City of Hope Sunday, November18 from 9-12. I'll be promoting & signing
the "Writing for Wellness" book, along with some of the other contributing
writers. For those who cannot make it, you can buy the book on Amazon.
All proceeds go to benefit City of Hope. I'll be at the table at the "Walk for
Hope" fundraiser to fight breast cancer.
I'm dedicating tomorrow and every WFW book I sign forevermore to the
memory of Joel Schickman, who passed away this morning after a long
and difficult fight. Joel was in his early 30s, a well-loved Rabbinical
student and talented musician. Diagnosed with Leukemia, Joel's only
hope was to endure the rigors of a Bone Marrow Transplant. Thankfully,
a donor was found and Joel went into remission.
However, Joel's health turned for the worse, when his body was invaded
by a hospital infection last week. His passing is a tragic loss. Today the
earth hums the lullaby of a broken heart. His beautiful wife Heather
embodied tremendous grace and strength throughout, caring not only for
Joel, but for their three small boys.
Joel was diagnosed only nine months ago and everyone who loved and
cared for him, everyone he touched in his life, is still coming to terms as to
why such an amazing soul would be taken from us too soon. Joel
embraced G-d and embraced life. Let us keep his spirit alive and honor
his memory by living life just like he did, with tremendous love.
Below is today's update from his CarePage.
-----
He Is Gone
November 17, 2007
7 Kislev 5768
9:42 a.m. PST
Joel fought very hard, but there were too many infections with too
many contradicting cures. He chose to fight with everything the
doctors had. His soul hummed inside of him with the rhythms of the
ventilator and monitors, and when it broke free I know your prayers
carried it upon wings of song back to his Creator.
-----
Remember Joel next time you sing.
Love,
Christine
2 comments:
Christine, thank you for those beautiful words. Heather left today for their home state of Texas. Tomorrow, Joel will be laid to rest beside his father. It is such a tremendous loss for his family and friends but his spirit and music will live on in his sons, in Heather, and in all those whose lives he touched even if only for a fleeting moment in time. There will be a memorial service for him at the University of Judaism tomorrow and I think it is at 11:00 am but I believe that there will also be a memorial service for Joel at our Synagogue where he was a rabbinic intern. I will make sure to let you know when that will take place.
With saddened heart,
Janice
Christine,
I'm also a patient of Dr. Forman (Joel's doctor) and am at the City of Hope.
Joel and Heather had a way of touching everyone they came in contact with.
I was devestated when I heard of Joel's death, and would love to contact Heather, but don't know her email or mailing address.
Do you feel comfortable in emailing it to me?
Susan Carrier
www.cancerbanter.blogspot.com
susancarrier@sbcglobal.net
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