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Remembering Chrisy
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Already, I feel the gaping hole left by Chris.
Her humor, wisdom, kindness, advocacy...but mostly the loving spirit. Some things I plan to remember... Right after my brain mets were found, Chris's reaction was almost as angry and filled with profanity as mine! Her response made me feel justified I guess...but it also cracked me up! Once, during another 'rough time' for me...I posted about checking in here "with my peeps". Chris's response was, "Denise, I will always be proud to count myself among your peeps". Now, instead of my pounding on heaven's gates for her...I picture her whispering in the Lord's ear...on MY behalf. And...she will always be one of my peeps too! Another time...I started a thread called "You Know You're a Breast Cancer Survivor When..." Chris, always up for a good giggle...was following the thread...and then she came up with the funniest post of all: You Know You're a Breast Cancer Survivor When... Your Her2buddy tells you to take ammonia daily to help with drug side effects and your only question is "How much and do I drink it or put my feet in it?" (Then you find out her phone spell-checker changed "immodium" to "ammonium") I laughed so hard...the tears were rolling down my cheeks! Our Chrisy... Always willing to provide encouragement. Full to the brim with knowlege about treatment options and how to access them. And, thoroughly devoted to this board, and her HER2 brothers and sisters. I know the joy was great when she crossed over. Her friends and loved ones were as excited to see her arrive as we all are devastated to let her go. In my small way (I'm certainly no Chris) I'll try to carry on her work...and toward that end...I've made a memorial donation to our beloved HER2 site, in her name. What better way to honor and remember her...so there will always be a place for people like her...to meet people like us. Love you Chris! And miss you so much already. Denise |
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I will never forget dear Chrisy. So sad to hear the news of her passing, she was such a Warrior Woman. Full of optimism, and hope.
May her family know how much she was loved by many of us here on this board. Rest in peace, sweet Chrisy. all the best caya |
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sad news indeed. my condolences to her family and friends.
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What a nice post Denise. I did not know Chrisy but loved reading her posts - she was full of life and humor. I cried last night when I saw she passed away. I do not post much and have become a lurker but seeing another loss of a beautiful woman just really devestated me. I thought about all the others we have lost and it just shakes me to the core.
I remember when I got first diagnosed and all my medical team put a positive spin on it by saying we had these amazing drugs. Yes we do, but reality is that cancer knows no boundaries and still robs us of so much. Praying everyday for a cure to cancer so we do not have to lose anymore. Chrisy will be with all our other angels helping us in the fight! All my condolensces to Chrisy's family - a huge loss for everyone. |
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Oh Denise - really nice post in memory of Chris.
Although I've been a lurker way longer than a card carrying member of this board, I remember reading her posts for years and marveling at the kindness and strength of Chris and everyone else on this board (you included Denise!). Cancer sucks Best, Janis |
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Thanks, Denise -
There is just NO softening the blow. I was trying to find a photo from our January 2008 trip to Miraval Spa near Tucson. Chris and I shared a casita for 4 nights, so I had a chance to get to know her better. Yes, we had just a FEW laughs! She had an MRI on the way to the airport, and was quite nervous about waiting for results into the next week. Her liver was already acting up, she had met NED for a time and was wanting to hold that status with all her might! The lady in red on the left is Karen (StillHere) who organized the group. Chrisy is next in white, and Sherri (from Vancouver, B.C.) and I are to the right. Chrisy was gesturing how much she enjoyed the wonderful dinner we had just eaten. Food was one of Chrisy's favorite things. I was trying to think where I could get a decent slice of Chicago style pizza around here! http://her2support.org/vbulletin/att...1&d=1202019125 |
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My thoughts go out to Chrisy's family. I was just heartbroken to hear this news. We were pioneers of the The TDM-1 trail, and when she continued on the trial into the third year, I just expected her to live for many years. Chrisy was so supportive of all of us; her loss must be devastating to those who knew her personally. She is one of those unforgettable angels, both here and beyond.
Barbara H. |
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Thanks for remembering Chrisy with memories, and photos. I will miss her too. I like to think she is having a reunion with our other her2 angels where they are organizing a branch somewhere in the ever after.
