism program at UNR. She spoke so highly of your writing ability, and she wanted you to be in a great program.
UNR was so lucky to have you attend their school, what talented writer you have become.
I also remember you as this beautiful little girl that I looked forward to seeing each year at the Quinn’s Forty-Niner Parties in Rocklin. You were so darling, and your parents were so protective of you, I thought it was truly the sweetest thing.
When I see how many lives you have touched it brings tears to my eyes, I want you to know that you and your family have touched my life, and you will always have a place in my heart, just like your mother does.
I am going to speak about you in my Media Ethics class on Tuesday, I want all of these budding journalists to know who you are.
I have prayed for you frequently and I will continue to pray for you to have strength and courage. You are one of a kind Alicia, be at peace my friend,
Love always,
Monika
Hi Alicia,
I read your initial series and was really touched by your willingness to share your experience and your insightful writing. I feel for you and what you are going through now and wish you courage, strength and the knowledge that you have touched so many lives. When my father was dying of cancer, he told us that ironically his last days were among the best of his life, because people honestly shared their feelings about him and what he meant to them. It’s a shame that we don’t do that more in the course of our “regular” lives. I hope that you are able to experience love and joy in your last days. Thanks for giving us all a chance to get to know you and appreciate what we have in our own lives.
Dearest Alicia. My wish for you is that you will feel all the love surrounding you from the countless numbers of people who have been touched by your beautiful soul, including me. God bless you, Alicia.
Dearest Alicia,
I wish I could express how much your story has touched me over the years. My heart aches for you, your family and friends, but also for all the readers whose lives you’ve touched. I hope you know how much you have meant to so many, even though we may not know you personally. I will never forget the brave woman who opened her heart and shared her story. May God bless you and keep you safe in his arms. I wish you love and peace.
Dear Alicia-I sobbed my way through your first story years ago and find myself doing the same now. I am so sorry your story didn’t have a fairy tale ending. It does sound as if you made the most of your short time here and managed to live in the moment. You faced down a diagnosis and wrote about it. We all felt that we were in the waiting and exam rooms with you, your writing is a gift. Prayers and thoughts to you and your family.S
Alicia –
Thank you so very much for sharing your story. You’re a brave, wonderful person (or at least you describe yourself that way). And you’ve earned the love of untold readers.
Be at peace.
Dear Alicia,
Your weekly stories caught my eye when they were first published and I’d wondered how you’d been doing over time. Ironically, I just saw the article in sfgate.com about you just as I found out my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As I sit in denial I read the update on your health and am humbled by the light of your spirit. I am saying a prayer for you and your loved ones. Know your courage and strength has inspired many. God bless you and thank you so much for sharing your life and spirit with all of us.
I have followed your story and been so inspired by your courage. You have given me an example of someone who embraces life in the face of the unknowns, and creates humor a and friendship along the way. Thank you for that gift, the gift of your writing, and your willingness to share your journey with strangers like me. It has meant a lot and you have taught me a lot about living every moment and being brave. Wishing you peace and comfort. Thank you so much.
Alicia, you have been here before. This is one of many lives you have lived. May you come back and inspire us again. Your soul and spirit is a gift to all. You have met eternity.
You are such a brave woman! Thank you for sharing your story.
Dear Alicia, I’ve just recently read about your story and I must say that you touched my heart; with everything you’ve been through in the past 5 years, you are an amazingly strong and brave woman. As like everyone people go through things that no one can control, and when you hear people with your story, people who dont give up who live their life in the best ways possible. Personally you have become a hero to me. You are an amazing woman and I have the utmost respect for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, and may god bless you with a miracle.
congratulations on your marriage. love is life. xo norah
Dear Alicia,
Like countless others I followed your story and felt kinship while gathering courage from your honesty and openness.
Thank you so, so much for having such a big and generous heart, such wide open eyes, and such courage. You leave this plane much better place having had you in it.
All my thoughts are with you, your family, and your little dog. I hold you in my heart, and wish you peace, joy, light and love on your journey.
Love from Kat and Ginsberg the dog
Dearest Alicia,
From the moment we read your first article we have followed you in our thoughts and prayers. During those first 17 weeks, I raced home to read your article – sometimes to cry and many times to laugh along with you. Thank you for allowing those who have cared about you all this time to share in this very personal time. God Bless you and your extended family.
Dear Sweet Alicia,
We just heard from Kevin that you are now in the hospital, and we found and read the article about your status. We know that mutual friends have been to visit you, and so glad that they have. So much love between Ken’s family and yours.
We think of you and your family, remembering your Mom and her loving heart – such a beautiful person – just like her daughter.
We are so glad you chose to write and to share your story so that others could know you, if only through your writing.
Please know that we are sending our love your way. You are a bright light that will shine forever.
You are the embodiment of love, sweet girl.
With love and prayers
Heidi and Jeff
Hi Alicia: Know that you have touched us all with your heartfelt writing. You writing has had a profound impact on all of us, and we are all thankful for this. Your courage in facing life’s challenges has been an inspiration.
you’ve done a lot of good. people are clearly better for knowing you, personally or through your story. i’m sending thoughts of warmth, love, peace to you, sweet girl.
Alicia, I offered you my prayers, trust in the Lord with all your heart. The Lord loves you and so do I.
Dear Alicia,
I have been so moved by your writing and by your willingness to share your journey with us. You and your family are in my heart.
Denise
Dear Alicia,
I don’t even know what to say…except your story has moved and touched me in such a profound way. Reading your story was odd for me because though I’ve never experienced tragedy the way you have, I almost imagined I was you, which only caused me to think about how I would handle all you’ve gone through. It made me very reflective, so thank you.
I also wanted to write a prayer for you:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for your beautiful daughter, Alicia. I thank you that even though she and I have never met, we are sisters in Christ. I pray You continue to be with Alicia in this time as she prepares to leave this life behind and move into a place where there she will suffer no more. Give her the peace and comfort she needs in this time and remove all fear from her in Jesus name!
As your servant Paul stated, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain…I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…”
Lord, I pray that when she sees you face to face, she will hear the desired words of “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
In Your Son’s name Jesus,
Amen
What a beautiful note. I was so touched by it.
Thank you. I came across this quote and thought of Alicia: “Faith makes a Christian. Life proves a Christian. Trial confirms a Christian. Death crowns a Christian.”
Alicia is soon ending her race but will attain her prize and that’s to be with Christ for eternity. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. ” James 1:12
“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ” John 14:2
I am not envious of Alicia’s situation, but I am that she will soon meet our Lord!
Dear Alicia,
My thoughts and feelings echo those that have preceded me on this blog – please know that your courage and light will continue to inspire many of us and your spirit will remain. Finally, I’d like to share one of my favorite poems by Mary Oliver:
To live in this world, you must be able to do 3 things:
To love what is mortal;
To hold it against your bones knowing that your own life depends upon it;
And when the times comes to let it go,
Let it go.
May you spend your remaining time in peace and without pain or fear…..
Dear Alicia,
Please know that I am celebrating you in this world and praying for a peaceful, positive transition to the other side.
I don’t know if you are aware of a group of women called the “Threshold Choir” (thresholdchoir.org)- they have small groups of women come and sing to the ailing and to their families. It is non-religion based though the woman will try to sing songs that are meaningful to you if they know them.
You will continue to be in my heart and thoughts and I will do acts of kindness and charity with you in mind.
Love to you, dear lady,
Deanna C. from Walnut Creek, CA
Dear Alicia,
Your story is truly inspiring. You are the reason I will keep fighting for my patients as long as I live. I am embarking on a long awaited journey to nursing school; please know that I will hold you, and your story, in my heart always.
Good luck my dear.
Stay strong.
Always,
Diana, future RN
alicia-my thoughts and prayers are with you, family and friends. your articles that you have written are so touching. you are a true inspiration for so many people. loved by so many and affected so many with your courageous battle. thank you for allowing a glimpse into your peronal life. god bless you!
Alicia, you’re a helluva writer, and I only wish we could see more of your words. You’re leaving too soon, but you’ve given much while you’ve been here. Peace and comfort be with you.
Alicia:
You are the most courageous person i regret i never had the honor to meet. Your courage and beauty is accentuated by your grace. When my 8 year-old daughter becomes a woman, i will tell her about you. Be at peace, and may God bless and love you.
May God comfort your family.
Hi Alicia — I began following your story when I was in my second year of medical school, and I’m now a resident pediatrician. I was really touched by your articles, and your ability to so eloquently articulate your experience. I feel like you’ve given me an invaluable glimpse into the souls of my patients, and I thank you for it. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-Alexandra
Alicia,
Your stories have been a treasure since the beginning and helpful through losses within my family with the BIG C. Your courage, honesty, sweetness, and humor have helped so many. I am forever grateful and hope there is comfort in knowing all of what you have shared has been positively spread and still continues to be a resource of peace of mind, reality and love for many when dealing with or living with the BIG C. Thats more than many when living up to your full potential and purpose. You have been like an angel via words and print. Thank you.
Dear Alicia,
My heart and thoughts are with you. Two of my brothers were ill at young ages. Tim was only 21 when, out of the blue, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When I read about you, it made me think of how he fought for 3-1/2 years, and yes, he always chose life for himself too, no matter the pain and struggle. He matured overnight and grew spiritually more than I have in my 60 years of life. My brother Mark was only 32 when he had AIDS. He also fought bravely, but this was in the 1980s and not much was known at the time to help him. His battle was brief. They were ill at the same time, and they gained strength from each other in their unique journeys. I wish you wondrous joy in the days ahead with your loved ones.
Hi Alicia, I have been reading your story from the start and found you to be a very courageous person and a wonderful and funny writer. You have made thousands of friends like me who will never forget you. I will keep you in my prayers and go easy into the night.
Sincerely, Dan
Dear Alicia,
Much, much love and positive thoughts to you and Clarabelle from Santa Cruz. You are an inspiration and in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo
Alicia,
I began reading your story five years ago and was struck then and now by what a fine writer you are. Further, I was amazed and moved that a woman so young could demonstrate such grace and courage. You have inspired me and won a place in my heart. Continue your journey knowing that you are in our prayers and in our hearts.
Sincerely yours,
Carl Pittman R.N., CCRN
Chico, Ca.
Just want you and all your loved ones to know that I’m thinking of you and and the strength you have given so many. I will hug my kids more and my furry friends too! Always in my thoughts. Who knew a stranger could make my life better…xo
Nancy
Alicia,
Thank you for sharing your journey. You are an amazing woman!
Dear Alicia,
I am praying that your family will read this email and forward my message to you, along with praying a special prayer at your bedside, on your behalf. I am praying this prayer for you.
I want to tell you of a special prayer for the sick. It is a miraculous prayer, from my own experience. It is God’s Mercy directed at us in a special way when we pray it, or when others pray it for us.
We know that all things work for the best for each soul, because God loves us with a love that is so much beyond our perception, that if we were to feel this love for a few seconds, it would feel as if every atom of our body, soul and environment were saturated with molecules of love and the brightest light. The love that is felt is beyond any experience of human love that we have ever had. The few moments of this loving illumination would wipe away every sorrow from us. It would fill us with the knowledge of the truth, that is, that those few seconds of illumination were just a hint of the life of heaven.
I know you are already in a bad condition. I pray that your loved ones will read this email and pray this prayer for you, at your bedside. Have full confidence and complete trust in the Lord, no matter what happens.
The prayer I ask to be prayed for you is the Divine Mercy Chaplet, to be prayed while looking at the image of Jesus known as the Image of Divine Mercy. The prayer can be found online by googling “prayer of the chaplet of divine mercy” or under “the Divine Mercy message from the Marians of the Immaculate Conception”.
I assure you that God’s unimaginable mercy and love surround you. Trust Him.
With my prayers for you,
Sonia
Thank you for sharing your journey. You are an amazing woman.
Hi Alicia,
I don’t know you, but I wanted to take time to let you know how much I admire and respect you. The life you have been blessed with has left an indelible mark on my heart. Thank you for sharing your story with us, I will never forget you.
Congratulations on your marraige too, it is very difficult to find love (and you did it on public transportation no less)
The best for you will never be enough,
Emily
peace,love and light to you.
Dear Alicia,
I followed your story from the beginning and then I lost track of your postings as the blog location changed. Just wanted to let you know, as I am sure you already know, you have touched so many people struggling with Cancer. When I first started reading your blog, I actually hosted a site for women living with cancer and I shared your blog with all of them.
As for myself, I like you lost my Mom to Cancer. Actually I have lost 9 members of my family to cancer. I also have visited MDA. Thankfully I am fine today.
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us. I only hope I have the same courage you have had. You are such a special person.
Dear Alicia,
When you began telling this difficult story in the Chronicle, my husband was nearing the end of his own life. I am so glad to have the chance to tell you how much your words of courage, optimism and honest emotion helped him with his own emotional journey toward the end.
He ended up believing that we always have 5 golden minutes – focus on the minutes you are living and try not to dwell in the future, and those minutes are rare, precious and golden for everyone. I can’t always achieve that vision, but know it worked for him.
All my thanks, good wishes and powerful prayers are with you and your family & friends
For Alicia
I hope a family member or friend can read this poem to her. Poetry should never be read…it should only be listened to.
To an Athlete Dying Young
by A. E. Housman (1859-1936)
The time you won your town the race
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.
To-day, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
And set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town.
Smart lad, to slip betimes away
From fields were glory does not stay
And early though the laurel grows
It withers quicker than the rose.
Eyes the shady night has shut
Cannot see the record cut,
And silence sounds no worse than cheers
After earth has stopped the ears:
Now you will not swell the rout
Of lads that wore their honours out,
Runners whom renown outran
And the name died before the man.
So set, before its echoes fade,
The fleet foot on the sill of shade,
And hold to the low lintel up
The still-defended challenge-cup.
And round that early-laurelled head
Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,
And find unwithered on its curls
The garland briefer than a girl’s
Sweet Girl,
What joy and peace you have found when so many would have become bitter and angry. I so admire you…for your honest expressions of fear, anger, humor, and hope.
Peace and joy in the journey…
Alicia,
You touched me deeply and inspired me.
May God hold you gently in the palm of his hand for the rest of your journey. Thank you for your courage and beauty.
D.J.
Hi Alicia. Stay strong! All the best and many prayers.
God Bless You.
Matthew
May god bless and protect you . . . sweet angel.
Dear Alicia, I hope you know how many people you have touched with your courage and honesty. I’ve been following your story since you began writing for the chronicle & have wondered often, how you were doing. In this tryng time, I want you to know how many of us there are, who are on your team. I wish you peace and an end to the pain you’ve had to endure.
Hi Alicia,
Thank you for sharing your story with us, the pain as well as the joy. What a strong and unique person you are, and will be very much missed.
~katherine
hi alicia,
i am wishing for you peace and wholeness in your life. my friend just posted your chronicle article on facebook and of course, i cried. i don’t know if you read these notes. i am so happy to hear you are surrounded by friends and of your recent marriage which is to be celebrated! congratulations! i know that your story has effected all who have read it in the general sense that we cannot avoid our interconnectedness. as for me, i embark on nursing education and a career in nursing soon and it is stories like yours that make me want to be a great nurse and think of ALL the ways i can help my patients, not just medically. you are graceful in sharing your path and i am changed by your story. may your journey be beautiful (and practically speaking, your pain management good). love to you and those who surround you,
jami
Alicia, hi, my name is Kelli, and I’ve been following your story online for, well, just about as long as you’ve been posting, via sfgate, etc…..and, of course, they have always been a VERY emotional read…and, it’s kinda hard now to write to you, after learning what’s going on with you now…but, if you can have the courage to do what you are doing, plus letting us, the public know, then….well, anyway, you are in my thoughts, as you are with countless others. Thankfully we now live in the age of the Internets, and all that goes with that, good and bad. But this, this opportunity to communicate with you, is all good of course, for us out “here”, and I’m sure for you too! Thank you for sharing your life, at least parts of it, with us, Alicia. And, you’ve been a part of keeping my spirits up too…though my “problems” pale in comparison, but your story has definitely helped me, and I thank you for that too.(Hugs) Just keep having peace and love in your heart, dear girl…I know that you will, and hopefully that miracle will happen soon. (HUGS)
With Love,
Kelli Nicole
Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain into songs.
Let the flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest.
Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way.
–Rabindranath Tagore
Thank you for all your amazing gifts to this world, Alicia.
Hi Alicia: I’ve been wondering what has been going on with you. I saved all the stories as them came out in the Chronicle back in 2005. You contacted cancer within the year I did. I had organs and lymph glands taken out, and so far so good. I was so touched with your update.
One of my dear friends died Easter morning after a brave battle with cancer of only one year. Her obituary can be read under Jill Ehorn-Foy. She was 56. The nice thing for her is she had a strong belief system. everyone has some sort of belief system to get through life. After all we are just molecules. Her belief system in the Mormon Religion have us all believing she will see her late husband, and mother after death. The missionaries would be able to give you a nice blessing if you wanted one.
I loved your writing, and felt I knew you and your sweet dog when it arrived. the writing was so personal. Jill’s daughter Valerie Scott kept us all up to date by writing one on a blog site called mom and her journey. I had a special place I could find it, but I deleted it Easter morning after she died.
I will think of you moving on to another mission when you time comes. I hope you meet jill. She is lovely, and alot of fun. You can read her obit to get to know her in the Spectrum Daily News is where I found it
Hi Alicia
You’ve made me realize how small my problems are. God be with you, you are a brave and beautiful girl.
Henry
Alicia :PS. I just found the blog site which Jill’s daughter Val wrote about her mother’s journey. Her active mother, putting all she could into pursuing treatments and life, and yet inspiring and doing for others. Her mom’s brave journey was well written as was yours. Not as humorous, but personal. what a nice idea these journals are, and useful to others for inspiration. This is the address:momandherjourney.blogspot.com. I don’t know if you find comfort in this sort of thing, but I hope you’ll get to know Jill through her daughter’s journal.
Love, Nancy
Hi! Alicia,
I came to know about your story while surfing the website of Spirit Daily, a Catholic website about spiritual news.I beleive that it was not a coincidence that I was led to your story.I started praying for a miracle to be granted to you, through the intercession of the Queen of Peace who appeared to six visionaries in Medjugorje since 1981.Now 3 visionaries are still receiving daily apparitions from the Blessed Virgin Mary.I had been to that place to pray for my mother’s healing from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. My prayer was answered.You can go to this website-Medjugorje web and send a petition to the visionaries to pray for your healing.With faith and trust in the Almighty God ,everything is possible.
