As September draws to a close so too ends a series Healing Havens Part 4. It is my hope that you have logged onto the NOCC website and have become more aware of the quiet warning signs of ovarian cancer.
Healing Havens Part 4
I have saved a very special Healing Haven for the last. When I met Linda she was currently battling ovarian cancer. She told me that it was such a shock to be diagnosed with the disease as she had just recently won a major cycling championship and felt she was in the best shape of her life. Linda was going through chemotherapy and spent a lot of time in bed. She wished for a more restful and beautiful space.
The two pictures below are of the space BEFORE.
Here are the AFTER photos. I will never forget the joy on her face. She told me how nervous she was to have me in her home, but the final redesign was more than she could ever hope for.
We began to plan redesigns of the other rooms of her home and became fast friends. I have never met anyone as positive and full of life as Linda.
Sadly, the chair below is now forever empty.
Linda lost her battle with ovarian cancer a few months later at the very young age of 47. I promised Linda that I would continue my work in creating Healing Havens, but more importantly, I would tell her story. Linda had had some slight stomach discomfort and a feeling of bloating but just dismissed it. By the time she went to the doctor she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. There are just four levels.
Ovarian cancer symptoms whisper. Please listen carefully.
Laura
This post is dedicated to my dear, sweet friend, Linda Susan Guzylak. You are greatly missed.
How sweet of you to use your talents to bless lives this way! It must bring such comfort and joy to these dear ladies as they battle such odds. May God RICHLY bless you as you use the talents he’s given you! Have a lovely weekend!
Linda must have been a wonderful person to have known. I’m sorry for her loss.
Thank you for all your work and care for these ladies. So sorry that you lost your friend to this horrible disease. Hopefully more wiil be learned and more of us will live longer, healthier lives!
Laura, that is such a sad, sweet story. I am so sorry that you lost your friend. Thanks again for sharing your gifts. You each, clearly, touched each others lives.~Liz~
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the reminders this month and your wonderful work. Here’s hoping you won’t have to do many more.*hugs*
Oh my ! That is so sad ~ xoxo
I’m in tears. That is so sad and scary. The room looks beautiful Laura.
Laura,This was the most poignant post of them all. That empty chair speaks volumes. Thank you for posting on this subject and thank you for making havens for those suffering from this disease.Many blessings,Miss Sandy
wow what an amazing why to help folks. i am participating in a walk tomorrow to raise funds and awareness for ovarian cancer. it is so important to get the word out about this disease. please visit my site http://mommyvents.blogspot.com
Another great job of a makeover. So sorry to hear Linda did not beat her cancer.
What a beautiful, peaceful room. Thanks for letting us know about this killer. Mimi
Oh my goodness, my heart is in my throat…that was so sad to read. I cannot believe how insidious this disease is. Who doesn’t have bloating and stomach complaints from time to time? How easy is it to just write them off as female complaints or digestive upset?? This is tragic, but I thank you for sharing…She made a wonderful friend in you, and you created a beautiful space for her to enjoy. It is so sad that she had barely time to do so.You have my sympathies and respect,Linda
Laura,Thank you so much for your kind comment.You are a sweetie.Melissa
What a wonderful post, Laura. I am so sorry that your sweet friend Linda isn’t able to enjoy the haven you created for her anymore.I hope that she is enjoying a haven in heaven now.xo Lidy
My mother died of ovarian cancer 8 years ago, so this post particularly touched me. What a lovely thing you did for Linda. And, what a wonderful thing you are doing for your blog readers…making them more aware of the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer.
This is some awesome work you do. It is amazing how much interiors can really affect the way a person is feeling.I’m definitely taking this as some inspiration for my current project
fabulous post!
Oh my gosh. I am so sorry. So precious of you to do this for her. I have no words.
Thank you for the comment. If you had not left it there & thanks to SITS, I would have never found your blog. I am bookmarking you to come back and check out other posts! I love the tables & the photos & you are doing this for such a good cause. Prayers for you..(P.S. I just watched Marie Antoinette for the 100th time last night!)
What a beautiful blog you have! Wonderful pics. Thanks so much for leaving a comment on my blog.