My sympathies to Chrisy's family. |
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I didn't know Chrisy, wish I had she sounds amazing but I am still so sad about this. I don't even know what to say, she touched so many hearts. May she rest in peace and may the grace of god help her family thru this tragic loss of their sweet angel.
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I have been off of the board for a while and just read this devastating news. I was left speechless and now I am overcome with sadness. But I am happy for Chrisy as she is now in Heaven making everyone laugh.
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Thank you for that, Denise. That was beautiful. Chrissy would have loved it!
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Thanks so much Denise. I have been thinking a lot about Chrissy, who was an amazing, tough, bright and funny woman. So many of these pictures bring up very specific memories and it is wonderful to see pictures I have not seen (thanks Steph). Please everyone...........keep posting pictures and memories. One of my favorite pics here is the one in which Chrissy appeared on stage for the panel discussion. Boy, I remember her working on what she was going to say (we tried to leave her alone for awhile) and our discussions of where to get good "tops" for under jackets (the Macy's mall). Chrissy was so proud to be up on that panel and represented all of us well. We were so excited to see her up there- it was a big deal. Again, please keep posting pictures and share memories----------it helps a lot. All of C's pictures bring a smile to me as I remember her strength and bravery......and wit.
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So sad to lose my birthday twin...7-11
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That's a lovely tribute to Chrisy, Denise. Thank you for posting it.
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She always said the exact thing I needed to hear to feel better. Always.
- Penny |
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Another pic of Chrisy prior to going "on stage" at the Genentech Advocates Briefing, as mentioned by karenZ. This is San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium December 2011.
Chris on left with Debra Druther (Joe & Christine's oldest daughter) listening closely to someone at the end of the exhibit hours. |
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Love your post Denise!
I, too miss Chrissy's humor and determination to not let this beast take over her beautiful spirit. I'm sad for Chrissy, her husband, sister and her entire family, also sad for us; until there is a cure we must continue the fight against this dreadful disease. There is so much being done but it hurts to see thousands of lives being lost to not just breast cancer, but other types of cancer. Our government should set aside not millions, but billions of dollars to fund research and work side by side with pharmaceutical companies to find a cure for cancer, period! Love to all my sisters, Adriana |
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Beautiful tribute Denise.
I haven't been around much but I have read many posts by Chrisy and it is so sad to lose her and her funny but informative information. She will truly be missed. |
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Steph,
Great picture of Chrissy and Debra! I remember that day so well and also our excitement at seeing and hearing Chris on stage............like it was yesterday. Very nice close up shot of both Chris and Deb........seriously listening. |
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I am in disbelief that Chrisy is gone. I have been off the board for several days and I am heartbroken. She and Sheila are looking down over us now while having some chocolate martinis. What a blast I had with those two buzzing around with our Her2Support group booth and our brain shaped stress "squeeze" balls. Good times but I am still so sad that there will not be new memories with them. We have to also remember that Chrisy was a real pioneer. She tried so many trial drugs and was in so many studies. She did these not only for herself but for all Her2+ women. Trials, IMHO, are heroic work. I am very sad tonight and I am thinking about Chrisy and all of you.
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Denise, thank you so much for that beautiful tribute to Chrisy. I think we all needed it, and I couldn't think of a better person than you to deliver it to us all.
We are all so lucky to have had Chrisy touch our lives, and seeing the photos here makes me feel happy and sad at the same time. Love Marie x |
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You have all said it so eloquently. I will miss Chrisy's wit, humour and fantastic knowledge. "Crap on a Crapstick!" is now a favourite saying of mine.
It is very real to see her smiling face - may she be smiling down on us all. |
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It is heartbreaking to read about Chrisy. I truly believe she is with our other angels laughing and talking, never giving cancer another thought.
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Denise, that was lovely. You've got a way with words for sure, and conveyed beautifully what so many of us feel.
