Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Thriving Life


Isn't it strange how plants can thrive in the most obscure places? This picture was taken on or near Bald Mountain in the Uinta National Forest in Utah in July 2005. I like how it is a vertical wall of stone with a luscious green plant thriving from a crack in the wall.

I'd like to think that I can be like that plant...thriving in what may seem like an impossible or highly unlikely situation. I know I am capable of great things in life, especially when I am tapped into the truest life source - Jesus Christ. As I continue to have faith in my potential and increase my efforts to truly get to know my savior, I know I will succeed.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Molly Lichlyter Marks needs your help!



My Dear Family and Friends,

As a former seminary teacher of Elliot's, I share this information I received and join in the plea of Molly's cause. Kosette and Alison became friends with the Lichlyter family and love Molly. If any are able to help, this is a worthy cause to a very dear family.

Also, would you please considering sending this e-mail on to your family and friends? Thank you!

Lola

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Dear Friends and Family:

As many of you know, our sweet Molly was first diagnosed with liver cancer six years ago when she was a senior in high school. She very bravely handled her first surgery in March of 2000, to remove 85% of her liver. Hopes were high that the surgery would remove all existing cancer and that she would recover without the need of any further treatments. Great things were in store for her. Molly met and married the love of her life - Elliot, a devoted and supportive husband and best friend. Molly and Elliot were then blessed with their miracle baby, a beautiful daughter, Jaycie.

Unfortunately, in the summer of 2004, her cancer returned - again in her liver. The same surgery was performed, and once again great hopes flourished that this would be the end of this battle in her life. However, in February of this year, we were all crushed to learn that not only has the cancer returned, but that the tumors are inoperable, due to size and location. Molly's only hope, at this point, is a liver transplant, which needs to be performed as soon as possible given the aggressive rate at which her cancer is growing. Surgery is scheduled for May 24th. This is where we come to you with a plea for help and prayer.

From a medical standpoint, Molly is prepared for the surgery. All necessary tests have been performed on her and her younger brother, Zach, who has graciously volunteered to be her donor. Molly's insurance company finally consented coverage for her after an extensive appeal process. However, they have declined coverage for Zach. Today we were advised that Zach's insurance has also denied him coverage as a donor. This news added devastation to already existing devastation. Molly's immediate family and close friends are doing all they can to quickly gather the necessary funds, which must be paid prior to surgery, but we have a large goal to reach. The estimated cost is approximately $50,000 for Zach. Not only is the surgery a great expense, but Molly will initially be on 18 medications to support her acclimation to her new liver, and then lifelong anti-rejection medications.

With humble hearts, we reach out to you and ask for your help. An account has been set up in the name of Molly Marks at Bank of America. The account number is 0043-7991- 6588. Truly, we are sincere when we say no gift is too small. We know that the small, yet generous, gift of MANY is all it will take to help Molly. Time is of the essence. We appreciate all of you who have been praying for Molly and our family all these years. We can especially use them now. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

For questions regarding the surgery, please contact the Good Samaritan Transplant Center Coordinators at 602-251-2700 or Peggy Lichlyter (Molly's Mom) at (602)843-2885 or lichfam@cox.net. Please feel free to forward this to any who might be willing to help.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Women's Conference

Hola! I don't have much to say right now, but for the world of anonymity to know, I'm in a pretty good space.

I went to the LDS Women's Conference yesterday with the girls in the family and had a great time. I don't live near my family at all, so it's really nice to be able to visit with them when I can. This time it was my mom and 2 sisters-in-law. We had a good time!

What I got out of the conference is:
  • Manage your time well. Realize that you cannot do it all so do what you can Happily.
  • There is nothing on this earth more important than family. NOTHING.
  • Children are the fruit of life. I love fruit.
  • I have so much potential and am a beloved daughter of God.
  • My marriage needs work. I am willing to put in the work required.
  • Priorities are important (duh), so regular evaluation of my priorities will serve me well.

It was time well spent.

Monday, May 01, 2006

14 year old Hottie



Here I am, making fun of 14-year olds and what they do with their cameras. I was teasing my step-daughter this weekend about the "sexy" picture (that isn't very sexy)....how you tilt your head a little bit, turn your head in one direction, stare mischeviously into the camera as you do the pouty lips and snap your own "oh-so-sexy" shot. :) What a riot. She didn't appreciate my teasing. haha