The past few days have been difficult, but today I am feeling better again. I managed to take a shower standing up, dry off, get dressed and avoid throwing up due to the exertion! Then I ate almost all my breakfast. In the hospital, small things are accomplishments that I must appreciate. But there are good things about being here, too. The best thing is that my family and friends have been so supportive, and I have had many special visits with people in the last month. Last weekend, Cindy, Rene and Carrie stopped by. Cindy brought sushi and we had a special lunch in my room…Carrie came in the evening and gave me a nice foot massage! Monday evening, Dave and Lorraine came, and today, Julie popped in for a visit and we took a walk down to the beautiful fountains at the front entrance and passed through the tulip garden. Being here make you appreciate people for their compassion, kindness and patience…qualities sometimes hard to see in the fast-paced culture of the SF Bay Area. Stacey, from Stanford Hospital
Note from Stacey
Hello everyone, Denise and Mom, thanks for keeping in touch. It was nice talking to you on the phone recently, too. I seem to be only able to access my “[email protected]” account right now. I’ll tell you all when I get the hotmail account working again. Progress is slow. Yesterday I walked around for about an hour by myself, pushing my IV pole. I have discovered a new hospital challenge. Now I have to worry about the huge INTELLIBOT, a robot floor cleaner the size of a baby elephant roaming the halls, coming straight towards me with no intention of changing its pre-programmed course. I walk when I can, through the same hallways every day…trying to go a little further. Will it be a record day, 45 minutes, or like today, only 10? I walk to stay moving, to be a part of the world outside my hospital room, with a purpose, but no destination. I remember Lance Armstrong writing that he only felt alive when he was moving– walking, and eventually cycling again. The walking also reminds me of the movie, “Forrest Gump” in which Forrest just starts running, for no particular reason, for years and years. In the end, he marries his sick girlfriend, takes care of her, and raises their son. “Life is like a box of chocolates,” he said. “You never know what you’re going to get.” I think the real trick is to deal with what you DO get, and make a life of it. Here, it is one day at a time. Stacey, from Stanford Hospital
December 12 Climb-a-thon update
Updated Climber and Sponsor Letter for Stacey\’s Climb-a-thon
Sponsor Letter (11-19-04)
Climber letter (11-19-04 sr v1)
2nd Annual Mt. Everest Challenge
Start training for the 2nd Annual Mt. Everest Challenge! Gather a team of friends, get sponsors, and show your athletic talent to climb a team goal of 29,035 vertical feet on Sunday, Dec. 12th, 2004, from 12-3 p.m. The climb-a-thon will be held at Planet Granite Climbing Gym, in Santa Clara. Both youth and adult teams will be participating. Beginners through elite climbers are all welcome.
14-year-old Scott Cory, a friend of Stacey\’s, will be giving a special slide show at the event. Cory is known as being the youngest person to climb both El Capitan and Half Dome routes.
There will also be a silent auction with very cool gear donated by various companies.
Proceeds will benefit a special fund for Stacey\’s medical bills at the National Transplant Assistance Fund.
For more information, please contact Stacey at [email protected].
Run from Lam by Felix
Felix Wong, an avid ultra-marathon cyclist and triathlete, will be going on a 40-mile run throughout the SF Bay Area to raise money for the Wind Song Foundation. He will start at 6 a.m. from his home in Fremont, to the company he works for (coincidentally, Lam Research) and then across the Dumbarton Bridge. From there, he will run to San Jose, and then back north to Palo Alto and end at Stacey’s house in Mountain View. He plans to finish between 2 and 5 p.m.
Here is detailed route information and photos, taken by Felix when he cycled the route to prepare for the event this month:
Route sheet:
http://felixwong.com/2004/05/staceys-run-from-lam/
There are course photos from the link above too.
This ride will be self-supported, with only a bicycle sag wagon with communication and emergency medical supplies (ridden by Cherie Chan.)
There will be a picnic celebration at the Whisman Park (across the street from Stacey\’s house) to congratulate Felix on his incredible athletic feat and determination to help the cause! To help cheer Felix along the route and/or attend the party, please call Stacey at 650-776-8629.