Chrisy was a special lady indeed. |
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I only had the privilege to meet Chris in person once, at SABCS 2011, so the photos from that time that you've posted, Steph, are special for me. I look at them with sadness, but cannot help but smile to remember how I enjoyed those few minutes of face-to-face connection with Chris.
I love all the tributes being posted, both from those who knew her well, and those who knew her "only" online (but still well). I can't add to the eloquence of those tributes so will just say "ditto", to every word. And thank you, Denise, for starting this easy-to-find thread of tribute. But in one other area not yet mentioned, I will mention that I think Chris made a huge difference to the researchers and the providers -- allowing them to see the intelligence and spirit that patients bring to the arena of advanced breast cancer treatment. She wonderfully and honestly represented the experience of living with advanced breast cancer, particularly HER2+ breast cancer. I am sure that MANY of those providers and researchers will carry Chris -- her spirit, her energy, her very person -- with them as inspiration and motivation, as they work to stop breast cancer deaths. My condolences to all. To our list, but especially to Chris's family and her husband, for whom she expressed such love and concern about how they would carry on, when she was gone. I wish them patience, and gentleness with themselves, as they begin the work of grieving. It's hard work, but also good work, and with the support of someone like Chris, from wherever she now abides -- it's bound to be amazing work. Love, Debbie Laxague |
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Thanks for the tribute, Denise.
Chrisy has touched many hearts here, mine for sure, and it's a big sad loss to all of us here. I've had the privilege of PM-ing her and learnt a lot from many of her helpful posts. |
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Steph..thank you for sharing the pictures. Made me smile from ear to ear.
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I was lucky enough to meet Chris about 5 years ago when she passed through Richmond. I'll tell that story soon. I wish her family well. She will be missed.
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Wow that Chrisy was such an exceptional woman! We all know it. I never actually met her but we've been e-ing for over 5 yrs, in addition to posting. I have loved her all the while, and will throughout eternity. I loved her quick wit way of seeing things and then expressing them. Was it she who suggested putting Cheez Whiz into someone's feeding tube, cause she knew she loved that treat from previous posts? She had that way about her that made you feel loved and cared for, uplifted, nurtured -- and informed! She got to know her enemy well, which is how a good Warrior works. Participating in your own wellness was her plan and she managed to eke out a batch of years past her prognosis. Her intelligence and her radiant energy could be felt by every one of us, through this board, within her clever words. Ever positive, she could find a pony in a pile of s**t... :o)
As she says in her words below -- she felt very blessed. And still greedy (her words) -- I'd say she was hungry --for Life! And she loved loving Life despite all the crap she had to go through, and her list was wayyyy too long. She deserved better. But she will never be forgotten, not by me, not by most of us!! My thoughts are with her husband John and her sister Steph whose loss is deeply grievous. May they and her whole family find a way to focus on how blessed they were to have this remarkable, fun and funny, smart and sassy lady like no other in their lives. It is always too soon. But I know Chrisy would ask them to reach out and live Life with all their hearts -- for her, by proxy so to speak... She and I often talked about her special place -- Yosemite. It is an awesome space that touches your very Soul. I know she is at peace now. No more struggle. No more pain. Only the serenity and beauty that we on earth can see and touch occasionally when we hike through Yosemite or go to our special own place... From CHRISY last September (9/12) I can feel it. Still... Chrisy's Sister in Spirit, Andi Thank you Denise for starting this so eloquently. Thank you StephN for the pics and words. I wasn't in San Antonio but now I feel even closer because pictures say so much to our Souls. |
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Here is a link to Chrisy's obit, with a special link embedded to a Breast Cancer Memorial site.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/san...88#fbLoggedOut I love the photo that was chosen to accompany the text about her life - wind lashing her face and she pays no attention. |
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The obit speaks of Chrisy as being a choreographer of Human Energy. She could often be seen dancing on the beach or in her living room. She danced with Life, no matter what.
