Mail

12/29/02
Joanne:
So many of us ache for you. This is as hard as anything a parent faces. We have prayed and prayed for you and your family. God answers prayers in unexpected ways, and now healing will probably come in a way different than a cure. We love all of you and will do what little we can do to help you heal.
God’s peace be with you.

Love, Salin

12/29/02

Dear Joanne, you are in my thoughts continually. My love surrounds you and the girls and prayers are being said as I sit quietly by the Christmas Tree or as I dash around doing last minute errands.....Wherever , thoughts of you are not far away. This morning in church the choir sung selections from The Messiah that were absolutely angel like and I spoke to Jackie Pruette and asked for the recording that I might share it with you. The music of the season is so special with its messages. Last Friday at Rotary, Dick Kisiel had the middle school singers sharing their lovely voices with us. With smiles and tears, we thought of the many visits when Laura shared her gift of music with us as well. .......................................Joanne, as you know, you are not alone....everyone, everywhere is feeling your pain and so wants to support you in any way that will be most helpful. A small committee of Rotarians are meeting tomorrow at the Salvation Army Gift Store , we are manning the store Monday and Tuesday, to think of ways we might assist you today, tomorrow and the days thereafter. If you have any thoughts to share, please don't hesitate to call me...ideas large or small. If you need another shoulder to lean on or if having Rotarians there or in the wings would be helpful just say so. We know you have family and many special friends visiting so we will wait to hear from you. Tell Laura the Rotarians are sending lots of love her way....the best thing we ever did was make her a member of the Avon- Canton Club! We love you all.
Nancy

12/29/02

Joanne,

I know you won’t give up, we haven’t either! We are all there rooting for you all!
Love

Sushma

12/29/02

My thoughts and prayers are with you all....as well as the denial and tears. Joanne....you were like a second mom to me at CCMC....I always knew I could come and "bitch" to you...and you always made me feel better.....just what moms are good at. You are an outstanding woman, mother, friend, and fighter. You have more strength and determination which glow through the love you have for your girls. I hope someday I can be a mother to my children as you are to yours. I love you and am thinking of you.
Laura...My sweet sweet girl. You have touched my soul in more ways than I can ever tell you. And I'll have you know that last minute...I wasn't going to transfer to the 7th floor because I didn't want to leave you. I can't remember a day where you didn't smirk a little just to show me a smile, or say a little sarcastic remark to show me your "Jodi" attitude. Some days I think of you and smile....remembering some of the things you have said....and other days I cry for what you are going through. You are so strong and courageous, and have always pushed yourself to the top. I don't have a quarter of the strength you do....and can't imagine how you continuously fight. You have brightened my smile, strengthened my soul, and lit up my spirit. Thank you for blessing me with knowing you, helping you, and loving you. Forever I will live with the gifts you've given to me.
Joelle....My little cousin. I miss you. I miss chit chatting....and doing hair. You are so beautiful...and grown up. Hang in there sweetie....and make sure you call me to do your hair when you are getting ready for some special dance. I love you!

12/29/02

Dear Joanne: I know you are exhausted both physically and emotionally. I must tell you again, that you are my hero. Laura and Joelle are blessed to have you as their parent. The relationship between you and each of your children is so unique and inspiring. I have been one of the "lucky ones" if you want to call it that, to be able to spend time with all of you. I wish others could also to understand the amount of love in that hospital room as well as spirituality. Your utmost kindness and love exhibited to Laura as you care for her, is immeasurable. I wanted to remind you as I pray for each of you as well as hundreds of others who are doing the same. Mother Theresa said, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." I see great things with great love every time I am in your company. God bless you, God bless your children. I love you, Donna Squillaro xxxooo

12/29/02

Dear Joanne,
I wanted to let you know that the prayers and love continue through the night...it's 4:30 am and I cannot help but keep praying ...."take the pain, Lord, bring Your peace and comfort." Mary B.

12/29/02

Hi sweet ladies. I think of you often and keep you in my prayers. There really are miracles, each one of us is one...I know you have the strength and courage to face whatever life throws your way. Laura, you are one hell of a fighter, girl. I know Nikki is right beside you, fighting your battle with you. Aaron loves you to pieces, and I know he really misses you...you have to come back here and give him a ride in your convertible. Please, though, don't let him drive :) Joelle, every girl should have a sister, and you are an awesome one...I know your mom and Laura appreciate you just being there. Joann, you have more strength and courage than you realize.. your work as a mother, a care provider, and an advocate for Laura are so admirable. Love to each of you. Sarah Z.

