Grace: A Child's Intimate Journey Through Cancer And Recovery
Yesterday, I returned to Santa Barbara to the place where I received my life-saving treatment for cancer. Now, three years after my treatment has ended, I am reminded again how Cottage Hospital and the people who work there will always bring my heart to its utmost openness. I loved seeing Nurse Lisa and Nurse Cyndi (yes, the very famous Blue Chemo Fairy!) My visit wasn’t for tests or scans; it was to help raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during their yearly fundraising event. Cottage Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
It means a lot to me to return each year for their fundraising event. I had the opportunity to encourage radio listeners to support Cottage Hospital and then do the same in a TV interview. Three years ago, I sat with my pink beanie covering my completely bald head while Paula Lopez asked me questions for a Children’s Miracle Network vignette. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking again with Paula… only this time, with a full head of hair and the ability to breathe!
Three years ago…
http://www.sbch.org/Portals/1/Skins/CottageHealth/html/marchiano.html
When Mom and I first walked into the cafeteria, who should we see?
A therapy dog all dressed up like a nurse!
Guess who else we saw? (For all who have read Grace!)
Dr. Pickert! Guess what else? He gets nicer and nicer every time I see him!
There will never be a time when I visit Cottage Hospital that I don’t gasp with trembling gratitude. The reality of my illness, the memory of me in that hospital bed… me rolling down the hall to surgery… me receiving treatment that saved my life… make me bow my head with humility.
Thank you, to everyone at Cottage Hospital.
Most people have heard of the concept “Survivor’s Guilt.” I find that my survivorship has had the opposite effect on me.
I think of Breanna, Max, Noah, Jayden, Nick and all the children whose lives I need to honor with my tireless devotion to what their lives mean. I will never forget them. This means fighting for a cure every day.
Life is one time. Living a “Lukewarm” life won’t do for me.
Turning up the heat to High…
Hi Life! Full Blast Ahead!
Who says a watched pot never boils?!
One way to be the White Swan:)
Melinda Marchiano 
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