It was March 2020 and my uncle took my 93 year old grandpa out of his care facility to an afternoon at the movies. I was petrified. Any exposure to COVID could end his life. They made it back safely but I have since thought of that day—that unnecessary risk—often.
I knew you before Ursula so I can attest that during the short stint I got to know you, you were always living, never just surviving. You continue to be one of the most vibrant people I have ever met. Thank you for reminding us what life is truly about. ❤️
Just learn about you last night through RTTP(Research To The People).
I was attending the talk due to my professional interest in cancer , genomics & disease, but i just googled you and discovered this substack.
As i read this post and others, i was blown away by the fact that there was zero negativity or self pity or "why me" anger, just pure love and desire to help others.
I wish i had known you when you were still alive, but in a way, your love and spirit will endure forever. I know it's a cliche but its a cliche for a reason :)
My thoughts go out to Mark, your parents and all your friends and people whose lives you impacted in a beautiful, positive way( i am the latest entry on that last list).
My thanks to RTTP for all you did for Vanessa & lots of other patients where routine clinical care has run its course & have run out of options, and most importantly for sharing Vanessa's inspiring, beautiful story with me.
I am in awe of your ability to not only live in the now (hello all my books on the topic, shelved for another day) but to generously communicate it in such a way that it helps others (like me, you don't know me yet, I'm a friend of Jeanette's, hi!) return to the idea with fresh eyes and new clarity. sending you so much love and energy for the best NOW life has to offer.
Vanessa. I deeply appreciate you and your reflections. From the first day that I met you I fell in love with you and even more so now. You are my shero. <3
The present moment; living not surviving
Beautiful thoughts Vanessa and very thought provoking
Beautifully written as always.
❤️ Thank you for sharing this. You are wonderful in every way ❤️
I knew you before Ursula so I can attest that during the short stint I got to know you, you were always living, never just surviving. You continue to be one of the most vibrant people I have ever met. Thank you for reminding us what life is truly about. ❤️
So beautifully written. I continue to be in awe of you, Vanessa! Love you so much!
Just learn about you last night through RTTP(Research To The People).
I was attending the talk due to my professional interest in cancer , genomics & disease, but i just googled you and discovered this substack.
As i read this post and others, i was blown away by the fact that there was zero negativity or self pity or "why me" anger, just pure love and desire to help others.
I wish i had known you when you were still alive, but in a way, your love and spirit will endure forever. I know it's a cliche but its a cliche for a reason :)
My thoughts go out to Mark, your parents and all your friends and people whose lives you impacted in a beautiful, positive way( i am the latest entry on that last list).
My thanks to RTTP for all you did for Vanessa & lots of other patients where routine clinical care has run its course & have run out of options, and most importantly for sharing Vanessa's inspiring, beautiful story with me.
I am in awe of your ability to not only live in the now (hello all my books on the topic, shelved for another day) but to generously communicate it in such a way that it helps others (like me, you don't know me yet, I'm a friend of Jeanette's, hi!) return to the idea with fresh eyes and new clarity. sending you so much love and energy for the best NOW life has to offer.
Vanessa. I deeply appreciate you and your reflections. From the first day that I met you I fell in love with you and even more so now. You are my shero. <3