12/29/02 Joann, Our prayers are always with Laura and your family. God has given you and Laura such great strength to go through this. May your strength continue to build to help overcome this illness. God Bless You. All our love, Rick, Nita, Rebecca, Erika

12/29/02

Joanne -

I'm not counting Laura out yet - it's Christmastime and miracles do still happen. We pray for her so many times a day. Tell her that for us. But also tell her to pray for snow for us!! It's not fun slogging through winter puddles and slush to get to the north Pole 4 nights a week! This is the last weekend for the Polar Express and Dad's final night as substitute Santa Claus. It's been a good run. The kids are well and we hope to be in Avon during Christmas week- we'll see. Give Laura our love and prayers.

Jacci

12/29/02

Dear Joanne,

Please know I have not stopped praying for Laura and that miracle for her. I am also thanking God for the miracles that continue to happen through her. Laura is an inspiration and saving grace to so many people. Huge numbers of teens and adults continue to turn to God in prayer for her. Because of her beautiful faith and perseverance in suffering, many souls are being saved. She is so brave, and I couldn't be more proud of her.

I send you my love and continued prayers.

Kathryn

12/29/02

Joanne, I have heard from Dr. Mancini the president of Parker CC, a DC Dr. Fennestra who is on a mission trip in Brazil. Pastors are praying there. The students at Cleveland CC. And Fr. Carl, DC is saying a Mass for you. You, all, are in my heart throughout the day. I would come tomorrow or Monday, if you could take a guest. All our love and prayers. Karen

12/29/02

Dear Joanne

Shirley want you to know our prayers are with you, Laura and Joelle regularly. We sincerely pray that that miracle that you are looking for will come soon.

Reading your e-mail makes us realize how really difficult it must be for you each day you have to see Laura in such pain. From what you say she is really a brave young woman will deal with what ever the circumstances turn out to be.

Please know that we think of all of you often and will continue to do so.

Love Shirley and David Burgh

12/29/02
The children have been updated. None of them will stop their praying and
hoping for the miracle...as Jonathan said You never know Mom.....you are
with us united in prayer......We love you. Dorothy

Joanne: I love you all and respect this very private time you all have together now. Laura is all we are thinking about. Hoorah for Laura! She is still fighting. Maybe she will prove those doctors wrong. I pray for a miracle and no pain for beautiful Laura. Keep on checking those lab values and keep telling your little girl how much she is loved by all, and how special she is to have a sister and a Mom like you and Joelle. She has effected so many as you know. I can only imagine the amount of prayers said for her must be immeasurable at this point. I pray to God to watch over you and Joelle and to keep you strong. Is Laura still wearing the boots? I don't want her to have a pulmonary embolism. Please tell her Domenic looked at the poster of her from the Red Cross and asked if she was still in the hospital on Wednesday. I told him yes and that she was very, very sick. He matter of factly exclaimed, "That's okay Mommy, I will make Laura better." Let her know even he is thinking of her on his own. Joanne, as a Mother I can only say my heart breaks for you and again, I must say, you are a woman of incredible strength and conviction, protecting and caring for your child in a way that is indescribable. I know that Laura is so grateful to you and Joelle for all your love and care. God Bless you all, Love, Donna

12/29/02

wishing you a very special Christmas wish during the most difficult times. thinking of you always and remembering the true reason and meaning of Christmas. It is trying hard to be a white one. much love and prayers of faith, love, and hope the crazy tutor
Joanne, just wanted you to know you were all with us in our hearts as well as our thoughts and prayers today. I wish you more than anything the miracle you so patiently wait for. Your faith is so strong, and you are all so courageous in this horrendous battle. May you all find some comfort in the fact that so many love you are praying for you all. Give a big hug to Joelle and Laura for us. Love to you all, Marianne

12/29/02

Dear Joanne,
      A quick note this Christmas night to let you know you have been in our hearts and prayers constantly........
                                         With all our love to you all,
                                                       Mary and Ken

12/29/02

Just want you all to know that I'm thinking about you all and praying for you. Looks like my Santiago family has lots of wonderful friends. No wonder. HUGS. Leslie

12/29/02

Hi Joanne, Laura, and Joelle...........Just wanted to let you know we are thinking and praying for you everyday. Barbara

12/29/02

Joanne,
       I don't know what to say....wishing like so many people that I could make every pain and heartache go away. But, with love and faith, we keep praying for all of you.
                       God's peace be with your family,
                                                       Mary B.

