FOX – KCOP Channel 13

Here is the FOX - KCOP Channel 13 News Segment:



Thanks again to all who came to share in the moment!

Blessings,
Christine

CW - KTLA 5 News Segment

Here is the CW – KTLA Ch 5 News Segment regarding the Marrow Transplant Reunion at City of Hope, April 25, 2008.



love,
Christine

San Gabriel Valley News

My friend Tim found this local article on the internet from the San Gabriel Valley News.

KABC Channel 7 News

Family is still in town, otherwise I would write more but here is the link to the ABC News Story by Denise Dador who covered the momentous event on Friday.



Blessings,
Christine

Live Like You were Dying

Fly now dear one
to your new home above
though my arms ache to hold you
I know you are safe in the loving arms of our Father
I lay my hand on my heart
and say another prayer

though I cry out for the pain you endured
I know that you are no longer suffering
and when I look up at the stars tonight
May you lay your hand on your heart
and smile down upon us all
and love like sunshine moonbeams
will still rush between us


The best way to remember those who've left us too soon is to live life fully, to dance while on this earth, as we carry their spirits within us.

Looking back on all the friends lost to cancer too soon, remembering, crying, praying, questioning and eventually accepting- what soon happens inside is a resolve. A resolve that is heart-strong and love-fierce.

Cancer may kill the body and while that is already devastating, if we allow it to also kill our soul, that is tragic.

I’ve seen people whose bodies survived cancer but whose souls did not. And yet others, such as Britti, who did not survive her cancer but whose soul and spirit lives on. Cancer can be tenacious, but so can we.

Whenever I am in a place where I hesitate out of fear (such as shyness or uncertainty) I remember. I remember the fighting spirits of those before and think to myself “If they were given the chance to live just one more day and were right here at this very moment… what would they do?"

Remembering Robin and her amazing spirit and love of life. Remembering how she lived fully, with grace and beauty even as she knew she was slowly dying. Living for her daughter and continuing to love and be there for her husband and family. Remembering that no matter how dire the circumstances, she always took the bull by the horns…

And remembering that Tim McGraw song that goes…

“I went Skydiving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu…”

And happening to be at a Western-style cowboy bar recently….

Knowing how fun-loving she was, I imagined that Robin was there with me and I thought "If Robin was right here at this very moment… what would she do?"

And then a smile came to my face.

"Alright Robin, this one is for you..."



Skydiving will be happening in some weeks, but for now, I decided to tackle Fu Manchu... at least a mechanical one.


"Love Deeper
Speak Sweeter
Give forgiveness you've been denying
Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying.
-TMcgraw

In fierce remembrance and love,
Christine

Thieves

I hope that by posting this video a small miracle will happen and Robin's husband Jason will have her things returned.

Here is the story as reported by NBC 11, San Francisco.

Robin Groff died Friday after a long battle with Leukemia. She'd fought to prolong her life so that she could spend more time with her 4-year-old daughter and her husband. But her life ended Friday in a Texas hospital, where she'd gone for treatment.Her husband, Jason, stopped in San Francisco's Haight Ashbury area on his way home to Sacramento to break the news of her death to friends. But at about 2 p.m. on Sunday, someone broke into the family car.The thieves took a black leather satchel containing the last mementos of Robin's life. Inside were her wallet, funeral preparations, her final notes, and a cherished piece of jewelry -- her wedding ring. The ring was to be given to her daughter.The family said they know it's unlikely the items will be returned, but they remain hopeful.Anyone with information in the case is asked to call San Francisco police.

Another Angel in Heaven

Robin Rozier Groff April 4th, 1977- April 11th, 2008

I have been sitting here trying to find the right words to say. When we lost Robin, we lost a beautiful daughter, a loving mother, a loyal sister, a dear wife and an amazing friend. Robin and I both went through two marrow transplants and we planned on surviving this ordeal together. It wasn't supposed to happen this way. She was full of life. I am too heartbroken to write anything more.


Here is the message from the updates on Robin Groff’s website .

- - - - - - - - - -

Family and Friends- after a courageous battle, Robin went home to live with our Heavenly Father tonight. None of us ever wanted this day to come, but we find peace knowing that she is free of this terrible illness and surrounded by family and friends who have preceded her in death. Thank you so much for all of the love, prayers, thoughts, cards, emails, etc. over the past 2 1/2 years that have meant so much to Robin, Jason, Hailey, and our extended family. I will update the website as funeral arrangements are finalized.

- - - - - - - - - -


Please pray for Robin and her family, especially for her little girl, Hailey.

Wonderful News!!!!!

I have some wonderful news to share!

Each year, City of Hope nominates and then selects two "exemplary" Bone Marrow Transplant survivors for the Press Conference at their annual "HCT Reunion - Celebration of Life" event. I just recently found out that I am one of the lucky two! There will be interviews and speeches but all that pales in comparison to the fact that City of Hope is flying out my donor ALL THE WAY FROM CHINA! My donor and I will meet face to face for the very first time in front of TV News cameras. I can't even imagine... meeting the man who gave me my life back and whose marrow is in my bones and whose very blood flows through my veins.

The event occurs in three weeks (Friday, April 25th) from 10am to 2pm on the City of Hope grounds. In addition to the press conference, there will be thousands of survivors and families in attendance. The event is like a picnic gone wild, with food, games, music and inspirational speeches from survivors and City of Hope doctors. It is a very positive, life-affirming experience. Imagine being surrounded by thousands of people who are grateful to be alive. :)

My parents are flying in from New York to meet Kent (my donor). A small entourage is already assembling who want to meet (and HUG!) the man who was my only hope.

These are photos from previous reunions. I like to think of this one as the grand finale, the final chapter, the end shot of a film. A Happy Hollywood ending to this Lifetime movie drama. I hope this will be my last appearance on TV as a "cancer survivor". (Frankly, if I were to be on TV again, I'd rather it be for other reasons!)


This is the moment we had been praying for all along.
Miracles DO happen.


Much Love,
Christine