I will continue to pray for your healing. Pray the Divine Mercy chaplet every 3:00 pm.
God Bless,
Myrla
What a wonderful inspiration you are! How awesome that the Lord has used your situation to let others know the importance of faith. I will be praying for you and your family as you complete your journey and behold Jesus, face to face. Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts with all of us.
I wish my daughters and I could have known you; they are all around your age. You would have all had a great time laughing about all the silly things young women get such a kick out of, especially when it concerns their mom’s clothes.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His Face shine upon you and give you peace. In Jesus’ name, Janet
Dear Alicia:
When I first started reading your story all those years ago I was so moved by your courage. It is so important that as we transition from one life to another we do not close off. In 2005 I was 55 and relatively healthy. I was diagnosed with breast cancer March 9,2008. I went through treatment and my prognosis at this point is good. However it gave me pause to think this could be a huge teaching tool for others. I am in the midst of writing a book. I do my blog every day or so and I want to start a Foundation for women like myself who are alone. You are a very special woman and clearly a teacher.You are in my prayers and your story will always stay in my heart. God uses us all in different ways and while it is not always what we want it is his will not our own.
With great respect and affection,
Celeste Smith
Redmond,WA
Alicia — San Francisco is a better place because of the many people you have touched and inspired by the purposeful way in which you have lived your life. I hope your remaining days bring you joy and you fully recognize you mattered to many people that you never met.
Alicia,
You and I have not met, but I’ve been following your story since the beginning. As a cancer survivor (dx with lymphoma at age 24 and breast cancer at age 41), I can relate to so many of your experiences. Your story has provided me with hope and comfort. To experience the strange and sometimes bizarre cancer journey, it is most comforting to know we are not alone. Thank you deeply for sharing your story and for the gift of your writing!
Wishing you much peace, contentment and love.
Hi Alicia
David and I have been following you since you first started writing, fell away for a while but we’re back. We know too well where you and your soulmate, and your family are in this process – we’ve done it.
I can tell you a few things I know now that I didn’t know then – I don’t know if they’ll help or if you’re not ready to know … but I believe in cosmic timing, and the idea that nothing is in our hands – so I’ll just let it roll.
My David went to the other side in June 2008 – with my hand on his heart. I can tell you that the veil between here and there is so thin – if you all work hard you can feel one another – any time you want to. Its an amazing power you’ll have to touch and guide this beautiful circle of friends & family the way I am touched and guided now by David.
I want you to know this because I know – inside all of it, there is an amazing peace that enables you to give us just a little of it here on earth.
So when you find your way to the other side of the veil, you and everyone around you should know — you’re right here still — and everyone is changed in the most beautiful way because of the journey… no matter how terribly human it feels now.
Love to you all
Corinne on this side
David on the other side.
Alicia,
You’re in our hearts and prayers … thank you for sharing your life story with us. You are a brave and beautiful person! Though we have never met, I am sending you a big bear hug.
Jeannie
I’ve been reading your story for five years now, and it was a real inspiration to me, as I started blogging right around that time. Reading your hopeful words really helped me get through a dark time in 2006.
I hope that the coming weeks are deeply peaceful and really meaningful for you and your fiance. Alicia, you’re amazing, and you have really inspired me.
God bless – Adam
I lived with your story,I cried when you cried,I missed you when you stopped writing and a piece me will leave this world when yo leave.
I pray and wiil light a candle for you tonight.
I read your posts on the SFGate site until you stopped writing. Your words touched my heart. It saddens me that you are losing your battle … you are much too young … I hold you in my heart and in my thoughts .. you are a beautiful woman and inspire me … I will channel you when I face a battle of my own in the near future. I pray for a miracle for you. With affection, natalie
I can’t say I didn’t let out a gasp when I saw the headline on sfgate.com above Alicia’s picture. I read her series of articles and would often wonder how she was doing when I didn’t see anything new for a while. I feel like i know her.
I will be 28 next month and I guess being the same age just males me feel some sort of connection. I can’t imagine going through something like this and being as positive, resilient and fearless as she has been.
I hope your time is peaceful and filled with all the things you love most!
You really are an inspiration for so many of us.
Dear Alicia-
I have never met you but somehow I love you. Your courage, grace, spirit and open-heartedness leave me humbled, overwhelmed and inspired. As I sit here tonight reading the latest story about your journey I can’t stop myself from crying- crying in a way I had forgotten I knew how to. Crying not only from the sorrow I feel for you and your loved ones, but from the sheer beauty of the way you have chosen to live the hardest days of your life. In the face of death, when it would have been so easy and understandable to be angry and resentful, you have chosen to squeeze every last drop out of this life. I wish I was half the writer that you are so I could describe just how much your story has meant to me in a difficult time in my life. And I can only pray that I will ever be half the person you are. Thank you for reminding me who it is I should aspire to be. God bless you, sweet girl and rest knowing how much better the world is for you having been in it…
Most sincerely,
Peter Imlay
Dear Alicia,
I feel blessed to have read your words and heard your story. You are a truly beautiful human being. You are in my prayers and have touched so many lives with your bravery and light. Thank you. God bless.
I just read about your story in the Chronicle, Alicia. I cannot tell you how much you inspire me. I have been sick for 1 year, recently diagnosed with a non-terminal illness, celiac disease, and my symptoms & pain have yet to subside. I have moments where I am so appreciative that my illness isn’t something worse, and I will recover, but I also have those moments of pity for myself I am ashamed to say, when the pain is bad. Now when I think I might have a moment of pity I will not. I will remember to think of you and others who are incredibly strong, dealt a much worse hand, much worse pain, and instead I will push forward, appreciate all that I have and continue to try and do good deeds.
PS-My big dog sends you lots of doggy love! He’s a shepherd!
alicia has done more and touched more people than most
do in a longer lifetime…. she is not in an unenviable position.
My love and admiration is for her……
steven
Alicia, you are an amazing person and an inspiration. May you be blessed and I have no doubt, will enjoy yourself thoroughly—you’ve taught me and others to live, love, and laugh!
Alicia,
I cried this morning when I read the article in the Chronicle, and I’ve been thinking about you all day. I remember reading your story in 2005, when I first moved to San Francisco. Your words beamed with strength and courage…giving me hope as I struggled with my Mom’s incurable cancer diagnosis. Know that your words and your spirit have touched me deeply….I will never forget you. May you be at peace.
With love,
Kari
Hi Alicia,
My name is Casandra. You don’t know me, but I feel like I know you. You are such a beacon of light and wisdom. I now that the journey wasn’t as long as we would like it to be, but God has used you tremendously. You are a miracle and have brought miracles to many. I pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort you and your family during this time. Soon you will be surrounded by light and Love. Your spirit is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I recall a verse that seems fitting at this time, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” ~1 Peter 5:10
Jesus, I thank you for Alicia and I thank you for the testimony that is her life. I pray for healing and comfort and peace and love to embrace and envelope her and her family.
I pray blessings over you and your family.
In His Love,
Casandra
I was very touched by your story and I would like to offer you something that would be a comfort to you at this time. Please go to http://www.biblesforamerica.org/ and get a free boxed study Bible with excellent footnotes. Here is a sample footnote on Heb. 12:2 – ” The wonderful Jesus, who is enthroned in heaven and crowned with glory and honor (2:9), is the greatest attraction in the universe. He is like an immense magnet, drawing all His seekers to Him. It is by being attracted by His charming beauty that we look away from all things other than Him. Without such a charming object, how could we look away from so many distracting things on this earth?”
I hope this is as much a blessing to you as it has been to me.
Alicia, I didn’t know about you or your work before reading the article on SF Gate online today, but it moved me enough to compel me to write this simple note to you. I lost my mother to cancer in December of 2001, and just lost my only brother to rhabdomyosarcoma this past December.
I’ve had my run-ins with this disease and I know what it does to people. Chances are more than fair that someday it will touch me in the flesh as well, considering my family’s history with it.
I’m a soon-to-be 42 year-old man who has wasted a lot of time in his life, and who hasn’t really accomplished much, not even half of what you’ve accomplished in yours. You’re full of youth and promise, and you are a beautiful person who does not deserve this.
It is for those reasons that I would gladly trade places with you right now, just as I would have been more than happy to trade places with my mother or my brother. As I get older, I find that life can be, and often is, very unfair and cruel, but I also find myself comforted by your obvious enormity of spirit and good will.
The world will be a darker, lonelier, much sadder place without you, and my consolation is that you leave us with a tremendous example of human greatness to follow. You’ve shown cynical, bitter people such as myself that we are more than what we think we are, and that we have more to offer our fellow human beings than just pessimism and apathy.
In the years that I have left, whenever my thoughts turn to my mother and my brother, I’ll also think of you, and of the brilliant light you leave behind for all of us to follow. Travel safe and secure in the knowledge that there are many of us left here who will always strive to be like you, as you reach the place where those who left before us dwell in happiness and joy.
Thank you for sharing this earthly place this you, until we all meet again!
Alicia,
Be at peace and know that you’ve touched so many people with your strength.
Thank you for your inspiration and courage.
Oscar and Ada
Alicia, I’ve followed your story since the beginning. At the time you were writing, I was losing my close to friend to kidney cancer.
I wish you strength and peace, and I want to convey that you’ve touched more people than you’ll realize with your candor.
You may not have lived as long as you’d have wished to, but you’re lived VERY well. I know I’m a stranger, but I can assure you that you’ve touched me in a way that will likely stay with me for the rest of my life.
peace.
Alicia,
May you fully feel all the love that surrounds you.
My warmest regards,
janet
Alicia,
Hugs, Hugs and more Hugs.
God bless you and your family,
Becky
Dearest Alicia,
I know you are in your final moments, but know that your words touched SO many of us, young and old. You will not be forgotten.
I lost my father to cancer a few months ago and I was by his side with hospice until his final moments. His departure was magical and beautiful… no matter how sad we all felt, he left in peace.
I wish for you, my lovely girl, that you find peace on the other side. We are all headed over that way eventually to see you again.
Much love from a stranger.
xo
Dear Alicia
I remember the first article that ran 5 years ago about you and your story and today I read the most recent one from Boston and cried at how strong you are, and how brave you are to have shared your life so openly with the world.
Thank you for all the truth, emotion, and life in your writings.
Stay strong–you are loved!
Peace.
Dear Alicia,
I’m sad to hear you are at the end of your life and in pain. I started reading your story in 2005 then lost track and assumed you had been miraculously cured.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Big hugs to you, your family and friends.
Dear Alicia,
I am so moved by your courage and loving heart. Your Family and Friends are so amazing too.
I have cancer myself and reading your stories has made it easier to go to my appointments and enjoy all of life’s precious moments.
I have two dogs, Kona and Shuga Bear( a rescue dog from Katrina). My Reiki healing energy goes out to you and your family and friends.
Love, Peter
Hi Alicia,
I wish you peace, love, comfort. Your story has affected many people. God bless, (hugs)
:>) Charlene
Dear Alicia,
I just wanted you to know that your story has touched my life tremendously. I am 35 years old so I am very close in age to you. I have been reading your blog entries since you started publishing weekly stories in the chronicle some years back. You are a courageous person whose strength I admire. I will always be a fan of yours. I hope one day your story will make it to the big screen so that you can continue to touch millions of lives. I will be praying for peace, to both you, your family and loved ones.. also will be praying for a miracle cure for you as well.
Yours in kind,
Cherie
Yes, I too have thought of you often, and recently much more. I moved to San Francisco in 2005 and read your stories on-line. I have been touched by you and somehow wish there was a way to give to you in this life as you have given to me. And, I would give you more. I wish you enough. Big Hug.
Dear Alicia,
I sit here with weeping eyes and marvel at the wisdom and grace that someone so young can impart to so many of us who are reading your story. I am touched by your courage, your poise and your spirit as you navigate your amazing journey of faith, inspiration, pain and acceptance.
I am a social work professor. As such, I teach my graduate students about the process of death and dying and the meaningful living that occurs throughout it. Your story has inspired me and I wanted to let you know that I plan to use it every semester as a means of helping my students understand how to empower their clients to live and be vibrant as they work toward acceptance and peace with their death. For years to come, your story will live on in their minds and in the journeys of the clients they help and serve. I’m reminded of the starfish story you mentioned that your oncologist told you early on in your treatment when I say to you that your experiences will matter to many. While as social workers we cannot reach everyone who is in need, hopefully the lessons my students learn from your story will be a vehicle for helping many clients who are facing the dying process to find grace, peace and beauty in their process as you did. Know that sharing your journey will help many others and will inspire meaning for those of us in the helping professions who are honored with the opportunity to serve patients like you.
Blessings to you and your loved ones. And heartfelt thanks from a teacher who has been taught by you.
with admiration,
Caroline
Alicia, Family and Friends,
You’ve been in my thoughts for many weeks. I knew something was going on but hadn’t seen anything on SFGate for awhile so was hoping for a positive outcome. Thank you for sharing your story and know that many thoughts and prayers are with you as you traverse this road. Hold onto each other and remember that life and loved ones are precious even though it’s hard when things seem darkest.
Rest in Peace, dear one. You touched many lives.
Alicia, I have carried you around in my mind and heart these past years and I had hoped that you were in remission and without pain. I am much like others – having never met you, yet touched by your journey and connected to you in a prayerful silent and powerful embrace. May white light continue to protect you and my admiration for your bravery and faith help to see you through your final journey to a peaceful and pain-free outcome.
Your beautiful spirit will not be forgotten and your presence on this earth plane will forever glow brightly from the heavens.
Blessings to you and your family.
Karen
Alicia – from a fellow writer – to live in San Francisco is to have been lucky; the four years I spent there were some of the richest and best years of my life – this time is about you: I am so glad you were able to live in such a remarkable, alive and vibrant city…it has been a privilege to read your story – I thank you, and you will always be a part of what is wonderful and transcendent about The City. Thanks for being such a wonderful writer, and a teacher to all of us.
Best,
Dan Lyons
I’m heartbroken to hear this end to your story. there is too much to write and I’m having trouble getting it out on the screen.
just know you touched someone dearly.
you and your loved ones are in my prayers.
And if I could, I’d drive myself up to your hospital room and tell you in person how wonderful you are and how much you touched my 34 year old heart.
rest easy.
Wishing you peace, moments full of love and chocolate. Your lif has touched mine.
Alicia I don’t know you but just read your story. You are very brave and in my prayers.
Dear Alicia,
My sister in Christ, I will hold you in my every prayer throughout the day.
Alicia, please consider a recommendation that is proven to spontaneously heal some terminally ill people:
ANOINTING OF THE SICK: It is a Sacrament that is administered by a Catholic Priest. Yes, you can find one that will do this for you! It requires a simple act of faith on your part that God, if He so chooses, can heal you through this Sacrament.
A mother and son, both of whom had cancer were anointed by a priest on an Army Base in Virginia. They worshipped God at a Baptist Church. Her son had an inoperable brain tumor and she had metastatic breast cancer that had returned after a brief remission. They are both well!
Please, consider doing this. My prayers are with you.
Dear Alicia,
May your heart be filled with all the love and light that surrounds you now.
Wishing you gentle peace… and lots of cupcakes, too!
Dear Alicia,
I remember reading your blog five years ago when I was living in Berkeley and feeling so sorry for the pain you were going through, but so inspired by your honesty and courage. Just recently I wondered how you were doing and had looked for more updates. Coincidentally I went to sfgate.com today (which I rarely do) and saw your update. I was so sad, but so amazed at the way you are handling everything. I have nothing but admiration and a desire to hug you. Take care–you are clearly surrounded by love.
Stay strong,
Elizabeth
While I was reading your story and as I write now, a mockingbird is singing outside my window. Thank you for sharing your incredible strength and beauty with us.
Thank you so much for the honor of sharing this most challenging and difficult part of your life’s journey. Your story has been incredibly inspirational, and your spirit will live on forever. We’ve been blessed. God be with you and your loved ones.
Dear Alicia,
Sending positive and loving thoughts your way. Thank you for you courage, humor and love of life. You are truly an inspiration and will not be forgotten.
Maria
Sweet Alicia,
Your story really struck a note with me because I, too, was diagnosed with cancer in late 2005. As I was silently feeling overly sorry for myself, it was your beautifully crafted words that helped me through a difficult and painful time. I want to share with you something that has also helped me on my way: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship – Louisa May Alcott.”
A million thanks for your powerful insights and unrelenting generosity. I wish you a peaceful and blessed journey.
Much Love and Affection,
Sandra H.
Walnut Creek, CA
Alicia,
You are demonstrating amazing grace. May your higher power greet you with open arms, with tenderness, kindness, and honesty. Please know your example will give strength to those who may follow, and that includes all of us. You have the courage of Lindburgh, The Spirit of Saint Louis and Tingmissartoq.
Alicia,
You are so brave, beautiful, courageous, and loving. Your story is being shot through the universe-helping and inspiring others more than you can imagine.
I am interested in taking care of Clarabelle if you have not designated someone to take care of C already. I have a loving adopted greyhound that does well with any human or other animal and 3 adopted cats. tiffaniah@yahoo.com
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! You are so very brave and have a wonderful outlook on life that inspires us. You will ALWAYS be remembered with much fondness.
Simply put: you are a beautiful person. It has been such a privilege to share in your journey. Wishing you love, peace, and strength.
Hi Alicia–
I loved your stories in 2005 and I am so sad to hear that you are not doing better. You are a very gifted and loving young woman who is making the most of every day you have. You’re an excellent writer with a big heart. I wish you strength and peace and plenty laughs in the time you have remaining. You have touched thousands of us Chronicle readers as well as your own friends and family. I hope you can feel all the love that is around you. You won’t be forgotten!
With love,
Lisa Ochs
(Mission District)
I have been following your story since you first shared it…and over the past few years have googled your name to see if there was any news. Today, when I visited sfgate.com, I gasped when I saw your picture and tears sprang to my eyes as I read the update….Alicia, I am so sorry. You are such a beautiful soul and have touched so many lives. Thank you for sharing your story. I am happy you are surrounded by love and beauty and wish your friends and family strength and peace as they offer you support. I never met you, but my heart as heavy as I imagine this world without you in it.
Warm thoughts,
Stacy from NH (by way of SF)
Alicia,
What a brave and courageous young woman you are. Your story touched my heart. I know your days on this earth have left a positive and bright impression on those who know you, and those who don’t know you personally, yet feel they do after reading your story. You have left an incredible gift for us with your writings. I am praying for you, your family and friends.
