"My three wishes would be for my three children.
In September, 2003, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and had my entire stomach and spleen removed in October, 2003. Then I started chemotherapy and radiation treatment. I was hospitalized 6 times (each for a week or more) in the next 10 months because of complications, and almost died as a result of the treatments. I finally got through everything and had 10 months of relative healthy living. Recently, July of 2005, I was told that the cancer has come back. The statistics are horrible for recurring stomach cancer; only 5 % will live past 2 years, but I am determined to beat it again and live healthily. In the event that I can't, my wishes would be:
For Ben who is 17 and an awesomely kind child, I would wish for someone to help him fill out college applications, and financial aid forms (we will not be able to contribute much) ... . He has been on honor roll all through the time I've been sick and will be the president of his schools SCA (Student Council Association) this year as well as captain of the swim team, a member of the high school orchestra student board, and various other things that he does for his school. He's also working on his Eagle Boy Scout rank. I had planned on doing this with him, but chemotherapy makes me extremely nauseous and fatigued, especially without a stomach, controlling my eating is difficult. I'd also wish for him an overhaul on the van he drives (a 1998 Windstar) or help to get a good used car if the van is too far gone, so that he can come home on weekends because I won't be able to travel while I go through chemotherapy again.
For Emily who is 16 and a doggedly determined athlete, I would wish for a "big sister" to talk with. She is very scared and angry about what is happening, and needs to have someone to talk to. She is very protective of my feelings, ans is afraid to talk to me for fear of upsetting me. She will also need help next year getting ready for college - she wants to be able to play soccer in college, and this is and has been her passion in life. She is a great girl who has the potential to do great things if she can work through these emotions and not have them shape her personality in a negative way.
For Julianna who is 10 and full of life and joy, I would wish for her a long term "big sister" that would commit to help her through the teen years. Ben and Emily will be in college next year and the year after, and possibility is that Juli may be home alone with her dad. I would wish for her someone who can do "girlie" things with her through the next 8 years. In her 10 years, she has brought so much joy to her immediate and extended family, that I would want to somehow protect her from any feeling or outcome of this illness that would shape her in a negative way.
Those would be my three wishes...help for my children to accomplish the goals that I was going to help them with. Now, if I am able (and I am going to try my hardest) to beat this, we would not need so much. I don't know how you determine your contestants, but I would ask that you would check to see where I am in treatment and possibility of cure and then consider helping my three awesome children have a wish each.
Thank You for your time,
Victoria Heath"
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