12/29/02

Joanne,
You and the girls have been on my mind constantly throughout these past days. I hope it was a peaceful time for you and your family. You never know about that Christmas miracle? I spoke to Mona yesterday, please tell Laura I am very jealous that she got to speak to one of my favorite singers (since I am a country music fan along with Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw) Faith Hill is one of the best, there is also Celine Dion who is also one of my favorites even though she isn't country.
Anyway, just wanted to tell you all that we love you and are keeping those prayers coming your way.

Love, Nidia

12/29/02

Hi, doctor Just a little note to say I LOVE YOU. I am thinking about you all. Hug and kiss for Laura, Joelle and you. Las quiero mucho Jolie

12/29/02

our prayers are with you all, we will come in on Saturday to visit again. see you then,
Love ,
Sue

12/29/02

Dearest Joanne,

As I write this, I am not sure what is happening at this moment and although I am so worried for you, I just know you are doing the very best that you can do with what you are being given... although I am sure you don't feel like it. Your daughters (both of them) have shown courage, love and a radiant beauty that is beyond words. Yesterday, when we talked, I could not believe that with all you are going through, your concern for me. Please don't worry, I am somehow doing ok...Nikki's love fills me with peace most of the time...yes, her physical absence is Huge, but I will Always have her Love. You can call anytime, I am here if you need me, but I know this is a very special time for just the three of you to spend together.....Please tell Laura How much I love her. She made the hardest, darkest day of my life feel brighter... She made me appreciate just having Nikki in my life. Laura is truly a gift and she has always been an angel. I love you and pray that God will take care of you in the best way there is....Love Gail

12/29/02

Joanne,
Joe and I will also keep praying for the miracle.......

I think it's such a great honor what CCMC is doing on behalf of Laura, it just shows you what a special person she is and how she has affected many lives.

Love you,
Nidia

PS: Can't seem to get rid of the cough from the Bronchitis.

12/29/02

Phil,

Having received a message from the Catholic Chiropractic Society regarding Laura and with hopes of prayer and a miracle, I asked my friend who is the rector of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, FL to pray for Laura. He is a special Priest and a very pious man. He asked that in turn I relay a message to Joanne and your family to pray for Intercession from Blessed Mother Theresa and St. Theresa Little Flower. There have been many recent miracles and we pray that Laura receives one. We are all praying here in Venice and wish your family a Blessed Christmas and a Blessed Miracle.

-Joanne Fava
President, FCA Sports Injury Council

12/29/02

Dear Joanne:
My heart is breaking for all of you as I read the latest postings on the web site. The three of you have been in my thoughts and prayers each day. I know how difficult this time can be and I hope that God gives you the strength to face whatever the future holds. Laura is such a special girl and the love and courage she has displayed in fighting her illness has been amazing. My prayers will be for you, Laura and Joelle. Fondly, Lore Kearney

12/29/02

Joanne,

Just checking in. Spoke with Ellen who said she had talked to Laura.
It meant a lot to her to be able to do that; hearing Laura's voice was
wonderful.

Tell Laura for us that just as we have always be there for her in one
fluky way or another, we'll continue to be there for you and Joelle . .

All our love to the three of you.