God Bless,
JoAnne
Alicia – you are an inspiration to us all! I too worked for the Chronicle – in the advertising dept and read every ounce of your story. I had the pleasure of meeting you in the 3rd floor bathroom one afternoon. It was like I just met a celebrity. You have touched my life in so many ways and I want to thank you for your bravery and courage in sharing your story. I will never forget it or you. Thank you for reminding me what is truly important in life. Our connections to our friends and loved ones and even strangers are really the most important thing in life. I send you love on your journey and know you will continued to be surrounded by the greatest, grandest love you could ever imagine.
I too have often Googled your name over the past couple of years to try and find a new series of writings from you. I was touched by your series in the Chronicle and your blog. Your honesty and raw emotion regarding your cancer and the struggle with your mother’s death was truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing such a painful experience with the world. As you know, your heartfelt account has truly inspired many people who, like myself, have never met you. You are a beautiful soul and a wonderful humanitarian who I feel privileged to have “met” in this world. Peace to you, Alicia.
Alicia I wanted to say that you have become a very dear friend. I wish I would have been able to meet you. You are an amazing person who has touched many people. May God be with you during these times.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world for these years. I have thought about you from time to time, wondering how you were doing. I hope you find peace and joy in these last precious moments with your family and friends.
HI Alicia,
I first started reading your articles in the Chronicle when they were first published several years ago, and I was deeply move by your story. You later adopted sweet/ shy Clarabelle from the shelter where I work. I was so touched. It was so great that you could reach out to care for another being through your treatment.
I hope for the best in the coming days.
With Peace and Love
Erika
Hi Alicia,
Your story in the SF Chronicle today was a most moving
thing. I was diagnosed with cancer six months ago and
after a devastating experience with chemo-therapy, I stopped
treatment and discharged myself from the hospital. While I was
under treatment a relative in Ireland sent me a paperback book
which provided great solace and peace of mind. It was written
by an Irish mystic name Moira Geoghegan. If you should like to
read it or have someone in your family read it to you, I’ll be
happy to have it delivered. Or you can have someone pick it
up from me. God Bless you. JOHN.
Alicia;
You are an inspiration of courage when faced with such adversity. Thank you for sharing your deeply touching and personal story with the readers of the Chronicle. You have greatly contributed to our society by making us realized we are all connected to each other. God Bless you!
Hi Alicia,
I wish I could bring you the entire contents of Tartine bakery but it wouldn’t even put a dent in what the city of San Francisco owes you for the wonderful strength and inspiration you imparted with your SF Chronicle column. Thank you for what you have taught me through your writing.
Strength and love to you.
Alicia:
You crack open the hard nut of my heart.
Thank you.
Dot
Dearest old soul..seems as if you’ve traveled these parts before. It feels, as if through your words you’ve left a little piece of you in all of us..we are all so touched and honored to have been part of your life and journey for the last 5 yrs. thank you for your selflessness, honesty, love and light. The Tears are flowing but, Alicia, know that you will soon be with your heavenly Father and His Host of Angels..Lucky YOU!!! Rest in Peace Angel and Try To Look Forward to The next Chapter of Your Amazing Journey…
I am a 28 year-old Navy veteran. Upon completion of my 6 year enlistment I enrolled at Texas State University to follow my dream of becoming a journalist. I have worked hard and have achieved more than expected in the short time I have been in school. Every day is a new challenge but I accept it with a smile because I love what I do. I read your story today and it gives me more motivation to continue striving for my dreams. I wish you all the peace and happiness. Thank you for inspiring me!
Alicia,
your words…your voice helped create a well lit map to help others move through cancer. I am so sad that you won’t have the time to teach us more about life…because you did that so beautifully. Thank you for taking us along on your journey and for sharing yourself so openly.
God bless you.
Alicia-
You are a brave woman and your story gives me the courage to appreciate what I have and to face my fears. Thanks for giving me a little piece of you strength. I will carry it with me, always.
Sincerely,
Molly
Hi Alicia, I followed your series during the first year and would check back every now and then to see what was happening with you. Your story just grabbed me. Little did I know that two years later my mother would be diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. She died this past August.
Throughout the last two years of her life I often thought of you and hoped that you were doing well. I am sorry to hear that you have come to this point. I hope the time you have left brings you a measure of happiness and peace.
I won’t forget you. Though we’ve never met I came to care about you through your writings. I wish you the best.
Marcus
Alicia,
I wish you
Quality Time
Freedom from Pain
Love and Joy in all your remaining days.
you’ve been an inspiration to all of us, and i know you can feel our love and support all around you.
Dear Alicia, =0)
I, too was deeply saddened upon reading the article on sfgate.
Your career and inspiration provided all of us with a sense of
peace and tranquility. My sincere prayers shall be instilled all
the days of life. Keep on fighting this somber illness. Take care.
Hugs, =0)
Richard Estacio / Milpitas, CA
Alicia,
I first heard about your story today, what grace and courage you have. Thank you for being so giving with your experience, as someone who recently faced a minor cancer your strength is something I will think of often.
Hi Alicia,
I have not seen you for a long time but have been following your story in the chronicle. It saddens me greatly to be contacting you as a result of your circumstances. It is amazing that you have been able to turn such a situation into a positive influence on so many lives.
I will always remember you for your positive outlook and the amazing words that you have written that have touched so many lives affected by cancer.
Kyle
Dear Alicia,
I just wanted to let you know what a positive difference you have made in our world. Your courageous battle, words of hope and strength, your beauty and love for life have inspired all of us who have read your story to be better people.
And I thank you for that.
Sincerely
Michelle
Dear Alicia
I came across your story on SfGate and just want to read more about you. I can say that I wish I could let the tears within me roll down the cheeks instead of holding on to them. These are tears of joy, tears of sadness but more so tears of hope. Hope that Allah will bless this country and this world with many brave, strong and inspirational persons like yourself.
Reading your struggles and also about your fiancee – I felt that I can resonate with you on some levels. Travelling on Bart I see ppl not even saying a simple hello to fellow travellers and then I read your story – there is hope.
I read about your struggles and feel hope for all those in hospitals and long term cares. There is hope.
I read about your inner strength and love of life – I feel there is hope for the world which unfortunaetly is going through mindless mayhem and killings – under some or the other pretext.
I read about your love for simple things in life and feel hope exists for everyone who just wants to have more assets no matter gathered ethically or at the expense of an evening with the family.
You are one of the few who have brought hope to all of us and dp know that you have indeed touched me. May Allah bless you and make the pain easy on you.
Alicia, I am so sorry that this part of your journey has come so quickly; and yet you are facing it with your characteristic courage, humor, and enduring love for your friends. I am simply in tears to know of this turn. I remember reading your story in the Chron. I had hoped all had turned out well for you.
Please drink in all the love that you are being sent, and carry it with you when you leave us behind. I don’t know you, but I love you.
Alicia,
Though I have never met you, what an amazing woman you are. Your strength inspires us everyday. I ran across you story in the chronicle while on a vacation to SF, and it was the most moving thing I have read in years. I can hear you every word and emotion resonate through my head over and over again. You are an angel come to tell a story that leaves a permanent imprint on every heart you grace your prescence upon.
Alicia, I live in Virginia and have been reading the SF Chronicle on-line since it came to the ‘Net (49er nut-loved your story about your memories of Bill Walsh.) I read your story the first day it was published and have followed it ever since. I truly hoped your journey would not end this way and my heart aches for you and all that you have been through. Be at peace and please know that you have had a profound impact on so very many people.
Leila
Alicia:
I am a 60 year old man who lost his six figure job almost a year and a half ago.
Whatever doubts I had remaining about myself as a person, have vanished once I read of your incredible journey. You have taken the “no” out of “no way” and have provided me with the hope and determination that I need to move forward.
My issues are minor compared to what you are going through. I view your life as if having just witnessed a comet — screaming ever so bright through all the lives you have touched…blazing a path of hope and serenity. And as the distance starts to separate us from you, may the journey you have now embarked on allow you the peace, comfort and richness that you so much deserve.
God speed.
Lew Silverman
Alicia, my first reaction when I read this headline was, “What the f**k!!!! It can’t be true!”. You are so inspirational, and I feel like it was just yesterday when I first read your articles in the paper. I was unemployed at the time, and you lifted up my spirits. I even wrote to the Chronicle to find out what happened to you. They just referred me to something else I had already read. I just can’t believe your story. I wish your wisdom could be injected into everyone on this earth. And I wish a miracle could be injected into you, too. We all love you, girl 🙂
One of my favorite prayers. May it touch you as it does me.
Blessings
True Promises
God has not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our life through;
God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But God has promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor
Light for the way;
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying Love
Dear Alicia, Whenever I look at my tattoo of a lily on my right wrist, I will think of you and the day I sat one person away from you in a restaurant in Glen Park, next to our Pastor C. I wonder if you remember that I told you it was you that inspired me to go to Black & Blue Tattoo to get mine, after you’d gotten yours. We compared our tattoos. I think I saw you once more at church after that. My tattoo is permanent. So is my memory of you. I shall never forget your courage and grace. Go with God, go in peace and love.
Sharon from St. Mark’s
Oh, and I forgot to say – My favorite novel of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird, too.
Alicia – I am shaken and terribly saddened by this news today. I followed your articles a couple of years back and think often of you, your story and the example you have set of seeing the brighter side despite pain and difficulty. I have in recent years been going through some longstanding, debilitating physical issues, and had actually just recently taken a look on-line in an attempt to catch up to where you were at as you had helped me in the past.
My heart is with you, and when the darkness comes I have for so long tried as you say to “always choose life”. I will continue to do so and live by the example you’ve set. Godspeed to you my friend I haven’t ever met and congrats on the precious new union with Lucas!
Thank you for all you have so valiantly accomplished and passed along to so many of us here in the Bay Area and around the world. Jeff Harrington
Alicia,
I have never met you, but just reading about your story on the SF Chronicle has touched my heart so much and is so inspiring, showing that people should never take life for granted. I will never know the magnitude of pain you are going through. I am saddened that you are in such a state, but I am so happy that you are at peace with yourself. God Bless your soul.
Annie in Berkeley
Your strength,humor and courage have been an inspiration to myself and many others. I feel joy for you for the day when you will enter God’s heavenly kingdom to be forever free of pain and suffering. God bless you.
Dear Alicia,
Thank you for sharing your very personal journey with all of us. I think we are all that much richer because of it. I admire your fortitude. You are so intelligent and wise, and I just wanted to tell you so. May you go in peace.
Jen
Aloha Alicia,
You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story. I will never forget you. I pray for blessings of peace and comfort. You’ve made me a better person. You’ve made the world a better place. God Bless You, your family, your friends, your medical team. Sending you a rainbow…
from Ellen in Hawaii
Hi Alicia,
I don’t know you, but I feel like I do. I followed your story in the Chronicle. You are such an amazing writer and an inspiring woman. My thoughts are with you!
Stacey
Hi Alicia,
I too have been following your story since you first started writing for the sf chronicle. your story brought tears to my eyes when i first started reading, and I so admired your bravery, persistence, and humor. You are truly an inspiration to me, and I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you, Monica
Alicia,
From a Grandma, my love to you. Thank you for being a part of my being as I read your story.
Dear Alicia, I just happened upon your story browsing sfgate.com and was so touched by your bravery, honesty, humor, and kindness. Words can’t express how your story has touched me but trust that it has. Thank you for sharing your journey.
god bless
Alicia,
I first read your about you shortly after you began telling it in the SF Chronicle. I am saddened that, for some reason, you were not blessed with better genetics and better health. You are an amazing young woman, with incredible courage. I hope you enjoy what time you have remaining, hope you minimal pain and suffering, and wish you and your family the best during this most difficult time.
As many others have said, we all say we have “problems” in our lives. They surely are minor in comparison. Thank you for spreading the message for everyone to be positive in our own lives despite our difficulties.
You don’t know me, I don’t know you, but thank you for changing my life!
Like so many others, I followed your story — laughing, crying, praying and mostly hoping along with you. I Googled you when the stories stopped to try and find out how you were doing. Please know what an inspiration you’ve been to me — one year post-surgery for breast cancer (with a mother who also had multiple cancers — and is still alive at age 80). Your ability to maintain a wonderful fierceness — along with grace and humor — has inspired and comforted me more than you will know. God bless you, my dear. I am sending you a virtual big hug. You are loved and you are special.
Alicia,
I have followed your journey since the beginning and want to thank you for being so generous to share it with so many. Take in all the love that surrounds you and know that so many people who only know you through your writings, have you in their thoughts and prayers.
I wish you peace….
Diana
Alicia,
Thank you so much for sharing your story and affecting so many people’s lives.
*hugs*
Alan
Hi Alicia, You take care now, I’m sending you redbud blossom breezes from St. Louis. Like snow gently falling, but pink instead of white, the tiny buds of fragrance are dancing gently on your soul. Breathe them in and they twinkle on your smile. Gaze into the sun and they swim into your heart. Touch them softly and they linger with dew on their petals. Watch them at night and the lightness never leaves. I hope you like the blossom breezes, dear being.
Alicia,
I have followed your amazing story for years now. Like many, I am baffled as to why this is happening to you. So much is beyond our comprehension.
I hope you are finding love, peace, and comfort — now and when your spirit takes to freedom. Bless you.
Jim L., Portland, Oregon
Dear Alicia,
I started to read your articles on sfgate when I was pregnant with my first child, and was able to cry, laugh, and feel deep and intense emotions at a very important time in my life, thanks to your writing -ok, and maybe the hormones too ;). I will tell my daughters about your wisdom when they are old enough to understand. I am sending you all my love from my little hill in San Francisco. If there is anything that I can do or bring to make you smile, please let me know. Hugs.
-Lucia
Alicia:
I am sorry, but I’m actually not writing to you. Not because I don’t care, but because I care a great deal. I lost my fiancee Jason Garcia, to testicular cancer in 2006 and I’ve walked every step you are walking now, but on the other side, as someone who will be left behind, missing you, loving you, feeling an endless hole in our lives because of your absence. I know you are being taken care of, and very well! What I want to say is that to all of you working with Alicia, loving her, ensuring that her comfort, and her wishes are met, you are loved and cared about too. I write to you because I know you are there for Alicia, but it is important to know that as you carry the weight of this grief, of this tragedy, and this loss that is occuring before us, you know that there are people just like you out there who have lived through this terrible time and my thoughts, and my prayers for strength and comfort go out to each of you. You are amazing people giving of yourselves to a truly remarkable woman and I hope you know that as you face each day with its smiles and tears I am here, silently supporting each of you, cheering you on, and praying for you. Thank you for giving of yourselves to Alicia and for being a network of love and support.
Alicia, farewell. You have beamed light into my father’s dark journey. May your loved ones know the strength in you and carry it into their lives.
I’ve followed your story for the past years, always inspired by your courage, your good humor, your honesty. Thank you for being willing to share your story with us, people you’ve never known. I have been & remain most grateful to you for that.
I lived in the Bay Area for many years, although now I’m back on the East Coast. Thanks to the Web, for connecting you with so many people throughout the US & world.
I’m a devout (although non-dogmatic!) Roman Catholic; please know that I will be keeping you in my prayers as well as my thoughts. May you know the blessings of Love and Peace that come to you from Christ. Be blessed with Shalom, Pat (Patricia) Shechter, Hartford, CT
I have been a San Francisco resident my entire life. I am only one year older than Alicia and today, sadly, is the first time I have come across her story. I read the story on sfgate with tears in my eyes. These were not tears of sadness for Alicia, but rather sadness for myself because I do not think that I could ever be as brave as she is. She has my utmost respect and she has left a profound impact not only on myself but also on all those she has touched with her story.
NS
Alicia
I remember your story from a few years ago when I lived in SF. To be frank I never read a word, but I knew the subject matter. Six month ago I began my own journey when i was diagnosed with colon cancer. I have been through surgery and now chemo. I am terrified about the prospect of my future or lack there of. Your story (which I am now reading for the first time) makes me very sad and scared. I am young too and afraid to die this early. I only hope should my end come before too long I will face that time with the bravery you have shown. God bless you and all of us. I hope your transition comes peacefully.
Dear Alicia,
I have been following your story for the past five years. Over the years I have kept you in my thoughts and prayers. I want you to know that I will never forget you or your story. You are an amazing woman who has taught me the true meaning of having faith, fortitude and humor in the face of such difficult circumstances. Because of you I have come to appreciate all aspects of my life whether great or small. Thank you for having the courage to share your experience with us – through your thoughts and words we are all better people having been part of your “world”. You truly are a gifted writer because every word you wrote resonated with me and I truly felt as if I were there with you experiencing all of the emotions, feelings and thoughts you went through. I was saddened to hear that your health has declined but I take comfort in knowing that when it is time for you to go home to your mother and God, they will be waiting for you with arms wide open. Thank you Alicia for touching so many people’s lives and making a difference in this world through your story. May God bless you and your family – You will never be forgotten.
?We have been touched by your story. We lost our 38 year old daughter, Suzanne, in 2005. She had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 17 during her senior year in high school. Like you, she fought the illness for many years, living independently, working until the effects of ms made it impossible. Like you, she met the love of her life during the last few months of her life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time!
Alicia,
Just read about what’s happening to you. It is so damn unfair. So damn unfair.
I wish I knew what more to say, except that I hope you wring every second out of living that you possibly can. It sounds as if that’s exactly what you’re trying to do and your wonderful friends are helping you do.
You’re a beautiful soul, and there are many people who will carry you around in their hearts forever as a result of hearing your story.
Hello Alicia or Bonjour Alice (in my native language),
I just read the article in SFGATE and wished I live in your city to go and visit you.
I know you have Faith! And this Faith makes miracles. What I mean it’s not physical miracles. The kind of miracles that you know them very well. Love is travelling across the planet… And guess what, You are the reason! You are the Miracle!
You are Amour, Alicia!
Angel
Alicia, the articles you wrote about yourself and your journey have been inspirational and has given some insight into what goes on in life when faced with cancer. At the time of your writing I was caring for my girlfriend Cindy who was fighting her battle with breast cancer, so I could relate. Even though we lost our beautiful Cindy, I am thankful for having her in my life and for having the strength to care for her. It is great to read about you and Lucas’s love and commitment to each other. Hang in there, and Lucas, you will be stronger and a better man for caring for Alicia, as I have become through Cindy.
