I stumbled upon a site for Jackie Farry - a young woman needing cash to cover her treatment - in the midst of my own cancer crap. Long story short, Jackie mailed me a bitchin’ brown & pink “Fuck Cancer” cap which I wore for many (bald) months of 2004. I packed it away in storage afterwards, not sure what I’d do with it or if I’d ever want see it again. But, when I heard through the grapevine that Leanne (who I knew from HS) was beginning her own battle, I knew immediately. I sent her the hat & saw it appear on her hubby’s head one day on their beautiful blog, Follow Lingling as she gives lymphoma a beat-down.
I checked in periodically to read posts of Leanne’s progress but not too closely. There are days where I can’t stand to see the word cancer; others when I can’t forget it. But last week, I felt compelled to revisit & am so glad I did. Leanne & her family had just reached the end of their own active cancer road, changing the blog’s title to past tense & everything! Overcome with joy, I sent them well wishes on their return to “the new normal.” I imagine what lies ahead shall be an adjustment but hope they find the peace & happiness they so deserve.
A few days later, I got an email from both Leanne & Dan. Here’s what he said:
“jennifer,
i think it was the hat that did it.
thanks for telling a good story first.
it gave us one to follow.”
& a portion of what she said:
“…while i hope that no one else i care about ever has to
go through any of this crap, the reality is that i’ll
probably have many choices of who should don the hat
next. and i will send it to a good home when the time
calls.”
Oh how I love a good pay it forward! But in this case, here’s to knowing no one for whom a “Fuck Cancer” cap is an appropriate gift.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Jenn. Thanks for the inspirational post; reminding me that there is always an way to pay it forward, no matter what happens in life!!
Pixie girl, that was a very “in your face” post. Loved it! Take that “Cancer”, you bastard! [PM whirls about with her best round-house kick]…
Positive affirmations (and a fighting spirit) certainly help create a positive reality. Hopefully that hat can stay our of circulation for a while.
Thanks for that great story UrbPix.
This is fantastic!
Good for you and good for your friends. I’m so happy to hear this news. Thanks for bringing smiles to my face today.
~ RubyShooZ ~
Peace, love and understanding.
hi. i came across your story and immediately wanted to comment but it took me a few rounds to successfully sign up. inspired by your positivity and then your story about your hat! it made me day. i’m jackie, the girl who makes the hats. to know that two people sported one hat during such shitty times feels twice as awesome to me. If you have pictures of any of you wearing it please send them so i can include you on the “Fuck Cancer Army” photo spread. you can go to http://www.jackiefarry.com and then click on my mug to see photos of all these amazing people from babies to grandmas to dogs! there’s a link to send in pictures or you can just email them to me at jackiefarry@jackiefarry.com (how original). it’s nice to be here.
thanks jackie
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