Ketchiffs

12/29/02

Joanne........
I think of you, Laura, and Joelle several times each day, hoping that
you're finding ways to cope with Laura's decline and preparations for
letting go. There's nothing any of us can say or do that will make it
better, or easier, but knowing that God is there to take some of the burden
and pain, if you ask him to, is helpful. I believe that, when we grieve, we
hurt mostly for ourselves, because the loved one who has left us is not here
for US to be with. But we can change that, as I know you will, by keeping
Laura close to your heart and part of all you do. She'll never be
far....just a voice away....just a memory away. Joelle will always have a
sister....the only difference will be that she'll be on the 'other side,'
watching Joelle grow up from a distance. Laura will always be able to watch
you, hear you, communicate with you, and comfort you. All of you are
courageous and strong, and will find a way to make something good come from
your personal tragedy. My prayers are that your remaining time together is
as comforting as it can be, and that Laura is not in pain.

hugs and prayers coming your way.....love, Linette

12/29/02 Dear Joanne -- Coming to you today from a friend's pc. I think of you and Laura and Joelle it seems every minute of every day. I am glued to your website. I am so sad and angry. I'm sorry but anger is very much a part of all this still for me. Every tear is still a tear of hope -- for all of us. Joanne I want to see you. Don't know if that's possible but please know that if I can't be with you that I am in my heart. We all ache for you. You are God's blessing to her. You ease her pain. Wishing you peace and mercy, Love, Judy

12/29/02

For some reason, I cannot send you a message via your website but this
should work. We wanted you to know that there are lots of us in Avon who
are thinking of you and Joelle and Laura today. We hope that Laura is
well enough to experience a little Christmas joy. We are praying and
hoping for you.
The Custers

12/29/02

MERRY CHRISTMAS LAURA,JOELLE, AND JOANNE!!
Hope there is much comfort in the love of family and friends!
Love, Debbie

12/29/02

Just a note to let you know that you are with us in a very special way
today. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, we are reminded of our faith
and the hope we all share for eternal life. How difficult it is now for
you, but you are in our prayers and in our hearts. We love you and please
kiss Laura for us. Dorothy

12/29/02

Dear Joanne,

I send you baskets full of love, bundles of prayers, and bunches of
sweet moments with Laura and Joelle this Christmas. Your girls are such
treasures, and you are the greatest Mom any girl could ever desire.

God is with you.
I am praying for you.
With So Much Love,
Kathryn

12/29/02

Dear Joanne, I would have contacted you millions of times but I figured you had many more important things on your mind. I keep in contact with gina, michele and all the others and continually pray for Laura and you and Joelle. Again, if you have any needs that I can help you with, please let me know.

Love Carol

12/29/02

Hi, just wanted you all to know I was thinking about you and I just had to write. Hope all is peaceful and calm. Our prayers are still coming your way. Hope we find all of you enjoying the holiday in some small way - together. You remain so special to us and we wanted you to know!!!

God Bless and Keep you. Love and prayers, Anne & Michael

12/29/02

Dear Joanne -
I WISH FOR YOU....that you feel the love of those that care so much for you.
I WISH FOR YOU....strength to be the mom you want to be.
I WISH FOR YOU.....that you can say the words of love you feel for Laura and everything you'd like her to know...even though you're exhausted.
I WISH FOR YOU.....that you could hear with your own ears all the prayers, in a multitude of languages and religions praying for Laura.
I WISH FOR YOU.....the knowledge of how the three of you have touched so many peoples lives, forever.
I WISH FOR YOU.....endurance.
I think and pray for you everyday.
Marsha Komarow

12/29/02

Dear Joanne, You and Laura and Joelle are always on my mind. I have called Sloan and have spoken to Joelle twice, just wanting you to know that I am here for you. I know there is really nothing to do but keep pulling for her and you have certainly been doing a job of that. You know if you feel like talking, or if you would like me to come to the city, I will. And if you don't, I understand. Wishes of love and peace for all of you. Love, Theresa

12/29/02 Joanne, just letting you know you all remain in our thoughts and prayers. We are also still praying for a miracle. Love to all, Marianne Joanne, What a great day yesterday! Laura is simply amazing...you all are. You are all holding up much better than I could ever imagine myself. It was so good to see Laura smiling when Faith called. What good medicine! Whatever you can do to get that smile back! It looks like Laura's body is rallying back again! She looks and acts incredible for all she's been through. Hey, myelin can grow back right? It would be good if you could get some good fatty acids into her. I think she is planning on staying for the holidays and beyond. I hope you can all get back to Connecticut soon. Although, I wouldn't mind going back to NY. It was such an easy trip. I love you. Hang on! I'm praying for God's will ( I just hope God's will is the same as ours!). Merry Christmas! (Laura is really teaching the rest of us to be thankful for our blessings this holiday season.) Love, Michele

12/29/02

Joanne,

Just checking in. Spoke with Ellen who said she had talked to Laura. It meant a lot to her to be able to do that; hearing Laura's voice was wonderful.