God Bless you both,
Walt
Alicia,
Your strength, courage, will, BIG LOVE, and sweetness touched me today. I wish that every moment you share with your friends & family is filled with peace and laughter and love. You are a precious being, and an inspiration to people all over the world, especially me.
thank you for the joy you bring to the world with your positive attitude. you are helping us all appreciate life more fully.
Jeremy
Alicia,
You are absolutely amazing. Your warmth and kindness I have felt for years reading your stories. The mark that you have made on our community is immeasurable. I wish you the very best!
Take care,
Cindy
Dearest Alicia,
I’ve followed your story since it first appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle — and your courage and grace continues to inspire. Your love of life, humor and words will always live on.
My sincere love to you, your fiancee Lucas, your dog Clarabelle and your family,
Kathy
I hope you are enjoying the love and comfort of your friends and family in this difficult time. Godspeed.
Dear Alicia, Your stories, your courage and your humor have touched me deeply. It is comforting to know that you are surrounded by the love and prayers of so many people (and a wonderful dog) to help you through your journey. I will never forget your writings, your message or the beautiful photo of you in today’s SF Chronicle. Live life to the fullest! With much love, Sandy Stamer, a friend you haven’t met yet.
I have been following your journey since 2005. I looked forward to each chapter that you shared with us. Thank you for sharing your talent. You will be missed by so many people you haven’t had a chance to meet.
I began reading your story as soon as it was published. You have friends that you have never met near and far that have continued to pray for you. Thank you for opening you heart so that others can see what courage looks like. God bless you!
Dear Alicia. I am so thankful for the time you spent as a copy editor at The Sacramento Bee. And for that silly movie we went to see just because we got free passes. I’m also thankful to have met your family in those early days of Granite Bay. Love and prayers. Pam
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
“So, two sarcomas walk into a bar…” Humor is my go-to when I try to articulate warmth and care as I’m not good at it. This is an anonymous postcard from Los Angeles…my sleeping pugs are on the patio, snoring under the blooming neon bougainvillea. Wishing you their serenity. -JH
Love and gratitude from me. Thank you so much, and may you feel an ocean of love around you as you move on through the mystery.
Dear Alicia,
I don’t know you…yet reading your articles today…I feel like I do. You are an amazing girl. I am 8 years older than you – and the thought of what you are going through at such a young age…and without your mom by your side…must be a true challenge. However, it seems you have a wonderful support team.
Reading about you really puts life into perspective…I will think twice before complaining that life is too hard and stressful because of work and kids…and all the other stuff that goes along with “normal” life. I will think of you each time a negative thought enters my head…and say…life is wonderful…no matter how stressful it is…how challenging it is. It is a journey. It really isn’t what happens to you in life…it is the way you react to it…
Please stay strong..and do not be angry…
I wish we could have known each other…I am a Peninsula girl…perhaps we will cross paths another time.
Ciao,
Genna
Dear Alicia –
I followed your blog in the Chronicle for years and have been keeping tabs on and off over time. I was both saddened and happy to know that you are receiving palliative care through hospice. After reading your words for so many years, I sense that you are facing this next stage with humor and dignity. I’m happy for you that you have so much love in your life.
Peace always
You are my hero…. your strength, courage, and grace have made a huge impact on me and thousands of others. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
Your courage, honesty and fearlessness will be with me for the rest of my life.
You will *always* be a shining light in our hearts that we will pass to our children, friends, and strangers.
You are so loved, even by strangers. Thank you for your incredible work and courage.
With much love & prayers,
Khris
Dear Alicia,
We’ve been out of touch for some time; Kaleda just sent me the link to your latest news. Kaleda and I used to work at Pets Unlimited and we introduced you to Clarabelle. We also used to babysit Clara when you needed a break. I still have the sandals that Clarabelle chewed up while staying with us. I wish that we could speak or hear from you. Who will care for Clarabelle? Can we help? You can contact me at jboothby@sfspca.org.
Take Care, we are thinking about you.
Alicia,
Your great courage will bring you back to Earth again and again. Keep up the good fight. You are truly inspiring.
My husband and I followed your story from the first posting on sfgate.com in 2005, and we are both thinking of you. You have touched our lives and we wish you peace and comfort at this time. Our thoughts are with you and your family, and please know how many people you touched with your honest writing. We are all with you on this stage of your journey.
Dear Alicia-
Your series in the Chronicle gave me courage during my own fight with cancer. Thank you so much for sharing your journey.
In October I lost an old friend from high school to a rare cancer and I thought you might want to know more about her and the foundation her family set up in her memory for young women with rare cancers. Here’s the website:
http://www.leighsakoda.com/
I’ve thought of you often over the years, and I will continue to do so. Your courage and love of life have touched me along with thousands of other readers. Sending you big hugs.
Kathy
I have been in tears all day.
You touched so many people – thank you for sharing yourself and your life.
I followed your stories and blog. You have touched so many lives with your honesty and bravery and humor such a rough time. Will Keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you!
Alicia, the fortitude of your character is both inspiring and awe-inspiring.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read your stories in The Chron over the past few years.
Thank you for leading me to Chris Zampach, who has been working with me on physical therapy since last year. It was through your column that I found her, and she is a gem.
Blessings and godspeed to you and your loved ones.
Dear Alicia,
Just read about you and how you’re so living in the now….I’m a Reiki practitioner and have been a volunteer offering Reiki to women with cancer through a local non-profit. I also do a monthly Reiki share with a few of my students and would like you to know that we have included you by sending you remote Reiki…you are in my/our prayers. We will continue to send Reiki to you up to and including the time when you transition from this life to you’re next adventure, where ever in the universe that may be.
Yours in love and support,
Cat and the Reiki Spiral share group
Alicia,
I’ve followed your story and read all of your articles religiously. You are one of the most courageous people and I was so sad to hear about the latest news today, but at the same time, am awed at your grace and bravery during this time. Wishing you and your family peace always and all of God’s blessings!
Naomi
Alicia,
I too have followed your story from the beginning and wondered how you were doing. I hope this finds you having a good day today and please know my prayers will be with you. You represent all that is beautiful in humanity. I hope you find joy in knowing how many lives you have touched.
God bless you.
Over the past few months I had actually tried Googling you just to see if there was any further news on how you were doing. Like many, I don’t know you, but I followed your journey on SF Gate. When I saw the article today, I just stared at my computer stunned. Words can’t even begin to describe how I felt, which I know pales in comparison to what you, your family and friends must feel.
I would simply like to thank you for allowing us to walk along this path with you. Though the road hasn’t always been smooth, you continued on with courageous strength and firmly secure in your beliefs. Those defining qualities will lead you the rest of the way.
Continue to live each day to the fullest. You’re an inspiration to many whose names you will never know as well as to your family and friends. Know that your words will continue to inspire even after your journey is through.
Comforting peace.
Dear Alicia,
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m deeply touched by your courage and spirit and hope that you find peace and comfort in the company of your loved ones.
I wanted to share with something I read recently written by Roger Ebert.
“I know it is coming, and I do not fear it, because I believe there is nothing on the other side of death to fear. I hope to be spared as much pain as possible on the approach path. I was perfectly content before I was born, and I think of death as the same state. What I am grateful for is the gift of intelligence, and for life, love, wonder, and laughter. You can’t say it wasn’t interesting. My lifetime’s memories are what I have brought home from the trip. I will require them for eternity no more than that little souvenir of the Eiffel Tower I brought home from Paris.”
We love you!
Alicia,
You have touched me so deeply. I also have followed you since your first Chron writing. I’m unbelievable sad to hear the latest; but, I want you to know that I will never forget you. I’ve been going through the most difficult time in my life — not physically, but emotionally. The loss of a long marriage, some other very sad and difficult things, followed by depression, weight gain, drinking. And lately, some very dark nights, when I’m ashamed to admit, I started thinking that it just wasn’t worth it anymore. Now, during those dark nights of the soul, I know I will think of you and “choose life.” Love always, S
You and your story continue to touch my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you as I surround you in mind and in heart with the light and the love of God. You are an inspiration with your grace and your courage. I am so very grateful you are here and grateful to know that you will always live in the hearts of thousands of us.
Blessings In All Ways,
You are truly an inspiration and a bright light in a sea of gloom. I will always remember you. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your courage and bravery.
Alicia, I followed your story when you wrote for the Chronicle and was so shocked to see the article today. I cannot imagine what you are feeling and thinking at this time. I wanted to let you know your life touched many and you encouraged perfect strangers to live in the moment and enjoy! I wish you peace in the coming days and peace and joy as you take the journey beyond.
Peace and all good,
Theresa
Alicia,
May you find peace knowing that you have touched so many lives. They say success is not measured in material things but our impact on others. You have truly inspired many with your courage , humor and gift of communicating through your writing.
ALICIA,
THANK 4 HAVING THE COURAGE TO SHARE UR STORY. I RESPECT UR ATTITUDE & STRENGTH. MY THOTS & PRAYERS GO OUT TO U. GOD BLESS U & GIVE U STRENGTH DAILY.
THANK YOU 4 INSPIRING ME TO NOT TAKE LIFE 4 GRANTED.
WITH LOVE FROM SAN FRAN,
BETH
My family thanks you so much for your inspirational words and thoughts. We do not know you, but you touch the lives of so many. We pray for your comfort!
I just want to say how poignant your story is. I know this might sound trite — and I don’t really know you — but you seem to be handling the fight of your life with grace, dignity and courage.
Dear Alicia–it seems to me that Lee Ann Womack’s “I hope you Dance” was “channeling” you in 2000, 5 years before your diagnosis. You epitomize choosing to dance. Keep on dancing dear one–even if it’s just in your mind! What an inspiration you are. All the best. ~Janet from San Francisco
Written by Tia Sillers and Mark D Sanders
Originally performed by Lee Ann Womack
A #1 smash hit on the Country Charts for 6 weeks in 2000
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they’re worth taking
Lovin’ might be a mistake
But it’s worth making
Don’t let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
Alicia,
I want to thank you for your courage and strength to share your story and open your heart to us all. Reading your words touched and inspired me; you helped me in my own grieving and processing after my mother passed of cancer five years ago. May the love that so many of us hold for you carry you home.
Melissa
Thank You For Being
God Bless You I Love You Peace Be Still
Alicia,
I truly don’t have many words that I feel are worth saying. I am in admiration of your strength and courage.
Thank you for being a remarkable woman.
-M
Alicia,
I keep tying and deleating what I am trying to say. No words can express how much you have given me and everyone that follow your story. I love your truth!
Prayers and love are with you!
Trixie
Alicia,
Your story touched me from the very first word. There are no words to express my admiration for your courage and strength to not only handle yourself with such grace, but to bravely and honestly share your story. Even in the grim reality that you are currently facing, it is obvious that you continue to carry that sense of calm and grace with you, as well as appreciation for each and every moment, no matter how simple. It is a humbling reminder that life is short and what matters is what we do have and not what we don’t. You are the definition of beauty and hope and faith and kindness and love. I am hopeful that you are able to live on in the many lives of those you touched. I know I am greatful for having “known” you. Congratulations on your engagement and I will continue to pray for you and to celebrate you and to keep you and your family in my thoughts.
Jennifer M.
I’m thinking of you. You are amazing.
Alicia,
Thank you for taking us along on this journey. You have shown us such courage, humor, love, tenacity and faith. You SHALL be rewarded and I know someone ready with open arms to greet you.
You, all of your family, friends and caregivers are in my thoughts and prayers. I send you much love and a virtual hug! -t2
Alicia —
I remember reading your story when it first came out in the Chron. At the time I was dealing with the grief of losing my mother, and a few short years later the passing of my father. Your courage and bravery in dealing with your illness inspired me then, and still does. Somehow reading your story helped me process some of my own grief and find a way to embrace life again. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rachel
Hello Alicia,
I have followed your story and admired your sense of life through all the struggle. You have given me courage as I have had to deal with severe chronic back pain. I love your sense of humor about it all. Thank you for giving me courage. I hope you and your love will be able to wed, even if for a short time, it is forever. I will remember you.
Love,
Jeanne
Alicia, blessings to you – your light is an inspiration to us all.
Dear Alicia,
As I read this today, my eyes filled with tears, I have been reading your story from the very beginning, you lost your mom the same time I lost mine. You are an inspiration, just as my mom was, I pray that you have peace in your heart, I pray that you are comfortable and I pray that you are surrounded by friends and family that love you at this time.
I pray that you will be surrounded by your mom in your journey…to the next place.
PEACE be with you.
Dear Alicia,
I have followed your story on sfgate.com ever since you started chronicling your difficult journey. I was moved to tears by the news that was shared today, but it was a mixture of sad and happy tears…what do they call that? Yes, bittersweet. You have accomplished more in your 28 years than most people will in 70. You have touched so many people’s lives with your courage, grace, intelligence, sweetness, honesty, humor, and vulnerability. You are going to live on in countless hearts and minds. Thank you a million times over — for allowing us to share in your life these last few years. You may not have known it, but many people (strangers) have been loving you and holding you close throughout your ordeal. Please know that we are right here with you – now and always.
Dear Alicia,
I’ve been following your story from the beginning. It has been a source of inspiration and comfort to me and my family over the past years, as both my parents faced their own cancers–my mother died in 2007 from hers and my father a couple of months ago.
Please take these words and my thoughts and prayers as small repayment for the difference you’ve made in my life and in the lives of so many others. You’ve touched more people in your 28 years than many people will in a 100.
I send you every best wish as you move into this next transition. Know that you move onward clothed in our gratitude and love.
Peace to you, your family, and friends,
Dan N.
Alicia,
I too have followed your story. Thank you for sharing your journey, the good and the not so good, always with such honesty.
Peace and blessings to you and your family.
Alicia,
I have been reading your story laughing at times as well as crying with sorrow. Interestingly enough i was thinking of you as late as yesterday wondering how you were doing.
As you know you have touched many lives and we will all leave a room for you in our hearts, a special place reserved for you.
You have left legacy in words and thoughts. May strength and peace be with you through this difficult time.
Alicia, I admire all of your courage. You fought a great fight and I know that your mother would be so proud of you. I lost my mother several years ago to Cancer and know how difficult it is living without your biggest fan. I used to tell my mom before she passed that I wasn’t going to say goodbye….knowing that we would meet again someday. I wish you peace and comfort as you continue your journey and wish you all the best. Even though I don’t know you, my thoughts are with you and your family/friends. You will alwasy be legendary at the Chronicle. May peace be with you! -Tiffany
Love You
Alicia,
I was feeling sorry for myself today, life was just stressing me out and I just couldn’t take it anymore. I’m normally a pretty level headed person, but everything was just too much. I was literally at a breaking point. Then 20 minutes ago I read your story on sfgate.com. I’m not a extremely religious person, but I don’t think it was a coincidence. Then I read all the comments and all the people you have touched. It is clear that the reason you were put on this earth was to help people in their most trying times. I don’t know if you have ever thought about it that way, but how else can you explain how people you have never met feel compelled to write to you? Your purpose here on earth is much greater than you might think, you have impacted so many peoples lives.
I think of you as a guardian angel. I just want you to know that in this darkest of days for me you have helped me so much, more than I can express into words.
Your journey has not ended, it is only beginning. Please look down upon all of us and continue to help us. I hope you are able to read this.
Hi Alicia,
You have been and remain an inspiration to me. I was diagnosed with deep tissue sarcoma in 2006. Everytime I read one of your articles I am inspired by your bravery, your wonderful sense of humor, your beautiful writing skills and your grace. You have helped me to face whatever the future holds for me. I will pray for you and remember you always. God bless you.
Denise
Alicia –
You are a lionheart – Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. Thank you for walking your talk and showing us how to live fully.
I was my brother’s stem cell donor (he is in early remission from acute leukemia), and I can’t tell you how much your story has meant to me.
Peace of heart to you and all of your family and friends.
hi alicia,
i followed your blog on sfgate and have always wondered what happened to you. it’s truly unfortunate to read today’s article about the end of your treatment. i’m sad that you have to go through such an ordeal, but would like to thank you for sharing it to the world. your strength encourages me. your outlook of choosing life even with the imminent death of your body is inspiring. even when your body goes, your spirit will definitely live on. i was once told that God deals in absolutes…I may never understand the fullness of His plans, but I know that they’re good. in your times of valleys…remember this: Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.
one day we’ll meet in the house our Father has built for us.
Alicia, As much as it saddens me to read about your life and your courageous Journey, I only wish other young people would realize how precious life is, and that they should strive daily to make the best of it. You are a true example of what is possible, and all that can be achieved in a short period of time. You are a Blessing. My prayer for you is comfort in mind , body and spirit. ” For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Cor 13:12. May God Bless and Keep You is My Prayer.
I enjoyed your writing in the Chronicle and looked forward to each new installment. You have been a brilliant example of how to live a life. Thank you.
Good luck. Insipiring to see you take the unpredictable with courage. May God bless you.
Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi
Sanskrit for
Peace, peace, peace
Hi Alicia.
I just read your story in the Chronicle and I wanted to reach out to you. My name is Liz Guthrie and I am the founder of Wish Upon a Wedding. I am a wedding planner and apparently we have a mutual friend Nicole Lisanne, another wedding planner in the area.
Wish Upon a Wedding would like to give you and your fiance a real wedding, (with an officiant, a lovely cake, flowers, and anything else you desire) and we are prepared to do so within days, if needed. We rely on our Wish Granters to donate their goods and services to couples facing terminal illness. Our weddings may take place in hospices, at hospital bedsides, or in other locations.
Please let me know if we can help you celebrate your love in this way, surrounded by those closest to you.
My direct phone number is 408-230-0978 and our website has info at http://www.wishuponawedding.org
God Bless You. You are an amazing woman.
Liz Guthrie
Alicia,
I read the article today about you. I am truely inspired by your strength and desire to appreciate the “little things” in life. I am so happy that you have been able to find the love of your life and were able to live some of your passion of writing. I am saddened that you will not get the same chance as many to have more time to live in your loving relationship with your significant other and get more kisses from your Clarabelle among the many other sweet little things life has to offer. Your story has caused me to think about how truely precious life and love are. It is so sad to me but unfortunately true that for many it takes situations like yours to help those of us caught up in the daily grind to step back and really appreciate what we have. For that I thank you. I wish you some comfort in this trying time. Love to you and your family.
