I was diagnosed on December 13, 2006 at the age of 46.

Patty

My Battle is just beginning, and I am so grateful for modern medicine and the hope it gives me to beat this! I am currently undergoing chemo and will have surgery the end of February.

A lot of people ask why this happens. It doesn't matter. What matters is the love and support from family, friends and the medical profession. What matters is that I can save money on hairspray and razors for awhile and I have a great reason to wear hats and scarves!

What matters is that this does not define who I am. What matters is what I can take from this experience and share with others. What matters is that I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who loves and supports me and four really great kids who help me laugh every day.

My two daughters, age 24 and 21 were both diagnosed with brain tumors. One in 2005 and one in 2003 respectively. I have learned from them to sieze the day, that hair is great but the lack of hair is not the end of the earth! They have taught me about patience, kindness, gratitude and courage. They are my heros and for them, I will win this battle!

I have a great medical team and I have 100% confidence in them.

I have a deep spiritual faith and I know that God the Eternal Father and my savior, Jesus Christ, love me and will do all that is possible to make this as easy as possible.

Life is so great! I love my life, I love my family and I know that this will be OK!

Please click on the titles of the song and the hymn in order to hear the music.

Because You Loved Me

For all those times you stood by me.
For all the truth that you made me see.
For all the joy you brought to my life.
For all the wrong that you made right.
For every dream you made come true.
For all the love I found in you.

I'll be forever thankful, baby.
You're the one who held me up,
Never let me fall.
You're the one who saw me through it all.

You were my strength when I was weak.
You were my voice when I couldn't speak.
You were my eyes when I couldn't see.
You saw the best there was in me.

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach.
You gave me faith 'cause you believed.
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me.

You gave me wings, and you made me fly.
You touched my hand; I could touch the sky.
I lost my faith; you gave it back to me.
You said no star was out of reach.

You stood by me, and I stood tall.
I had your love; I had it all.
I'm grateful for each day you gave me.
Maybe I don't know that much,
But I know this much is true.
I was blessed because I was loved by you.

You were my strength when I was weak.
You were my voice when I couldn't speak.
You were my eyes when I couldn't see.
You saw the best there was in me.

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach.
You gave me faith 'cause you believed.
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me.

You were always there for me,
The tender wind that carried me.
A light in the dark shining your love into my life.
You've been my inspiration.

Through the lies, you were my truth.
My world is a better place because of you.

You were my strength when I was weak.
You were my voice when I couldn't speak.
You were my eyes when I couldn't see.
You saw the best there was in me.

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach.
You gave me faith 'cause you believed.
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me.

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Be Still, My Soul

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and wind still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone.
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when changes and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.