Tell Laura for us that just as we have always be there for her in one fluky way or another, we'll continue to be there for you and Joelle . . .

All our love to the three of you.

Ketchiffs

12/21/02
Hello Joanne,
I wanted to share with you, Laura and Joelle an exciting development here at CCMC. We have made some inquiries and it looks like we will be able to officially name our teen room "The Laura Santiago Teen Room" in honor of its very special founder. A star will be placed outside the door with this inscription. Please let me know if this would be ok with all of you. Know our thoughts and prayers continue. Sending a big hug...Mary

You and I wanted to have children so badly that we pursued it beyond the normal range. God granted you a wonderful gift and you have been able to share your life with her. I think that Laura is an angel that God chose to share with you. You have enriched her and she has forever enriched you and Joelle and those around her. Her peace at this point comes from her love for you and Joelle and her faith. Laura is a very special girl. You have done a wonderful job as a mother to Laura and I cannot even begin to understand the depth of your sorrow.

with Love - Pam

12/21/02

I pray that God gives you the strength to let your baby go when she needs to leave. I cannot tell you how my heart aches for you. The only comfort for me is that Laura will not be in pain any longer, if that is what is meant to be, and she will immediately be an angel to protect you and Joelle. We will be the ones in pain then not Laura.

You have done everything and more than can be expected of any human. Your love, dedication and commitment to your daughters is to be admired. I know all these are are words on a page - they are from a very special place in my heart.

All my love, prayers and support. Anne & Michael

My dear friend, My heart aches for you as a friend and mother. We continue
to pray throughout the day......It is hard to understand life when it gets
this hard...We love you, Dorothy

12/21/02

Jo-Ann-
I'm trying to think of something to say to you... but I can't do anything but sit here and cry. I cannot imagine what you are going through. I'm praying...
Love,
Michelle

12/21/02

Dear Joanne,
There are no words to describe the pain we are feeling for you----and want
to take away your sorrow and make laura well. tell her we love her--she has
always been in our hearts--amanda is despondent.........

i love you,
darcy

12/21/02

Joanne, Laura, Joelle, and you are always in our prayers. We miss you and just want you to know we are here for you when you need us. We cannot imagine how you are feeling but we hope it may be some consolation that we are here for you anytime for anything. With all our love, Rick and Mary Jane

12/21/02

We just finished our family Rosary and we prayed for that miracle too and will continue!

Our love and prayers to you all,
Adrienne

12/21/02

Dear Joanne You can rest assured that you, Laura and Joelle are in our continuing prayers.We know that God in all his glory and power is with you and will be there for you during these trying days. Please continue to put your trust in him. May the New Year bring you and yours, Peace and Love. Don Studley

12/21/02 I wish there was more that I could do for you all. I will keep praying for whatever is meant to be. In the meantime, although difficult, enjoy the holiday as best as you all can. I know I can not relate to what you are all going through and memories of Nikki flow through my mind. I can only hope for peace in whatever form that it choses to come in. God is with you and the hopes, prayers, and dreams of all of us too. Best of luck, love and prayers, jenn

12/21/02

Dear Joanne,
Never has the statement "God writes straight with crooked lines" been more
fitting. Who has an answer for such suffering and pain of the innocent? Hold
tight to your girls hands and know you are the best Mom ever and you've fought
with all the strength and love that's possible. Please give dear, sweet,
courageous Laura a kiss from me and her very special sister, too. And to their
incredible Mom, my love and tears and prayers to help you through the
unthinkable-- a passage no parent should ever have to face. "May God hold you
in the palm of His hand" -- He better!!!
Night and love,
Donna

12/21/02

Dear Joanne,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you every minute! Hold her close in your heart where she can feel every bit of your love no matter what is happening on the outside! We love you all.
Cheryl