Brian Joy
Citrus Heights, CA
Dear Alicia, I remember reading your blog on sfgate and thought for sure you’d beat this. I’m so happy to have had the chance to get to “know” you and to be inspired by your courage and grace in such difficult circumstances. I loved it when you rescued Clarabelle and I’m so glad you found the man of your dreams. Sorry, I’m rambling a bit, but I’m so sad right now…I don’t know what to say. My thoughts right now are with you and your family and friends.
You are a beautiful soul. Be happy and peaceful.
Kathleen
So many words come to mind — So many feelings—So little time—I never met you—It’s true—But—You will leave me inspired—And leave me renewed—I don’t understand our world sometimes—It hurts—It’s not fair— You shouldn’t have to go— But I think I speak for us all—What courage you show!—I will miss you but see you again—and next time around—I’m sure we’ll be friends—You’ll always remind me—To be grateful and kind— Remind me to smile—And remind me to find — The beauty in life —The beauty in love —And in Despair—To find courage to rise above—Your Hope and Faith—I will carry forward with me—You have inspired me to try — to be the best preson I can be. Thank You. OXOX
Dear Alicia,
You are becomming a Messiah, a true and real messenger of divine energy.
You are able to stir the ‘general equation’ of the spirit, move this energy in others.
This guarantees that the silver lining of this dark cloud is made of gold.
Love,
Jeffrey Lowell Greene
You will be both missed and remembered, Alicia. Blessings.
All the best, Alicia… May your soul and body be at piece…
Your story touched my heart!! Thank you for sharing your precious moments with all of us. I am going to pray for you and believe in miracles would happen to you. Indeed, you already have many. Your fiancé is one!
Hi Alicia, I followed your articles back in 2005 and remember thinking “Wow, what a crappy thing to have to deal with”, and how brave you were for approaching it the way you did. Your picture said it all perfectly, too.
Just a month or so ago it dawned on me that I hadn’t heard anything in a long time and wondered what had happened. I’m an optimist, so I figured you’d still be out there fighting and writing and marching.
I’m terribly saddened to hear that things have turned out the way they have. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’m sure in thoughts of thousands of others who have also silently followed you. Please know there are a lot of us who are better people for having experienced a little bit of your life with you.
Thank you for your stories, Alicia. You are an excellent writer.
I remember reading the Story years ago & how she was still working and keeping such a positive vibe. I was reborn this year and have started reading, studying & applying God’s word to my life & one scripture comes to mind when I think of Alicia & all she’s going through. 2Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of POWER and LOVE and of a sound mind….oh how this woman exemplifies this scripture & I pray & bless her and her family and loved ones.
I want you to know that your grace and courage is not going un-noticed nor will ever be forgotten. God is using you as he prepares to bring you unto himself how we should continuie living in the face of transisting even when we don’t want to. You are a special child of God. Know that you are only running ahead of us, but we shall greet you in eternity where neither death nor sickness shall ever separate any of us again.
Much Love my sister. Yes Jesus loves you, Yes Jesus Loves you, Yes Jesus Loves you, for the Bible tells you so.
Thank you for touching my life with your generosity, courage, and spirit.
Hi Alice…
you I stand in awe of.
You are so brave.
I want you to know you have made me feel very humble.
I am so greatfull for you sharing all this with so many people, so many lives you have touched and I can’t help but thinking you have changed us all for the better.
Thank you Alice, love you……..Avay*~
Alicia,
I followed your story back when it was being published in the chronicle, and I wondered often in the following years how you have been doing. I’m sorry to hear that things have taken such a rough turn, but really hope that you have also found some good times in the last few years…
Thinking of you,
Mark
Alicia,
In your honor I will take a walk today.
In your honor I will pet a dog today.
In your honor I will be kind today.
In your honor I will be happy today.
In your honor I will be productive today.
Sending love and thinking every wonderful good thought for you today. I do believe in miracles and wish every miracle towards you today.
SR.
Hi Alicia, I just read about you and I wanted to share this with you. Save me a good seat! Love and love and love, Brian
On the
day I die, when I’m
being carried toward the grave,
don’t weep. Don’t say, “He’s gone! He’s gone!”
Death has nothing to do with going away. The sun
sets and the moon sets, but they’re not gone. Death is a coming together. The tomblooks like a prison, but it’s really release into Union. The human seed goes down in the ground like a bucket into the well where Joseph is. It grows and
comes up full of some unimagined beauty.
Your mouth closes here and immediately
opens with a shout of joy
there.
Rumi
Praying for you Alicia. Lots of white light coming your way.
Alicia,
I was very touched by your initial article in the Chronicle 5 years ago. Though 15 years older, I wasn’t that much further in my career development as I spent quite a bit of time in school so I really felt like to could relate to you.
You touched me. I am so sorry to hear your journey is nearing an end.
I remember a story from a priest that comforted me and I want to share it with you. Long after John Adams was president, someone saw John Adams walking down the street in a fragile weakening body. They asked him he was doing. John Adams said he was doing fine but the house (i.e. his body) he was living in was falling apart, the windows were clouded over, the foundation was creeky, etc. You have a beautiful soul Alicia and may God bless you in His kingdom.
Goodbuy.
Alicia,
I always loved reading your writing in the Chronicle, even when the news wasn’t good. I’m inspired by your strength, and by the grace that you bring to the final stage of your battle.
I have been missing your stories in the Chronicle. But today I happened to see a posting on the UNR Silver & Blue Facebook Page about you. Your writing is honest and emotional. But best of all I forget that I am “reading” your story, I get lost in your writing and I feel like I know you. Now, that is good writing! Sorry, as a fellow Nevada J-school grad, I just had to let you know you’ve done a fantastic job. But on a much more personal note, you’ve touched me and reminded me over and over about what is means to be alive. I admire your honesty, your courage and positive attitude, it is very inspiring. You remind me to love the life I am living no matter what comes my way. Sending love your way Alicia.
Dear Alicia,
Since reading your wonderful story years ago, I don’t believe a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of you and said a silent prayer that all was well. Late at night I’d search Google looking for an update. For the last few weeks I’ve been even more aware of your presence, and now I know why.
Your strength flows through your words to empower me to live a fuller life. Thank you for that rare gift.
With much love,
Pam in Orinda
Alicia: I remember the day I first noticed your writing and your story about your cancer in the Chronicle . I am sorry to find that your battle became a war and you were not to win it. I have often wondered how you were but since no news was good news, I felt confident and positive about what I thought was your recovery. You are an angel. You are a wonderful example of what people should be like but are not always. God Bless you on your next journey. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Holly
Dear Alicia,
I was so touched by your story, especially the part about you and your fiance. I was on BART this morning and had the same feelings about my detachment from fellow riders absorbed in media as well. I’m so happy for the romance and love you have been fortunate to find.
Although I have not read any of your writing, your demeanor and spirit is very inspiring shines through the SFGate story. I look forward to getting to know you and your story better. God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Alicia-
I have been following your story for years. When you first started writing, I remember thinking,” she would make such a great friend”. You handle your situation with humor, grace and the most important thing: truthfully.
There have been so many times in my life that I wished I had a friend like you. So many times I wished I could be your friend. I really should have just written to you and said, lets go the park with Clarabelle and get ice cream! Then we can talk about books, living in SF and our pets. Well, its never too late to make a new friend.
Your friend (in spirit),
Liz
Beautiful, brave girl. I’ve thought about you often during the past year. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. May your days be painless and peaceful.
Alicia, I have followed your story since you started writing for the Chronicle. I have often wondered how you were doing since you stopped writing. I am so, so sad to learn today that you are coming to the end of your journey. Thank you so much for sharing your story, especially this last chapter.
Ciao Alicia,
I have followed some of your writing and was very touched by their content.I haven’t followed you lately and was very sorry to read that your condition has worsened.
My mother died from lung cancer 5 1/2 years ago and almost a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about her.
I hope/pray that your remaining time on this Earth is full of peace,harmony,good company,little pain and your favorite foods.
God Bless, Dr. Jeff (from Barletta,Italy via San Francisco)
Thank you for sharing your heartbreaking-but-always-positive story with the world. I was crushed to read the Chronicle story this morning.
You really seem like a beautiful person and even though I never met you, I’ll miss you.
Take care,
Suki
alicia- i first read your story the year before i went off to med school. i have thought about you and your case through the years, especially during my time on the heme-onc service at my local teaching hospital and talking to patients about end of life issues and goals of care. i have a great amount of respect for palliative and hospice doctors and all the work they do. i think you are truly an inspiration to both the readers, fellow cancer patients and young soon-to-be doctors like me. your dignity and grace in handling the publicity while undergoing such difficult treatment is admirable and courageous. i hope for you to be pain free and for your days to be filled with people and things that make you happy. all the best.
n.w.
mcw class of 2010
To all of you following Alicia’s sweet story, I send love. And, to Alicia I send radiant light and prayers to guide you. Your story has so touched me… and many others. Thank you for sharing yourself with us for so long and all the best on your journey.
Cammy
San Diego
Hi Alicia,
Wanted to let you know that you are an inspiring and brave woman. You are in my prayers…
My boyfriend connected me to your story, and I’m glad he did. He’s probably going to find me in a few days with a box of kleenex when your book arrives. Finding truth in writing is a tough business, but you are open, honest, and sassy.
Your right, we do think if you liked needles, we would worry. I’m only able to touch on a few articles at this time that have been spectacular, and as someone in the field, wholy appreciated. My thoughts are with you.
-A Fellow To Kill a Mockingbird Enthusist and Needle Hater
Dear Alicia,
By sharing your journey with all of us through the miracle of the internet, you remind us again of the timeless lessons of life: every day is a gift, that’s why it’s called the “present” ….. no one is guaranteed tomorrow, so live each day as if it’s your last on earth …… tell those close to you that you love them every day …. there is nothing worth having in life that isn’t achieved without taking some kind of risk …… I am 53 yrs. next month, and I am ashamed that I have wasted even one minute on petty concerns this week. I have been soooo lucky……. by the awful grace of god. God speed to you.
I meant DEAR Alicia,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Have a great day!
Salvatore Bruno
Phoenix, AZ
A true writer is someone whose stories touch the world. You truly are a writer and a good one at that. Thinking of you. You inspire us all. Enjoy the pastries. I love Law and Order too.
alicia- i first read your story the year before i went off to med school. i have thought about you and your case through the years, especially during my time on the heme-onc service at my local teaching hospital and talking to patients about end of life issues and goals of care. i have a great amount of respect for palliative and hospice doctors and all the work they do. i think you are truly an inspiration to both the readers, fellow cancer patients and young soon-to-be doctors like me. your dignity and grace in handling the publicity while undergoing such difficult treatment is admirable and courageous. i hope for you to be pain free and for your days to be filled with people and things that make you happy. all the best.
n.w.
mcw class of 2010
Hello, Alicia –
I just found your stories today and am so amazed by your strength and wisdom. The world is blessed to have you in it for whatever time we are allowed. I really took your words to heart in today’s story, “always choose life” – that will stay with me forever, and I am in awe of how much living you have squeezed in to 28 years. Each day is a gift, and today’s gift for me was learning about you and being touched by your story. I wish you peace and love – thank you for sharing yourself in such a meaningful way.
Godspeed, and belly rubs to little Clarabelle!
Diane
You have really set the bar very high for the rest of us who live our lives without the deep appreciation that you have and the strengths to survive that you do. I know your mother is very proud of you. Mine has passed as well but I know she watches over me and I know yours is doing the same with every step you take towards her. Thank you for reminding me to love this life and live this life every day! You are a blessing to many whether you have realized that or not. May God bless you and keep you safe. -Sincerely, Joyce
Dear Alicia,
I’m not even sure exactly what to say, I just knew I had to write something. I guess mainly to say thanks for your incredible bravery and willingness to expose yourself and share your experiences with so many strangers. I find myself much better able to handle the relatively minor obstacles in my life because of your generosity and hopefully I’ll never forget that and will be able to handle and get through tough times in the future by reflecting on the dignity with which you handled your ordeal. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers as will your family and loved ones.
Thanks so much,
With Love,
Brett Paley and the Paley Family – Petaluma CA
Dear Alicia,
I’ve been following your story since you started publishing in the Chron several years back. I’m so sorry the disease has progressed… but it certainly hasn’t dampened your beautiful spirit. I salute you in your hearty embrace of everything life has had to offer you, even as it comes to an end. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
With much love,
— L.
Dear Alicia
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your journey so freely and with such talent. I am so sorry for all of the hardship you have endured, which you have shared with us with such grace, honesty and humor.
Please count me among your many, many admirers who are thinking of you and sending all our positive energy your way.
Namaste,
Alison
Hi Alicia,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with all of us. Your strength and honesty are truly inspiring. It is amazing to read how many other people’s lives you have touched with your words. Thank you.
Chris in the beautiful city of San Francisco
Hi Alicia,
I’ve wondered what was happening with you, and although it’s not the best news, I was glad to see the update today. I lost my Dad to a very short (nine months) battle with throat cancer, and I’m glad that you have had the time you’ve had with your family, friends and dog.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you…wishing you peace.
Jan
Alicia,
Your’s has been the longest of short journeys–I’ve followed it from the beginning. Thank you so very much for sharing all you have shared. May your next journey be filled with peace.
Nancy
Hi,
I just want to send you some love from NY and let you know there are people everywhere thinking about you 🙂
xNissa
Fear Alicia,
I first heard about your illness a few years back and was impressed by your strength and postive attitude toward life.
You have touched so many souls including me and have been such an inspiration for everybody.
I believe you are an angel and am very happy that you have so many friends and family that care and love you. Thanks for making me appreciate life even more and loving it to the fullest.
God bless you today and tomorrow.
With Love,
Salvatore Bruno
Phoenix, AZ
Dear Alicia,
You are a gifted writer with a great sense of humor!
You are in my prayers.
Toni, Santa Rosa,CA
Alicia: My mom had a serious bout with cancer when I was in my mid-20s. I didn’t cope well with it because there wasn’t a series of entries similar to the one you wrote in 2005 around at the time. I once wrote you about a University of Nevada-Reno football game from that 2005 season. I hope it cheered you up that someone even mentioned it.
Alicia,
Your personal story that you shared with the paper in 2005 was so touching to many of us–regardless of if we have been touched by cancer. Your spirit, grace and strength is commendable and you became a tremendous role model for us all. I am deeply saddened to hear that the cancer is winning the battle of your life–however know you will always remain our hearts and will be remembered forever as being a woman that has touched so many lives. You are a hero for brining to light the personal challenges and establishing this “community” . God bless and please accept my love and hugs to you and your family.
Ella
Dear Alicia,
I remember coming across your story several years ago..I don’t know you at all, but I feel like you were one of my close friends.
Thank you for your beautiful words about your journey..your strength is an inspiration to all of us.
I wish you nothing but peace, happiness, love, and all the milkshakes that money can buy.
God has blessed you in more ways that you can ever imagine.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Oakland, CA
Your story truly touched my heart! I am praying for you and your family! You are an amazing woman and I am honored that you shared your story with us.
Much love sister!
Thank you for being such a great writer. Your writing has changed my opinion on pain medications available to cancer patients.
You have written from the heart and touched many lives. You continue to make a positive difference in this world.
Dear Alicia:
I am in awe of your courage and strength. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I am glad that you are getting the comfort that you seek; via friends, family, your fiance and food. I chuckled when I read about your request for milkshakes. Milkshakes are comfort food for me also, and since I returned to Minnesota after living in the Bay Area, nothing here comes close to the chocolate milkshakes at Barney’s in Oakland.
My husband, Kenn, had a near death experience about 10 years ago. Although he remembers much about this episode, his most distinct memory was when he was underwater (he was in a boating accident). He was drawn to a light, and as he went toward it he felt at peace and that he was “going home.”
Good luck to you as you begin your journey home.
With warm regards,
Stephanie
Minneapolis, MN
i may never met or know anyone as brave and courageous as you. I just wish if i were in your shoes that i may be half as brave as you are now. I found inspiration in your writing and your dealing with your cancer. I hope your journey is less painless and is filled with love for your fiance and family. I am sending you my prayers so that God will be there to meet you when he dec ides to bring you to him.
Alicia,
You are an inspiration and an amazing woman. I wish you comfort and peace in the days ahead and love from the east coast!
Andrea
Dear Alicia,
God has truly blessed you. Despite the obstacles that you have faced the last few years you continue to show an incredible love of life. Your faith and courage have touched me and so many others. You have inspired me to get up an continue my walk with God. May God continue to give you and your family strength and peace. What a wonderful moment to come as you stand before the glory of the lord.
God Bless, Howard
Hi Alicia,
I’ve been following your story since the beginning…as my dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. Your strength is unbelievable..and you have touched so many people with your story. It breaks my heart to hear that you have stopped treatment..but I understand that the pain is unbearable. Please take care and know that you are loved by many (even perfect strangers). 🙂
In my thoughts,
Colleen Wong
Hello Alicia:
My dear sweet girl. I have been following your story since the beginning and your strength and courage is unbelievable and such an inspiration to others. You are a special person and you are in my thoughts and prayers. The world is a better place for you being in it. I I know we will meet someday. Each day we are here is a gift and your story has made me realize and face alot of things and I am a better person for it. Thank you so much.
May God Bless You and Your Family Always,
Janice Pearcy
Alicia I’ve followed your story for a few years now. And when I logged on to sfgate this morning and saw that you were now on hospice and still telling your story my heart was so full. I pray for you and your family . Stay strong and may god bless and keep you throuh all the days of your life.
alicia,
as i read and continue to read your story tears stream down my face. most often, uncontrollably. for the pain you are feeling; the loneliness that can overwhelm you unexpectedly; but most important of all, the love you are surrounded by and the burps of pure happiness that are a direct result. you know, your story reminds me of two things. the first being my mom, who also has breast cancer. she is a proud woman and has trouble accepting help. dad and i love her with all our heart and more and want to be there for her but she isn’t letting us in. so, please, any advice would be more than appreciated. lastly, even though i haven’t met you, you remind me of the skylark in the Percy Bysshe Shelley’s (maybe you’ve heard of him?) poem, “To A Skylark.” i won’t attempt to explain why but should you read it, i hope you understand why.
Thank you for your writing. Thank you for you.
with love,
dk
I’ve been following your battle & I just wanted to leave you with thoughts of inspiration, love, & encouragement. You’re facing the future & every new challenge with grace & courage. Smile through the pain my dear & remember the good times.
