Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Positive Outliers

Dear Friends,

If you have a moment, please check out the Positive Outlier blog linked here (http://positiveoutlier.wordpress.com/).  Melanie Kau is my Mom's best friend and we have known the Kau family since before I can remember.

Melanie is an extraordinary friend, wife, mother, leader and all-around wonderful person.  She has four children (the youngest is only 10).

A couple of months ago, after a prolonged sickness (the doctor originally said it was acid reflux), Melanie was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lung cancer.  Not only was the cancer in her lungs, but also in her brain and all over her body.  Although her lungs were inoperable, she attempted radiation therapy for the brain tumors.

She got sicker, thinner, and lost her gorgeous long red hair.

This week she found out that the radiation therapy did not reduce the brain tumors.  In fact, they're bigger, and there are several new ones.  She's trying an experimental medication, but even with insurance the medicine (as well as all other medical expenses) is extremely expensive. 

My Mom and some other friends have organized a fun-run to raise money for her medical bills.  It will take place in Provo on Saturday, September 25.  Please see the information and registration here (http://positiveoutlier.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/miles-for-melanie/). For those of you in Provo, if you have the time and energy, please go.  I'm not one to beg for money, but this is for a good cause. 

If you're looking for a worthy recipient for your charitable donations this year, I'd vote for this.

At the very least, I'd recommend reading her blog.  She truly is a positive outlier in the face of immeasurable pain and tragedy.

Rachel

2 comments:

  1. What a tragedy. I hope things will only get brighter for her and her family.

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  2. How nice to have a fundraiser for her. What a beautiful woman! I will be following her blog and definitely keep her in my prayers!

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