12/21/02

We are still hoping and praying for your family to get some good news. Whatever the future holds for Laura, I hope she will take some comfort in the fact that she has been a huge inspiration to all who know her - and many who do not. Her work establishing the teen room at CCMC will
have a lasting impact on all the teenagers who spend time in the hospital. Her tenacity and persistence in her battle against this dreadful disease has filled us all with admiration as well as the determination to try to be as strong and brave as she has been if we are ever faced with a similar situation.
As a mother, I am filled with sorrow at what you have endured and may have to endure in the future. Your struggle has given me new appreciation for my three healthy children. Never again will I take for granted a "routine" checkup at the doctor's office. I try to be grateful for their health (and my own) every day.
During the last few months, I've tried to be aware and appreciative of the ordinary blessings in life - waking up in my own bed, making lunch for my 5th grader, hopping in the car to run an errand... It is because I know you, Laura and Joelle have had a very long time without those
ordinary days that I have become more focused on the joy of everyday "tasks."
My heart aches for all of you but I continue to have hope. You all have touched the lives of so many people - more than you will ever know.
The Custers

12/21/02

Dear Joanne,
So much pain, so much love. There really are no words...but we all still make deeply heartfelt, if feeble attempts. Our family continues to pray ....Now more then ever our prayer for your family is that of Advent and Emmanuel (God with us!). That each of you will truly feel the peaceful, beautiful and powerful presence of Jesus.......... "Take the pain Lord...leave us your peace and a glimpse of the infinite joy of Heaven!"    One of my favorite hymns keeps running through my mind (and heart)......... "You Are Mine"
"Do Not be afraid,
                           I am with you.
                           I have called you each by name.
                           Come and follow me,
                           I will bring you home;
                            I love you and you are mine."
The power of His love will sustain you beyond anything you can imagine at this moment. And Laura's beauty, strength and courage will always be with us! She inspires us all to be stronger and better people. What an amazing gift! Please give her our thanks and our love.
                                                   Our deep love and prayers are with you,
                                                                   Mary & Ken B.

12/21/02

Joanne -

I've been sitting here crying for you after reading all the lovely tributes and messages to you. Who are we to question what is in store for us? But thank you for Laura - everyone who has been touched by her spunk and determination and creativity and beauty is far better off for knowing her. Please know that I will always pray for her - the season of miracles is upon us and I pray that Jesus' loving hands will lift her up and continue to bless her. I pray for peace and comfort. I pray He will see you through whatever will happen and give you the courage to face the world and let the world know about Laura. I pray for your peace.

Love Jacci

12/21/02

Joanne, I know I have not been the greatest at communicating during this difficult time but I want you to know that I am saying a special prayer for Laura today. Warm regards, Craig

12/21/02

You have our prayers daily for miraculous physical & emotional healing. I can imagine your situation; it would be an unbearable cross! In addition to my parish, I will contact the Olivetan sisters of Holy Angels convent here in Jonesboro, AR. They must have a direct line! Keep me updated. May God especially bless your family during this advent / Christmas season. My heart goes out to you!
In Health,
Dr. Kevin Harrah

12/21/02

Laura - Hi! Your stick-to-itiveness is amazing and a shining example to me. You and your family are in my prayers several times a day. I know Jesus is in the boat with you whatever your path ahead. Be at peace.
In Christian love,
Joan Colglazier P.S. Joanne: thanks for your updates. Take good care. Joelle: you're some sister! Your love and caring show. Take care.

12/21/02

Please convey to the Santiago family that we will remember them in the Eucharist Service at the Cleveland College Chapel, Los Angeles Campus, with the following prayer:

"O Lord, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning, we give you thanks for being with our sister, Laura, and we pray that she may gain relief from pain and hope of health renewed; continue in her for the good work that you have begun, that she daily increasing in bodily strength and rejoicing in your goodness may so give thanksgiving through Jesus Christ our Lord."

We will remember Dr. Santiago in our thoughts and prayers that Our Lord's will be done.

With every blessing during this Christmas Season.

Sincerely,
+Ed

12/21/02

Joanne,
I feel such a deep sorrow that I cannot begin to even express them in words. I wish peace for Laura and courage for you and Joelle, please know that you are all loved very much.
Laura has given us the opportunity to look into our hearts and understand that each and every day that God gives us should be respected and not taken for granted. We are all his children and it is all in his hands. He has used Laura to make each us come together in prayer and to witness the courage of one of his angels.