Kelli
Alicia,
I can’t count how many times have I googled your name in an attempt to get an update on your health and life. You have been fighting this horrible C-word just a bit longer than my Mom has been fighting MM (multiple myeloma — cancer of the plasma). You and she have lived these past years with grace, strength and a tenacity to live at all costs.
I am so sorry to hear about the latest chapter in your life. But I have no doubt you will live it just as you have been doing all your life and I thank you for putting yourself out there for all to see. You’ve had a great, positive impact on my life and I just wanted to thank you.
Sincerely,
Lesli Neilson (former copy editor for Food/Wine at The Chron)
Hello Alicia,
Like many other in the Bay Area I have followed your story. You have been in my thoughts many times and I have prayed you were doing well. I was very sad to read this morning in the SF Gate that you are in hospital. You have many people praying for you and please know you are a true inspiration to all of us
Maria Rodriguez-Mitsialis
Concord, CA
Blessings to you Alicia. What a gift you gave us through your story in the Chronicle. I read every piece several times. You allowed us total strangers share in your life. I have wondered about you often … certain that the Chron would let us know … eventually.
I watched a dear friend go through a much, much shorter battle with cancer. As difficult as it was, I treasure each of the memories I have of that short time. You have been blessed with 5 years. What a gift for all of your friends and family. An opportunity for each of you to share the intimacy of your relationships. And now, as you pass from this world, I do believe your mother is waiting for you!
Know that you have lived … and it was worth it!
Linda
Redwood City, CA
PS Your oncologist Dr. T. J. was my friend’s doctor, too.
I just read your story and it is very touching. You seem like a very strong girl with a vibrant personality. Stay Strong, the world needs people like you.
Hi Alicia, I just read the article on SFGate.com and felt compelled to leave a note for you. I hope this time for you will be filled with as much comfort and joy as possible.
You are very brave, and I hope your journey takes you to a place where dogs bark happily all day long, and where the mere thought or wonderment about happiness and freedom brings you these treasures ten times over.
May your days be blessed, your nights so treasured, the true heart of a champion cannot be measured.
May your friends and family give you hugs and kisses always….
Sincerely Amin Arikat
Dear Alicia
Thank you for sharing your story , in the different stories you wrote for the chronicle. I have been following along with your stories since the beginning. I am deeply touch by what you have shared. I will be praying for you in these final steps for you in your journey
Blessings
-Matthew Cheung
Alicia,
Thank you for sharing your story, which has touched me since the first article. My prayers are with you.
God Bless.
Sean
All of the positive energy Alicia has put out in her life is with her now and forever as she transitions into this next chapter of her life. A lot of people have been touched by her.
Dear Alicia …
I started reading your pieces in the Chronicle when I was in medical school and was touched immediately by your words. Your spirit, determination and outlook on life were always a refreshing perspective as I plowed through on my quest to become a great doctor. Reading your articles kept me grounded and made me think more deeply about patients, doctors, life, and healing.
I wish you peace, serenity, and joyous moments with your loved ones and thank you for your role as teacher to this young doctor.
Joanie
Alicia,
I have read your story from the beginning, and though we don’t know each other, I have cheered for you. I think of you often, especially when deciding how many exclamation points to use (per your missive, 1 or 3, but never 2).
I hope to be in medical school in the next 2 years or so, and I am carrying your story in with everything I have learned from my endless textbooks and lectures. hank you for being one of my most important teachers.
May your journey be peaceful, and soaked with all the love your family and friends can give you. You have done good work here, and have much to be proud of.
~Heidi
thank you for sharing your journey with us. god bless you, i know your dear mother will welcome you in her arms and neither of you will be in pain anymore.
Dear Alicia,
I’ve followed your story and shared many tears and smiles, moved so deeply. You are a courageous, wonderful person and writer. You’ve touched us all and that will remain eternally. You are in my thoughts as you have been these years. I wish you peace, dearest x
Kelly
Dear Lord,
I thank you and praise you for the life of my sister. Thank you that she chooses life – even with unbearable pain – rather than death. Thank you for steadfast faith, that she believes that all things are possible in You. Lord, I thank you for the love and life that you have showered her with during this time and for the love and the grace that you have ministered through her. Thank you for using her as a living witness of your love and life, and I pray that You continue to shine through her as living testimony and a witness of all you have done and are able to do. God, bless my sister.
May the Lord be so rich and intimate with you dear sister. Grace and love to you from our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
Lia
God is calling one of his special angels back home.
I will cry.
Alicia, I’ve been following your stories over the years, and I am truly touched by your courage and strength. My prayers are with you.
Diane
Dear Alicia,
I have never had the honor of meeting you. However, I wanted to let you know what a courageous and inspirational person you are. I followed your journey through the Chronicle piece, and was amazed at the perspective you had a such a young age. I was actually thinking of you the other day, wondering how you were doing. I was reading the paper online today and saw the update. I am so sorry to hear about the latest chapter.
I am a forty-three year old father of 5. The last couple of years have been very tough for many reasons. I find myself feeling sorry for myself from time to time. Then, like a gift from God I see your story again, it makes me realize how silly and inconsequential my problems truly are. I find myself ashamed for my self-induced, off and on pity party. You inspire me to do better. The honor, grace and humor you display in dealing with your life is amazing. I thank you for being a living example of strength, will and the loving spirit. You need to know the affect you’ve had on people you have never met. May you be at peace and pain free on your way home.
Sincerely,
Don Smith
Dear Alicia,
As a recent but far older recipient of a rare form of duodenal cancer I have followed your life filled writings not knowing that I would also be walking in your footsteps. After my surgery of nine hours my wife, Debbie, joined the Caring Bridge web site where I could communicate with friends and family at the touch of a key stroke. What I found in writing about this experience is the incredible amount of love, humor and insight that we can bring to one-another during trying times. Your story is more poignant than ever for me and lends support to everything God seems to be telling me.
The path you have created is adorned with Love, Faith, and Grace and like a proper English garden it is a site to behold and an honor to share the walk with you.
Gratefully Yours,
Robert Bergtholdt
Foster City, CA
Dear Alicia,
I’ve followed your story from the beginning and you’re an amazing person and writer. I’ve laughed with you and cried with you throughout your series. You’re in my thoughts and I wish you peace.
~Sally
Hello Alicia,
Your writing is truly beautiful.
Your strength and desire to squeeze every good moment out of life are inspirational. We all have to go – some sooner than others – but I see now that taking that journey with grace and love are what matters. I wish you the best and much happiness and love with your friends and family.
Blessings,
Julie C
Sacramento CA
Your courage and ability to maintain your sense of humor inspires me. Thank you for sharing your life.
God bless and keep you.
Hi Alica,
In the Chron article, when you said, “I’d rather choose life with this pain than death without it. Choose life, Matthew. Always choose life.” I thought that was very beautiful. I’m a 27 female in SF and your words remind me not to take this little life for granted! BTW I just got a dog recently, aren’t they the best? Mine’s a bundle of wiggles, I hope yours is too.
Alicia, reading your story in the Chron today made me sob, having lost my wife 2 years ago. The crying was a little for me, but mostly my knowing the extent of everything you are so graciously enduring, they are tears of sadness and hope for you. The printed words cannot begin to express all you are going through. More so, the tears are also for your courage, strength and beauty.
I wish you much love.
Rick
Dear Alicia,
We know you by your words alone – honest, powerful, brave and loving words. You are an inspiration to our family and we wish you peace and love. Thank you for the gifts you have shared with so many people.
With admiration and love,
The Wilson Family
Alicia,
I went to high school with you (I was in Matt’s grade) and I have been following your articles since they started. I’m glad you have such strong family and friends, and your courage is amazing.
Alicia,
I have been casually following your story since it began in 2005 and throughout I have been amazed by your grace and strength.
in my thoughts and prayers,
sarah, san jose.
Your courage and strength are an inspiration! Your life will continue to touch the hearts and minds of the grace and love that you have shared with all your family, friends and FIANCE!
I read your story years ago, it touched me then. My heart ached for you! My journey now has been touched by the BIG C, as my mother has recently been diagnoised with Colon Cancer. Treatment to date is going well. But you and she (82 years young in July) have the same attitude toward family and friends. Always cheerful, always strong, always with a smile.
May you find comfort in your GOODBYES, and know that your life lives on in all that you have touched, a spirit never to be forgotten! Don’t hesitate to push the button, that gives you relief…no need to be in PAIN! Blessings to you!
I was so sorry to read in the Chronicle this morning that you are in the final stage. I’ve been reading your series since the beginning. With your courage and can do attitude, I really thought you could beat your cancer. I will remember you always.
Mikki Moniz
I will feel the hollowness and
darkness you leave behind
and fill that cavity
with your light
aimed at our hearts
from the whole night sky.
Rest. Peace. Love.
Dear Alicia,
I am amazed and in awe of you for all your strength, humanity and articulation over these tough years. You are one of my heroines, and I wish you peace and tranquility from here on out.
You are a star.
All love,
Marilyn
Dear Alicia,
I never had the good fortune to be personally acquainted with you, but your story has touched me profoundly. Your dignity & resilience in the face of your struggles, along with the vibrant, redoubtable way you have lived your life, are truly inspirational.
May you live the rest of your days knowing you are surrounded by a whole world of love.
Prayers and best wishes to you and your loved ones.
yours,
Wilson
I learned about you through your Chronicle series and I’m glad to have this way to express my gratitude for your wisdom and courage. You and those around you are all in my heart, Alicia. May you find ease and peace.
jim
just a simple note from a follower of your story to share with you that you have deeply changed my life. i wish you comfort and peace. and thank you for reminding me how precious life is and how integrity and honesty and connection are such strong and important threads.
i was just litearlly wondering on monday how you were doing. i am sorry to hear that the big “c” is progressing in all the wrong ways. even though, from what i know of you, you will find “right” in it all.
thank you for living in all the ways you do….
-michelle w
Hey Alicia,
I’m glad that you’re smiling and have the man you love by your side.
Nick
Alicia,
You have been an inspiration in my life and I thank you so much for that. I started reading your story on SFGate when you first published.
May God always be with you and keep his arms wrapped around you every moment.
Bless you.
P.
Hello Alicia – I have been following your story from day 1. Your story has touched me. Your encouragement and positiveness makes me want to be a better person. You are in my prayers always.
Take care and many hugs to you!!
p.s. – Clarabelle is just adorable. She is very lucky to have you!!
Pia Gonzalez – San Francisco
Dear Alicia,
Your genorosity of spirit, sense of humor, and candid sharing of your journey was an inspiration to me. In 2006 my oldest son AJ was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s and went through a year of treatment. He is in remission and doing well…for that I am grateful. Your story gave me some insight to what he was going through and I appreciate it so much. It helped me help him. You and your family and friends will be in my prayers.
Especially as they have to learn to live without your physical presence. May God bless you all, Kathy
Alicia,
In June I will be walking with my colleagues from work for the Relay for Life (American Cancer Society). You will be in my thoughts. God Bless.
Hi There, I am wishing you the best and that you are able to enjoy those small moments most meaningful to you. I am truly sorry that you are in such physical pain but perhaps sharing it with others will make it more tolerable during those difficult moments.
I will write to you again and I hope this gives you something to look forward to that is pleasant and uplifting!!!
Alicia,
Your writing and reflections have deeply touched me from the beginning and over the past couple years when I couldn’t find your writing, I’ve often said a prayer for you and hoped you were somewhere in the Bay Area living the life you desired (and writing!). I’m so happy you met your fiance, exchanged vows and are surronded by so much love.
You’ve inspired me to keep up my writing, to be kind to myself, to appreciate life, God and the beautiful area we live in. You’ve touched so many people and will remain vivid in my mind for many many years to come. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with all of us, that alone takes a lot of strength!
Wishing you peace and comfort in every moment.
Take Good Care,
Jane
Dear Alicia, I’ve followed your story from the very beginning and when I noticed that I hadn’t seen any of your blogs, I sent an email to the paper asking how you were doing. That was three years ago, and believe it or not, I was just thinking about you a few days ago. I’ve never stopped thinking about you and praying for you. You’ve left an imprint in my heart, my mind, and have given me wisdom and strength in my own trials. You’ve touched a million lives and for that I’m thankful and feel blessed that you were put on this earth! God’s blessings, Alicia *hugs*
“The sun bursts through in unlooked-for directions!
Strong thoughts fill you, and confidence—you smile!
You forget you are sick, as I forget you are sick,
You do not see the medicines—you do not mind the weeping friends—I am with you,
I exclude others from you—there is nothing to be commiserated,
I do not commiserate—I congratulate you.”
– Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
Thank you for your courageous story. In Psalms 55:22, David finds himself in a desperate and unfamiliar place. From that desperate place he writes, “Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain you . . .”
For me the beauty of the text is in the word “sustain” because translated from antiquity it means that He embraces us. That’s a wonderful place to be. To be held, to be embraced, to feel His comfort.
Your words and life through all of this have encouraged us. We desire only the same and more for you. May you be held, may you be embraced, and may you aware of all our prayers for you.
Bendiciones
Alicia,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful and generous spirit. You truly are the type of hero and inspiration this world absolutely needs right now. I wish you so much joy and happiness, love and laughter.
Damon Sperber
Dear Alicia,
You are amazing! I followed your stories in the Chronicle and was just wondering how you’re doing earlier this week. What a surprise to see another story about you, although this one is definitely different. Going into hospice is never an easy choice, but I’m glad you’re able to surround yourself with loved ones and yummy baked goods!
Your strength, humor and humility are definitely admirable. I’m a 34 year old woman in a funk. Reading about you is inspiration for me to go out and LIVE!
I wish you well,
Jennifer
Alicia,
Thank you for sharing. I feel as if I know you. My sister is at the end of her battle with cancer. Reading your series has given me insight of what she could be going through emotionally. She shows nothing but strength, so I’ve decided to be just as strong.
Please know your story has left an eternal imprint on my soul.
Peace & light,
Sina
Hi Alicia <:-)
I have followed your journal entires on sfgate.com with affection & gratitude — As I read them, I always catch myself saying aloud, "This is REAL life & this is how a REAL person handles it!" … Whenever I watch my DVD of, "Julie & Julia", I'm reminded of YOU ("If there were a comet on a collision course with Earth, and we only had 3 months left to live, I would spend the whole time eating BUTTER.") !!!
As a fellow Christian believer, dog-rescuer, lover of writing & writers, and also a cancer-fighter, I can't WAIT to meet you in that place where all those go who CHOOSE LIFE in His Presence <:-)
My dear pastor (who battled "the big hullabaloo" himself) taught me that Faith is 90% Courage, 9% Determination & Only 1% All The Other Things You've Ever Heard About It…
Much love to you & yours,
Candi Campbell
candicampbell26@yahoo.com
Thank you, Alicia, for sharing with us all. You are an inspiration. May you find comfort in considering your influence on us all: you are the rings on the surface of the lake’s water, ever growing, reaching us all on distant shores.
Wishing you peace,
Christie Look
Dear Alicia,
We’ve never met and I have only followed your story intermittently, but I felt moved to write to you today. I so admire your courage and authenticity – may your final journey be a peaceful one.
With love,
Elyse
Alicia, the Maurers (friends of Lara Street, Sara Brown, Tim Street) have mixed feelings about your situation. We’re praying for you and love you. We know you must be excited to see your mom again and we know that Heaven is incredible, just sad to lose you here on earth. We know its not goodbye, its just until we see you again. May God bless you during this time of celebration and may our Lord keep Lucas Beeler strong during this time.
” I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 2 Tim 4:7-8
Hi Alicia — You may not remember me, but my name is Philip Leider. My sister was Suzanne Leider. She fought synovial sarcoma for ten years and founded the Sarcoma Alliance. I’ve been following your story, and your courage and grace remind me so much of Suzanne. I’m sure you would have been great friends in life. I just wanted to let you know that the entire sarcoma community is thinking about you and deeply appreciates your incredible efforts to bring attention to this disease and put a human face on it. You are an amazing person. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
With love,
Philip Leider
http://www.sarcomaalliance.org
Dear Alicia,
I’ve been following your story in the Chronicle since 2005. I’ve often wondered how you’ve been doing since you stopped writing for them. I’m deeply saddened after reading today’s latest story in the Chronicle. Your story touched my heart. Five years is a long and difficult struggle. I’m so glad you were able to find love on Bart and keep your humor. You are in my thoughts and prayers as well.
I’ve followed your story from the beginning — always amazed at your honesty, humor and perseverance. I’m now living in Hong Kong and just happened onto today’s Chronicle article and was stunned to see the latest chapter in your story.
Grace to you. Love and grace. I’m sure you will continue to notice the best part. You’ve certainly given many of us a reminder to do the same.
Dear Alicia…this is the best thing I can give you right now. I know you believe in God, but have you been saved? It is the only way to get to Heaven and it takes just a few words to do so…Father, I know Your son died on the cross to wipe out my sins, and I believe that your Son says that no one gets to Heaven without coming through me…so I accept Jesus as my personal Savior in my life. Amen
Alicia, we wil meet in Heaven, and it is there that I can give you a hug. Brave in your battle! God Bless you…Marsha
Dear Alicia,
You have completed your work here on Earth, to leave the world a better place just by touching the lives of those around you and providing inspiration to strangers. You are a gift of God. My Grandfather said Strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet.
Congrats on your commitment ceremony.
May God watch over you and all of your loved ones.
Chris
A,
Your pieces came at a time when I lost my 30 y/o fiance to breast cancer (http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-07-18/news/17435578_1_stanford-hospital-american-cancer-society-pediatric) and provided me strength in those difficult times. Please know that you have touched many others’ lives and made this world a better place. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones…especially your fiance…I know what he is going through.
Thank you,
C
Alicia,
My heart is crying. You have fought such a brave and strong fight to live. You have touched the lives of so many with your words, your heart and your strength.
Fly free from your pain, Ms. Alicia! Think not of leaving your friends and family but of watching over them from above, being their guardian angel, knowing that, one day, you will all be together again.
God bless you, Sweetie. I will remember you forever.
CK in SF
Dear Ms. Parlette, over the past three years, since your blogging stopped, I have so many times wondered how you were doing and have prayed that things were going well. I am heartbroken at today’s news. I hope you and your loved ones will find comfort in knowing you have touched so many lives in profound ways. I wish you comfort and peace, and I thank you for your contribution to making a better world. God bless you and all who love you.
Dear Alicia
You have touched lives. I was a fan of all your work. Thank you for your courage to be so out about the cancer experience. You provided a voice and window to this experience.