On line I found a set of choreographed dances examining energy. Asked how the choreographer approached the topic in his work that pushed boundaries? Chrisy pushed boundaries all the time. She was a participatant in the research of a breakthrough medicine that gives new hope to breast cancer patients. She was a giving Spirit in the truest sense of the word. She gave of herself in myriad ways, on a regular basis. She was exceptional in so many ways, always teaching us there are no limits to finding ways to offer your time and, your love. Human potential is limitless. In the choreographed dance series, they looked at potential energy, electrical energy and emotional energy. (If one has ever been depressed -- and who hasn't? -- you know that emotion requires energy. For me there is always a wind-up when someone asks, "How are you doing?" I have to muster enough energy to say "great," and sound like I mean it. And in time, I come to believe it. I own it. I create it. I believe that's what our Christy did. At the same time, she managed to never whine, or live defeated. She reported the facts and put the most positive spin on it, boosting each of us, as she did herself. That's a art. An act of grand grace and artistry. Chrisy was a shining example of human potential despite great adversity. I seek to be like her in that regard. With the most delightful injection of humor that helped put others in a happy mood. I KNOW what you give is returned to you. So all the goodness she offered ended up involving a boomerang effect that served to lighten her burden as she comforted ours. Thank you again, Steph for sharing this with us. That smile of hers still lights up my world! She fought with hope till the very end. That's incredibly admirable in my book. She was a trooper, and an angel on her, showing the way. And she will contiue to do that for all of us. She went out in style, with love, just as she lived her life. |
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This is too sad. My prayers for her husband and family. Chrisy was a star. May she be an even bigger star in Heaven. May she be loved as much in Heaven as she was here on Earth.
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I too have been off the board a few days and was so sad to read this although agree its a wonderful tribute Denise. I also have special memories of Chrisy who looked out for everyone before herself it seems. I remember receiving a pm from her saying she knew I lived in Ireland and someone had posted that wanted to move here if Herceptin was available as she couldn't get it in Scotland where she lived, Chrisy asked if I could help. I of course was happy too and arranged a hospital etc for this lady in need (Carol) and visited her in hospital and we went on to become friends until she passed two years later, her husband asked that we attend her funeral service. I know Carol was so grateful to Chrisy for putting us in touch as she had two extra years she wouldn't have had and passed at peace knowing her two young children were being cared for by their Father and his(Irish) family who lived close by. I'm sure Chrisy and Carol are together now along with so many other angels gone too soon from this board but I have no doubt Chrisy was the nearest thing on earth to an Angel that Carol and I ever found. RIP Chrisy...xx
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I have been away for a few days - knowing Chrisy was not doing well and have dreaded coming on and reading this news.
It is difficult to accept. Chrisy was a strong lady on so many levels. Never one to complain always a positive strength and her humor was off the charts. She will be dearly missed - yet another dear one we have lost. |
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I have been off the board for some time now. My heart sank to find chrisy has passed. I'm sure she is with Sheila and all our sisters who have passed and are now basking in perpetual light. Thank you, all of you for your stories, rememberences, heart felt joy of knowing her and the obvious sadness of missing them.
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I came back from vacation, and saw the heading on this post, it wasn't a surprise, but still a punch in the gut. What a Fighter, and such an Inspirer ! We never met , but I felt a kindred spirit in the fight for Stage IV Rights. What a Strong, Encouraging Spirit ! Chrisy, you are Greatly Missed here !
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She passed with fireworks. As she lived. A beautiful sparkle of Light, a joyous Soul. Chrisy can't begin to imagine what you're up to now. But I miss you. See you... in time...
Think of you so very often! Always have. Always will... Love, ANDI |
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Another dear friend snatched too soon by this #!@& disease...Chrisy was one of the first to respond to my desperate questions in 2005. Through the years we connected often on this site. We shared a common birthday, 7/11, and got great pleasure out of this every year. I will miss you, dear Birthday Twin. I will eat chocolate for both of us this year.
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Denise - you are Chrisy's soul sister - your sense of kind hearted humor rises to the top. Thank you for such a beautiful and joy filled tribute...just the way Chrisy would like it. Chrisy's joie de vivre is a thumb print on my soul now - what a wonderful gift she shared before she moved on. God Speed to such a beautiful person, inside and out.
Love Kim (from CT) |
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