All my love
Nidia and Joe

12/21/02

Joanne,

It has been many years since we shared coffee at our Rotary breakfasts.
Nancy, Megan, Lauren and I have followed Laura's progress and your family's
support of her through her website and through your friends at Rotary.
Your family has been, and will continue to be in our prayers and thoughts.
We know all to well about the loss of a child and the unfairness of it. We
look back at the strength that came to us through Jeffrey and his unending
fight and determination, and his ever present smile. Your years with Laura
have been years of smiles and tears, but the smiles will last a life time
for you and Joelle. The warmth and friendships that you have gained will
remain with you for ever. Everyone of us that has followed your story has
gained from it and will be forever richer as a result of your strength. As
you have been there for your family, we will always be there for you.

Love,

John, Nancy, Megan and Lauren Carlson

12/21/02

Dear Joanne,

I am Mary Bangs' sister. I just wanted you to know that you are and
have been and will continue to be in our prayers - most especially those
of my 13 year old son Ian. We will be praying especially intensely in
these next days. I wanted to pass on to you the Divine Mercy Chaplet -
perhaps you already know it and pray it (and we will be praying it for
you as well) but if not, it is a beautiful prayer that is most powerful
at this point in your journey. Pray it by Laura's bedside.

There are no words.....but we pray that you all find peace and rest
under the mantle of Our Most Blessed Mother Mary.

Adrienne Keogler & Family

12/21/02

Prayers and love...wishing you all strength, peace and love...you are all always in my hearts....now and forever!!

12/21/02

Hello,
Just sending a lotta lovin', peacefulness and huge hugs to the three most
beautiful ladies in New York City.
XXXOOO
Wendy & gang

12/21/02

Dearest Laura, Joanne, Joelle, my love is with you,

Renée

12/21/02

Dear Joanne,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Laura and Joelle at this most difficult time. I was hoping the Angel I brought to Laura last week would help provide the miracle we so badly want.

Laura has been an inspirational fighter against this horrible disease and all of us here at the Red Cross will be forever grateful to Laura for helping us raise the awareness of the need to give blood. Please let her know that she will be in our hearts forever.

We love you!

Susan Hacking

12/21/02

DEAR JOANN,
FOR THE PAST 24 HOURS I CAN NOT HELP BUT THINK ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. AS IT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT TIME ANYONE CAN GO THROUGH. I WISH I COULD HELP YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.. YESTERDAY I EXPERIENCED SOMETHING THAT I NEVER DID BEFORE. YOU MUST ENJOY YOUR LIFE AND DO THE VERY BEST YOU CAN DO. YOUR DAUGHTER LAURA SHOWED ME THAT YOU CAN BE HERIOC AND STRONG.. i HAVE DECIDED THAT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TAKE TIME OUT AND HELP THE NEEDED WHEN YOU ARE SO FORTUNATE. THERE IS NO WORDS TO EXPRESS WHAt you must be going through. may your daughter be comfortable and have sweet dreams.

My support is with you.

with warm affection,
stacey

12/21/02

I will pray for them daily...hope all of Us are blessed with a wonderfull Christmas and a happier new year.
Alberto C.

12/21/02

Dear Joanne,

I am a friend of Darcy Searle's and have been praying for you, Laura
and Joelle since I first heard of Laura's struggle last Spring. My husband
is the minister at the United Churches of Durham and Laura has been on our
prayer list since we first learned about her. The ladies in our Women's
Spirituality group have also been thinking of you and praying for you. I
wanted you to know in this particularly difficult time that there are many
folks you don't even know who are holding you and the girls in their
thoughts and prayers at all times. We know God is watching over you, but we
also understand how unfair and seemingly unbearable life can be at times.
Please, know that others share your hopes, dreams and concerns. I hope that
we can somehow give you a little extra support and strength when you need it
so much. Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Holiday season.

Fondly,
Jill Riggles

12/21/02

I am with you in thought, prayer and spiritual energy. God Bless you, Laura and Joelle.

Peace and Love,

Gina

12/21/02

This is so unfair and heartbreaking! I really appreciate your keeping us in the loop. God Bless you all!
The Burkes

12/21/02

You are all very special people

I have not and will not ever stop praying for all of you....I wish I could send you strength. there is just no understanding. Love Karen

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