You have great courage and you leave us a blueprint of how we all should live our lives…
You are onto to your next journey… Your loved ones I am sure will be there….
May the divine be with you.. and your fiance and father.
Hold onto the love,
Jeannie
I have followed your story since the first installment. You have been an inspiritation since the beginning. I wish you nothing but peace and comfort, Please know that you are in everyone’s thoughts and prayers. Bless you
Alicia – I wish you continued grace through the end of your journey, and continued faith that your mama will be waiting for you at the end of the road. When you first started writing your column, I wasn’t sure what made me more upset – the fact that you were going to be denied the chance to live a long life, or the fact that your mom was taken away from you. Both still seem equally cruel and unfair. But if you ever had a sense of outrage over the cards you’ve been dealt, the rest of us following your story never knew. The level of acceptance you have is an incredible accomplishment that people who live to be 100 don’t always achieve.
Rosey is a colleague, and when he mentioned a week or so ago that he was going to visit you in the ICU, I just wept. I’d heard nothing about your status for so long and wondered so often how you’ve been. When he explained that the outlook wasn’t good, it broke my heart all over again. Even though I knew from my mom’s battle with sarcoma that there’s usually not a happy ending, I had hoped your story would end differently.
But as it turns out, the ending to your story sounds incredibly happy. To read that your pain is highly monitored, that you are still able to enjoy small pleasures like a milkshake, and that you found your true love are all incredible gifts you deserve a million times over. I’m so happy for you and your family and friends that you’re leaving without anger. In making peace with your own departure, you are making it a little less painful for everyone who will miss you so much when you’re gone. No one will ever have to question whether you are at peace.
Thank you for sharing your story. It truly has made a difference.
Alicia,
Your story is an incredible example of strength and love. Thank you for writing about your experiences and for never giving up on your faith in God. May the Lord continue to comfort you and your family during this time. You are an inspiration!!!!! Hugs to your dog (I also have rescue dogs).
Love to you,
Rachel
You are very brave, and I admire you. I will say a prayer for you.
May the force be with you.
Dear Alicia:
Your light and courage are inspiring. I read your series on the SF Gate website and was very touched by your love of life and your honesty. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing your story and touching so many people with your grace.
Erin
Your story is so touching. Coming from a large family where I have seen so much cancer and although I don’t have cancer I do have unanswered medical problems your story gives me hope and strength. I was at a party and have learned about something that is supposed to help cure cancer. You can youtube it to find out more. It is called MMS. They do in fact use it in Europe and I think that anyone with the struggle should know about it. I will remember now that in my worst moments of health pain to pick “life”. My heart and unconditional love go out to you and your family.
I’ve followed your Chron story since 05′ & wish you nothing but peace and love. Thx for the wonderful writing, stay strong.
You have touched me and so many others. That is a life well-lived. Thank you.
Alicia,
I loved your stories in the Chronicle and over the years have wondered how you are doing. You have touched me and I’m sure so many others with the way you handle everything. You have reconfirmed to me how the simple things in life are really the most important…love, faith, family, friends and silly things like favorite tv shows and good yogurt. Wanted to share a prayer I really appreciate.
PRAYER is an uplifting of the heart, a glance towards Heaven, a cry of gratitude and of love, in times of sorrow as well as of joy. by St. Therese
Alicia, God Bless You. I recall reading your stories in the Chronicle while living in SF a few years back and being incredibly moved. Your incredible spirit, attitude, and love of life carries a lesson for us all. Your fiancee is a lucky man…god bless you, Chris
Alicia,
You’re one heck of a brave woman! I don’t know if this makes any sense, but everything in life is transitory and so is life itself – It’s like a play within a play. Think of this as a role – a memorable role. This is not the end. When one role ends another one begins….May God give u peace, strength and wisdom.
With affection
Samie
Dear Alicia,
You are a remarkable young lady with incredible strength and courage. I pray for peace, comfort and tranquility for you, your father and brother.
I have followed you from the beginning of your journey. You touched my heart with the grace and dignity of your story telling. At that time I was caring for my sister Mary who was fighting breast cancer. You remind me of her. Your strength, courage, wisdom and humor to see you through. She lost her battle in 2007. Mary was the third of my sisters to die from breast cancer and reading your story I felt a strong connection to you and your family.
You must know how very much you have touched so many lives. God’s plan is a mystery. It appears yours is to teach others about the amazing strength, courage and commitment of the human spirit.
God speed to you Alicia. God bless your family and friends to find the same courage and strength that you have taught so well so that they may continue on in your honor.
Much love and prayers,
Nanette Williams
I have been reading your story since the beginning and it touched me in such an unexpected way then and still does today. Years after I first read your story, my husband’s18 year old brother was diagnosed with melanoma and had to endure interferon and many other things you are all too familiar with. I sent your story to my mother-in-law and husband. I think reading your words gave them strength and hope. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us. You remain in my thoughts.
I have been thinking about you because I admire your spirit and you are such an inspiration. You have done a lot, and will continue to do so as we remember you, your spirit, and your work. Thank you for letting so many be part of your experience and your remarkable manner of handling it all. Bless you now and always, and all things live on just changing form and function. We will all meet up in some way.
Dear Alicia,
From the first installment of your stories in the Chronicle your story has captivated me because you’re just my age, lived in the same places I’ve lived and like me have lost a parent to cancer. Thank you so much for your story and for sharing your beautiful and vibrant life with all of us. You’re truly an inspiration. I think of you ice skating with a pillow tied to your hip – choosing to have the experience no matter what rather than sit on the sidelines and watch your friends. I try to recall that image when life becomes tough and it helps me push through. Keep living large, Alicia! Lots of love, hope and happiness, Maureen
Alicia – Although we have never met, I feel like I know you. I remember reading your first article in the Chronicle many years ago and it quickly turned into part of my daily routine. I looked forward to reading your latest article. Your personal story is incredibly moving and touching and you have become so inspiring. Your courage is like none other I have known. I am saddened with today’s update and wish for you that the pain will subside. I pray that the continued support of your family and friends and your special dog help ease the discomfort you’re going through and make the days easier. You’re an amazing person and even though I haven’t gotten to know you in person, I feel blessed to have read your work and to have known your story and courage.
I’m sending loving prayers – Amanda
Aww Sweetie I don’t even know you and still I have tears for your complicated and emotional situation. You are so brave, and at such a young age, are leaving a lasting, wonderful mark on this world. May peace be with you always.
Much love
S. Davis
I’ve been following your story since 2005, and have always been struck by your honesty, strength and humor through everything that you’ve been going through. Thank you for sharing your story with the world, and God bless you.
Alicia,
May the peace and grace of Jesus be with you and with your family and friends.
Peace and God Bless
I remember reading your first article on SFGate and being moved to tears. Your courageous telling of your life was honest, wise, funny, insightful and above all, a motivating force to keep trying. Suffering from depression, I often contemplate ending my life. Your words to your brother, to always choose life, have touched a stranger’s heart and soul more than you will ever know.
Thank you.
May God’s peace, love and warmth surround you now and forever.
Dear Alicia, 14 years ago I had stage 4 melanoma. After the
diagnosis I have always introduced myself to other cancer patients . It helped me a lot just to know that I wasn’t the only
one. When my sister was diagnosed with cancer I walked into the hospital room to find all her kids and extended family. I said out loud, “It’s all about you isn’t it”! The room went silent. there was a look of shock that came over everyone in the room. Only my sisters laughter could be heard!
Keep the laughter it will serve you well.
Much love ,Tom
My sister died four months ago, laughing!
Alicia,
I’ve been following your story from your very first pieces in the Chronicle. Your approach to your illness has truly been an inspiration. Your commitment to living in the moment and enjoying life to its fullest has really influenced my own perspective. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with the world. You are so lucky to have so many people loving and supporting you every step of the way. The Beatles quote rings true now and always, “And in the end the love you take, is equal to the love you make.” I wish you, your friends and family joy, peace and love at this time. Please take good care!
Leah
Hi, Alicia-
I started reading your chronicles a few weeks in. I was so touched and have been googling you periodically to get an update. I’m so sad over this news. I hope you’re comfortable and making the most of these moments. It sounds like you enjoy sweets as much as I do. I hope your friends have brought you cupcakes from the Noe Valley Bakery. They’re super yummy. I wish you the best and will pray for you and your family and friends.
Fin
Dear Alicia I feel so useless with you being way out there and me not being able to be there. I pray constantly for you and Dave, Matthew and Lucas. We are all praying and thinking of you . We love you I am so thankful for all your wonderful friends. I know that they are your family and that they are taking good care of all of you. love Aunt Charlotte
I have been following you since 2005 and I am a huge fan of your writings, your spirit and sweet tooth! I truly believe your mother will be waiting for you with big open arms and I hope that brings some confort to you… You have touched so many lives and when you are ready, please know you touched lives and did so much more in your 28 yrs. than most. You became a famous writer, fell in love and will be leaving behind a beautiful memory for those who knew you…and those who became your silent cheerleaders. Love to you and your family and friends. And thank you for sharing your stories. 😉
A fellow Bart rider….
Dear Alicia,
I was just thinking about you and that we hadn’t heard anything in a while via SFGate. I am sorry to hear that your fight for life wasn’t enough. Thank you for showing everyone how to live life to the fullest and not take it for granted. You will not be forgotten.
alicia,
i just read your story, i am glad i got to know you thru your writing,
i hope you find peace in knowing so many care for you, i certainly do,
Mark
Alicia;
I just discovered your story, while sitting in a busy airport, surfing the internet. All my “problems” suddenly vanished. You don’t know me, I don’t know you, but thank you for changing my life!
(And I hope no one here notices a guy, crying)
-Rich
Alicia~ I read your story when it was first published and followed your progress as much as I could. I had hoped you would recover though I knew it was not likely.
You are such a strong person, and you MUST know that you have given hope and inspired many who have read about you. I am at a loss of words to explain how I feel to read that you are stopping the meds, though I know it was your decision and at this point, probably for the best.
I wanted to say God Bless You, and to say THANK YOU for sharing such a personal moment with all of us that have been allowed to read your story and find strength in it.
😉
Dear Alicia,
Your heartfelt story of your journey deeply moved me and so many other people. You are not only a gifted writer but also a source of inspiration to those of who tend to take our daily blessings for granted.
May you find strength in knowing how many lives you have touched.
Carol Olmert
Walnut Creek, CA
You are stronger than I could ever hope to be. And even more inspiring is the joie de vivre that you never relinquished–that your body could not steal from your spirit.
God Bless You.
Hi Alicia,
Your are one of the most amazing people that I have ever heard of!
Thanks for inspiring me.
Blessing,
Val
loving thoughts to you …
thank you for your strength, your will, your words, your everything.
go in peace
you will be remembered
kindly yours,
n.
MAY THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL RICHLY BLESS YOU WITH A SAFE AND FULL SPEEDY RECOVERY. BE BOLD AS THE CONQUERING LION, FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH OVER FLESH. AMEN AND AMEN.
Almighty, Master of the Universe,
my God and the God of my forefathers:
Dear God…
May it be Your Will that You speedily send
a complete recovery from Heaven,
a healing of the body and a
healing of the spirit to:
[the name of the person]
the son/daughter of
[the person’s mother’s name]
amongst all of the sick of
the Children of Israel.
Visit Window on the Wall http://www.thewall.org Put your prayer request in at THE WESTERN WALL IN JERUSALEM. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.
BLESSINGS,
MR. BREAUX
Alicia you are in my thoughts. I have been so moved by your story and the way you have lived with such grace. You are surrounded with love. Hoping you experience nothing but peace and comfort.
Alicia,
My coworkers and I have been following your story since your articles first came out in the Chronicle, and then through updates on the Web…
In case you couldn’t tell, you have inspired many people with your story, and your sheer “moxie”, as my friend would say 🙂
We all wish you the very best. You are surrounded by love:)
B
Dear Alicia,
I’m so sorry to hear that you are in hospice. I’ve been following your story since the beginning. I am crying even though I’ve never met you (I would have liked to! You seem like an amazing person and a good friend.) I lost my mom and an aunt and uncle to cancer and it’s hard to comprehend why this happens. I really admire your courage and spirit – you are an inspiration to everyone.
Love,
Danette
Hello Alicia,
Thank you for sharing your Inspiring story with us and reminding all of us about what life should be about !
Olivier
I love you, Alicia
Hi Alicia
May god bless you for touching so many. I cried, I smiled, I laughed while reading your story, thanks for sharing! I was touched by God years ago!!! You are in for the time of your life! 🙂
You are in my prayers.
God bless you!
Columbus, Ohio
Dear Alica,
One more wonderful healthy choice source is beatcancer.org. Dr. Susan Silberstein is an amazing woman who has helped and guided many people to better health and LIFE.
Once again I have you in my prayers and send you love.
Lori
May you continue to have the strength to beat this.You can do it !!!
My love and support also goes to your family and your “fiance” and friends.
Dear Alicia,
We have never met, yet I feel like I already know you. You were friends with my brother David when he first shared your story with me and I began following your articles of “Alicia’s Story”. Words really cannot describe what an amazing person I think you are. I always think of you often. You have touched so many lives, including mine and we have never met and live in different states. I just wanted to share with you that my family and I are continuing to send our love and prayers to you.
God Bless-
Lots of love,
Amy “Stogner” Wicoff and family (Amy, Eric, Ella and Abigail)
Arizona
Dearest Alicia,
I, like others who’ve already commented, have wondered about how you were doing, as I had not read much about you since your earlier columns (which I read from the beginning.) I am so terribly sorry to read today’s article. I had hoped, with you, for a different outcome. But bless you Alicia, for sharing your journey, for your courage, and for your inspiration. Thank you for showing us how to be bigger and braver than any of us ever dream we can be. I wish you peace, and the enfoldment of unceasing love.
Jo (a reader)
Dear Alicia,
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your having the strength and courage to share your story with us. Also, thank you for not giving up. Having read your journey gave me perspective on a lot of things – on what matters and to not sweat the small stuff. Life is so precious and it’s important to take the time to appreciate the little things like watching a ladybug nestled in a flower. Your legacy will live on because you touched so many lives and are an inspiration to many. May God bless you and your family.
Dear Alicia,
Like many others, I’ve been following your story since it was first published in the Chronicle in 2005. As someone who is also now 28, a writer, and a Bay Area native, I felt you were someone I could have become friends with if we had ever met.
I was always deeply touched by your voice and the grace you showed in your writing and your life. Thank you for sharing your story with the thousands of us who have been lucky enough to have heard it. God bless you.
Asta
Alicia,
I have been following your story since you began writing about it. You are truly inspirational and your witty, honest writing is so refreshing. I am so sorry for all you have gone through, so happy you found a soulmate and have the loving support of your family and friends, and so proud of how you are choosing to spend your time here on earth. You are a gift to the world and your message has affected so many. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Your light will shine for eternity. May your days be filled with laughter and peace. Thank you for being you.
Carolyn- San Francisco, CA
Dear Alcia,
I have been reading your story like countless others. You are a true inspiration. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I was diagnosised with agressive cancer last year and just finished chemo and radiation therapy. I too was told that I was too young for this terrible disease.
I have two young children to think about and you have inspired me to fight this awful disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janice
I have followed your story for a long time. When you first were diagnosed so was my cousin Rita with pancreatic cancer. She died I think it will be 5 years this fall.
I am glad you are getting good medical care and have things that bring you comfort around you. I really appreciate you sharing your message.
I will work to appreciate my life more and not take things for granted.
Dear Alicia,
I have read your story over the years and my heart goes out to you. In October 2008 I was diagnosed with stage III Melanoma. I had 3 surgeries on my right foot and lost my baby toe.
I looked at all surces of treatment and choose a more natural non traditional medical way. I began to eat clean and healthy and juice.
I read and follow as best I can the book Crazy Sexy Cancer by Kris Carr. There is also a video out as well. Eating raw foods and getting sugar and white flour out of our diets helps promote a better way for our cancers to go away.
I have also attended a legure by Brenda Cobb, Living Foods Institute who’s cancer was gone after she was given a short time left to live by eating live raw foods.
I know it may be a long shot, but I would love to have you try this healthy way and see if you can change your path today.
May your days be filled with love and light and give this way to better a health a try…miracles do happen.
I have been cancer free since 12/08 and have done juicing, chinese, medicine, herbs and acupuncture. I did not do interferon as the medical world recommended.
I send you my love and support as your journey continues. I wish you to be free of pain and full of love and dear family and friends.
With healthy loving prayers,
Lor Silverstein
Alicia,
Thanks for inviting us into your life to share your journey. You are a talented writer and a brave soul–and you touched so many lives.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Alicia:
Thank you…. For the strength to share your story in all of the beauty and pain that you have shared you have touched my life, and so many others. I have followed your story on-line since you began your series with the Chron. I always knew this day would come, I only hoped it would be so much further in the future.
Enjoy the love and caring of friends and family and know that so many of us hold you in our thoughts and prayers as well.
With respect and admiration,
Susan
Alicia, I was just thinking about you the other day, that I hadn’t read anything about you in the Chronicle in a long time. And just like that, I opened the paper this morning to see your picture on the front page. I was always touched and inspired by your story. You are a courageous and strong young woman. God’s speed to you.
Alicia — I was riveted to your Chronicle series several years ago and have often wondered how you are doing. I was both excited and deeply saddened when I read today’s Chronicle story. Please know that you touched many, many lives with your story. Thank you for sharing. I wish you peace.
Dear Alicia,
You struggle cancer for a long time and I really like your story about yourself. To end your treatment is the best thing for you to just be comfortable care/hospics care.
Alicia, may your seas be calm and your ship sail easily…
Dear Alicia,
SInce day one when I was lucky enough to begin reading your story I have followed you and your journey. I googled your name every couple of weeks for information on you and kept my fingers crossed that you were out there, laughing, loving and living! I wish you, your soulmate, family and friends wonderful days and nights together, creating beautiful memories.
WIth Deepest Admiration,
Erica
Hi Alicia,
I am yet another woman influenced by your life and your writing. When you get to heaven, please know that my mom, Julie, who arrived there a few months ago, will be wanting to give you a huge hug because she was a follower of your story.
Thank you for the gifts you have given and I hope you are continuing to relish “the moments.”
Love, big love, to you, Honey.
Nancy
Dear Alicia,
I have been reading your story since your first article. You are such a strong, brave young lady, my heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Alicia,
I have been following your story for the past few years. You have remained in my heart. You are a remarkable lady who has touched lives.
With prayer,
Valeri
Alicia Like most in life, I’ve been thrown some curve balls…to the point of occassionally wanting to leave this life!. I have thought of you often, and read todays Chron article. I make this promise to you Alicia; I WILL ALWAYS CHOOSE LIFE. Thank you, Linda
Thank you for your sweetness, grace and courage.
Hi Alicia – I read every word of your 2005 Chronicle(d) journal; your humor and courage were life-changing. In the intervening years, I’ve Googled your name from time to time to see whether you were still writing. This morning when I saw you in the Chron, my heart leaped. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of thousands of people all over this planet; you have that rare gift of reaching peoples’ hearts through your words. Your message — choose life — will echo down the years. Thank you for the light you bring. –Ann
Hi Alicia – Unfortunate sisters, we started this journey together and I am saddened to see your journey is ending. I was diagnosed with anal cancer (oh, the indignity) in October 2004 and had the aggressive treatments while reading your early accounts. I, although not as young as you, am still young, active and was told for two years while trying to find out why things were bleeding where they shouldn’t, that I was ‘too young’ for THAT kind of cancer. The treatment worked until last year in Feb when I was to have my ‘all clear’ PET – not so fast. It was back and this time, they operated since I couldn’t take any more radiation. Now, it’s back again after the surgeon, once inside, decided that ‘it’s not cancer’ and didn’t take the appropriate margins. I start chemo next week since the tumor has grown too much and you know the rest of the story.
I just danced at my son’s wedding, spent a wonderful week with my family who had gathered for the event and told the doctors, “Now, you can have me”. Somehow, I always had hoped you made it and didn’t know until today that this bitch got you too. I may be meeting you soon on the other side – I’m still fighting tooth and nail to remain on this one, but remember that morphine is your friend and don’t let anyone tell you differently.
Go gently and in peace. The pain makes us weary and the grace you’ve shown has left many life lessons for those still standing. Dawn Ernst, Castro Valley
Sending hugs and prayers your way. Your bravery is an inspiration to all.
Alicia–
Thank you so much for sharing your joy and your courage in the face of such rough road. You are an inspiration for many, including me, on many levels. I thank you so much for giving the world a view into what those of us with cancer experience everyday, it takes great strength to do that, and everyone in the “C” community owes you much gratitude for your efforts.
As a cancer survivor, I read your chronicle stories in 2005 with great interest and knowing nods, so proud that you were sharing your experience with the wider world. In 2007, I got another primary site cancer, this time a similar, extremely rare sarcoma which has metastized and am battling every day. I read the chron article this morning as I prepare for a day with drs here in NYC (we had to move from SF to be closer to specialists in NYC), and you have brought both a wide smile and tears to my eyes.
Words cannot express my emotions right now, from extreme empathy for you to fear of the future, just know that I’m so thankful for the strength you have shared with the world and wish you great peace and love,
–evan.
Buongiorno, Alicia!
I’m sending much love and prayer from Italy! I loved the article in the Chronicle this morning and am so grateful for all your friends and family who have set up the blog, Facebook, tweets — and of course all that has come before.
I can’t come to you, but I’d like to go someplace you’d like to be in Italy and look at it for you. Any suggestions?! I will be in Rome, Viterbo, Perugia, Siena and Sorrento in the next few weeks. If you can, let me know a view you remember and I’ll stand there with you/for you/take a photo, do a dance and throw some of these wonderful spring flowers that are growing everywhere.
The whole RSJ family is standing with you right now, from around the world!
Much love,
Donica and family
Buongiorno, Alicia!
I’m sending much love and prayer from Italy! I loved the article in the Chronicle this morning and am so grateful for all your friends and family who have sent up the blog, Facebook, tweets — and of course all that has come before.
I can’t come to you, but I’d like to go someplace you’d like to be in Italy and look at it for you. Any suggestions?! I will be in Rome, Viterbo, Perugia, Siena and Sorrento in the next few weeks. If you can, let me know a view you remember and I’ll stand there with you/for you/take a photo, do a dance and throw some of these wonderful spring flowers that are growing everywhere.
The whole RSJ family is standing with you right now, from around the world!
Much love,
Donica and family
Hey Sweet Lady,
Your strength and spirit are an inspiration to us. We think about you and pray for you, your Dad and Matt, and your extended family. We hope you are resting comfortably and are soaking up all the love that is flowing out to you and around you.
We send our love and blessings to you, dear Alicia.
Carolyn and Jack
Hey Alicia!!! I just wanted you to know your are in my family’s thoughs and prayers. I think about you often and miss you very much!!!
All my love,
Kel
xoxo
Hi Alicia,
Thanks for always rockin’ so hard. It is a bummer that we live so far apart. I miss your smile and great funfilled spirit. Thanks for making my freshman year awesome.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Love you lady!
Bryana
Alicia,
With love and fond memories of friendship.
Ryan
Hi Alicia,
Thanks for always rockin’ so hard. It is a bummer that we live so far apart. I miss your smile and great funfilled spirit. Thanks for making my freshman year awesome.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Love you lady!
Bryana
Hi Alicia! My mom is worried about you. We pray for you everyday. Hope you are comfortable. I wish you could’ve come to Children’s of Dayton – they helped my friend Skye.
I love You,
Cousin Jenna Rose
Brookville,OH
Alicia,
You are in my thoughts…
All My Love,
Ginny
Your story and your strength are inspiring. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alicia,
When I read your story in 2005 I was so touched by your story, by your strength and determination to beat this disease and mostly by your honesty and your candidness. Over the years I’ve often wondered how you were and I thought of you a lot. I have shared your story to such an extent to friends and family members that people have asked me about you, “How’s your friend, Alicia?” Then I explain that I don’t really know you but I feel such a connection to you from your writing. God Bless you, Alicia. I wish you comfort and peace during this time. Know that you have touched people and have inspired them to be better and as a writer, those achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Hi Alicia,
I’ve been thinking about you so much the past week, reflecting fondly on all the times we’ve shared as roommates and friends. You are one of the most beautiful and inspiring people I have had the pleasure of knowing. My thoughts and love are with you.
Melissa
Picture of the dogs hanging out on the deck. Best Buddies! :0)
Love,
The Neighbors
You are a wonderful lady, Alicia, and you are always in my heart and in my prayers.
Much much love,
Loretta
Dear Alicia,
You are truly one of the most talented, generous, kind, graceful people I have ever known. I have nothing but the warmest memories of you, and I wish you peace, joy, and comfort. Please know that I am thinking of you.
Big hugs, Gina
Hi Alicia,
You’ve been on my mind a lot recently. I’m glad to know you’re doing as well as could be expected in these circumstances. Not only are you being prayed for and thought of by me-but also those at my church and a few other churches around Sacramento. I wish I could come see you-but no matter what you are in my thoughts.
Take care!
Tony
Alicia,
I really don’t know what to say. You are always in my prayers and heart. I watched you grow into a beautiful young woman with so much spirit and joy and love. And now to see how many people you have touched and inspired, God has his hand on you my friend!
Peace and Love to you and your family
George
It breaks my heart to know you are having so much discomfort. Reading your story has effected me so much and inspired me in more ways than I can relate to you. You have accomplished so much in your life. More than most people in a full lifetime. I am inspired to love more, forgive easier and cherish each loved one I have in my life after being inspired by your writing. You do not know me, as many followers can state, but we all know and love you. Know that a cushion of love, the size of the universe, is surrounding from all over the world. Rest in love.
Hi Alicia,
I found you when I was diagnosed with cancer in ’07 and I want you to know you inspired me so much. Something told me yesterday to check and see how you’re doing. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers….and thank you! You are an outstanding person and I admire you so much.
All best,
Susan
Good Morning Alicia, it’s about 20 minutes past 8:00 a.m. Ohio time. You are a constant in my thoughts and prayers. Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Tom love you very much and you are in their thoughts and prayers at all times as well. Rest comfortably California Cousin……….I’ll write again.
I love you,
Your Cousin Jane
Alicia,
I just read the recent post and heard from Kourtney just how serious your condition is.
I can’t think of anything to say, but Thank You. Meeting you in Junior High, making those crazy French Videos together, studying for all those AP Exams, the school dances, hanging out at Chevy’s….are memories that I look back so fondly. You are brilliant, beautiful, caring, thoughful and truly a true gem of a friend.
I so wish I could be there to see you right now, but I am glad to know you are surrounded by such wonderful friends and family who clearly love and support you so much.
You have been such a great inspiration for so many people, and have touched people’s lives that you’ve never even met. I am honored truly, to have known you and to be able to consider you a friend.
I love you with all my heart and wish nothing but peace for you.
-Sarika (aka Belle)
Dearest Alicia,
You are ever in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that your winsome verve and the love of many will carry you forward in these days. Your life is truly an inspiration to me and so many others.
“This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.” –The Book of Common Prayer for the Episcopal Church
All my love,
Steven Harsono
Hi Alicia,
You don’t know me, but I wanted to let you know that you affected me with your story so many years ago. I know there are countless others like me that haven’t written. You are and will continue to be a source of inspiration.
Love,
Elizabeth
Alicia,
Some former students at UNR told me about your condition. I’m so sorry to hear you’re struggling right now. You’ve always been an inspiration and you have stayed strong for so long through all of this. My prayers are with you right now. I know it’s amazing to have your friends with you at this time. Do know that people all over the world who can’t be there with you are sending strength your way.
God Bless
Jennifer Greer — Alabama (former UNR prof.)
Hi Alicia
I just wanted to drop a note and let you know that we miss seeing your beautiful face in the cancer resource center. I love hearing that you are surrounded by friends and family (and Clarabelle!) and I wish you peace and comfort. I’m praying for you and your loved ones.
Jacqueline
Alicia!
I just heard about your health, and I am so sorry to hear you aren’t feeling well. Please get better! We need to have more brunches in San Fran (when I move there in Janauary).
I am in India until the end of this month, but as soon as I get back into the states I’m booking a flight out to SF…by then you should be in excellent condition 🙂
XOXO,
Sarika
Hi Alicia,
We met a few times at the Healer’s Art and I am a friend of Jill Strong’s from college. I wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and I am wishing you all the best. I am sure Jill is too all the way in Australia, so I’ll do my best to alley-oop her love to you through Berkeley (and the internet). Lots of love.
Sarah Dixon
Alicia,
I think of and pray for you often, Jenna prays for you too. All of us in Ohio are passing the word getting even more prayers ~ I wish we weren’t so far apart.
Clarabelle is adorable, I love her eyes. Pets are amazing! We have Roxy,Sassi and Tilly they are crazy Labs, all under 2 yrs. old.
May Gods presence fill your heart and soul~
Lots of Love&Prayers~
Clarissa Klingenberger
Alicia, Your family at the Reynolds School has you in our thoughts and prayers. Be strong – I know you are. You are a true inspiration for all of us. I honestly don’t know anyone quite as brave as you. Thank you to your friends for starting this site.
Love, Kristin
Hang in there, Alicia. A lot of folks are thinking about you and praying for you!
Hi, Alicia! Heard about your visit with Karl ~ I know he relayed that we here at the Bee are thinking of you and sending our love. I’ve been following your story over the years and wonder if you realize how deeply it has touched so many people … your talent and passion for writing, your inner strength, and your willingness to share your story have created a remarkable gift for everyone you’ve reached. I hope you can feel that we’re reaching back now, with loving thoughts and virtual hugs! ~ Julie
Folks this site is a SCAM! It is not affiliated with ALICIA PARLETTE! All the information it contains are regurgitated stories that can be found just by googling her name. Please don’t send money to the person claiming to be a friend of hers until it can be confirmed.
HI –
This is Juliet Moser, I’ve been sitting with Alicia in the hospital for the last 10 days. I can assure you that this is not a scam. Her friends simply put together this site together to bring all of the information about Alicia together in one place and to give people updates about Alicia’s health.
I understand that you may be reluctant to send a check to someone listed as simple “a friend,” but as you can see from the Nevada Sagebrush article from September of 2009, (located here: http://nevadasagebrush.com/blog/2009/09/01/one-alum%E2%80%99s-battle-with-cancer/), Bruce D’Ambra has been helping Alicia with her finances for several years. I believe he is even mentioned in the Chronicle series.
Please let me know if you have any concerns that can be addressed.
Shame on you “Sancho” .
Shame on you!
Alicia,
You are an inspiration to all of us! You are in our thoughts and prayers as you have been for all the years since Russell has had the joy of knowing you. You have made quite an impression on the world young lady.
Affectionately,
Delynn & Duane Jones
Russell’s parents
Hi Alicia,
We’ve never met, but I heard your story on NPR one morning while driving to work and I couldn’t believe how strong you are. Over the past few years your health has often been in the back of my head hoping for the best that no news from you is good news.
Tonight something made me want to look up your name and see how you were. I’m sorry to hear that the cancer has progressed and you’re in the hospital. I wanted to let you know that you’ve touched and inspired me despite our never having met.
-y
Hi Alicia,
We’ve never met but we know your dad through the Lutheran Church in Granite Bay and Walk to Emmaus. My husband and I read your articles via SF Gate as you shared your journey with cancer so honestly and bravely.
We are praying for you, your friends and your family. Thank you for sharing and I hope you gain strength from knowing you touched so very many lives. I am sure there have been thousands of us “googling” your name occasionally looking for updates. This wasn’t what I hoped to find but you have our support and love from Orangevale, CA! Praying God’s blessings on you, Alicia! Julie and Ken Bley
Dear Alicia,
I have been blessed that our spirits crossed paths a few days ago. You inspire me. Dear Alicia, you are a shining star of what is possible when you take the gift of life and do it right! Radiating love, grace, honesty and at the same time stripping it all down to the raw bone. The love that I felt among those that surround you is so strong and deep that it takes an emotion and turns it into to something physical that you can grab onto. May we all go with the flow of our lives and let them unfold with your love, grace and humor. Words fail me but I close this with a smile……….Gypsy
Alicia!
I am SO thankful to have found some information about you! I have thought about you so very often and yearned for more than an occasional update via Grubaugh (although he is a wonderful source). I am sending you all of my Grizzly great vibes and look forward to hearing how fantastic you’re doing in the near future. You can’t imagine how much better you made some of the worst years of my life. It’s because of you, Grubaugh and Ali that I survived high school. I am rooting for you and will keep you in my prayers.
Love always~ Danielle Schmidt aka “Schmidty”
Hi Alicia,
I just read about your illness-and felt like I was kicked in the gut. Even though we may not have been very close friends in high school, I had the utmost respect for you-and still do. I hope that you will somehow come out of this.
Tony
GBHS Class of ’99
Hello Alicia,
Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you! I believe in the power of prayer in numbers and trust me cousin, you have a bunch coming to you from all your family here in Ohio! We all love you very much! Sending Love,Strength,and Comfort in Prayer !!!
Love,
Cousin Christina xoxo
Dear Alicia, I love you very much……….all of the family in Ohio is thinking of you, praying for you and most importantly sending our love to you minute by minute.
Love,
Your Cousin Jane
Hey Alicia,
Guess who. Bernadette called and told me you are in the hospital. I have been thinking of you for so long and fret that I have not called. You are in my thoughts daily and hope to stop in next week.
xxoo, Penni
Hi Alicia.
I dont know you but for whatever reason, today I thought about you and tried to see if you had any updates.
It had been ahwile since I’d read anything.
Im sorry to hear you not doing so well right now, and hope you feel much better very soon.
Your stories in the paper were encouraging to read.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless
Michele K
Hi Alicia, just found out from Kevin that you aren’t doing well. We are so sorry. Would love to come see you, trying to get your whereabouts from Kevin. Do you need someone to watch Miss Clara? Tiny has been dreadfully neglected since the baby’s arrival, he might actually enjoy the company 🙂
Miss you! Wish I had been more proactive about setting up a pizza and movie night. It’s been in the back of my mind, but my social life has also been dreadfully neglected since baby Victor’s entrance into our lives…
Hi Alicia-
I just got an email from Lauren saying that you were not doing well. I would love to come and see you!!! All I have been doing since the email and speaking with Lauren is staring at the butterfly tattoo on my back and praying that you get better:) My Mom also wishes she was closer because she would love to see you too!!! She told me tonight the story about the towncar ride you guys took…..boy does she have a memory-lol:) And of course, I can’t forget Tigg; he misses you trying to pick him up for the big hugs you always tried to give him!
Stay strong like I know you are and I’m praying for you!
Luv ya–
Alyssa
Alicia Dear! I am so sorry to hear you are in the ICU. Although I am brought to tears, I have spent the last few hours looking through old pictures and laughing! [I miss you] I am in the midst of planning a visit to come see you!
all my love,
lauren (lew, lulu, lo)
ps. I will never forget this little note you left me with a pastry…
“a little vegan treatie for my virginia sweetie from the bakery down the streetie!”
We don’t know each other, but I feel like I know you. I’ve followed your story from the beginning, and was immediately struck by how much you reminded me of myself (in terms of personally and interests). I’ve always wondered how you were, and I was glad to be invited to this blog, but sorry to hear that things are getting even more challenging for you.
Stay strong, and please know that there are so many people rooting for you – even those who’ve never met you.
Love and prayers from Warren and Janet
Hi Alicia – it was great to see you the other
day! Tom and Iare headed to Tomales Bay
for the weekend, but I will come to visit next week. I’m thinking of you all the time.
love
Jan
Wow, Alicia,
My mom would have loved meeting you. She was a senior feature writer for the SF Examiner. she wrote her entire life and was good and you would have enjoyed each other. … I am Alice Potter’s friend; she’s told me all about you.
There are a lot of people who love you out here.
Bob
Dear Alicia…
I have followed your story from the beginning which coincided with the time I was diagnosed with early prostate cancer (cancer-free 5 years). Your writing gave me positive encouragement—a very important element in treatment.
Too many words. I just want to say that you are a hero among us and a point of light.
You are in our prayers and you will stay there…
God bless you, Austin Holian, Saint Paul MN
Hi Alicia. I have been following your story since it’s beginning. I have been wondering about you since they stopped. I want to tell you how inspiring I found your quiet strength and how it helped me with my recent fight against breast cancer since I was diagnosed on Sept 11th, 2009.
God Bless You on your journey. I know you will be reunited with your beloved mother.
I will be thinking of you over time. You have achieved so much in your life……your entire family and all your friends and co-workers are so proud of you and so lucky you know you. I know, as I was lucky just to encounter the power of your words. Peace and Strength be with you and your loved ones.