Sandy H - Remain dear in our hearts

[StephN]

I shall not pass this way again. Any good I can do or any kindness that I can show let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.

Dear Group -
With a breaking heart I have to pass on to you all that Sandy's hourglass of life ran out early yesterday morning (Friday, June 1). Main thing her husband wanted to pass on is that she was not in pain and when her time came she passed quickly and without suffering. Time was 5 am - so those that prayed last evening, the prayers were answered already.

Her husband was at her side holding her hand. Francis was with her through the night and asked the nurses to keep him awake as they knew her time was near. He says their little pug dog Yoda is being a wonderful buddy to him in these difficult days. Her hubby even took the dog to the hospital to lick Sandy's foot. That got a response from her!

There will be a service at her church in Maine on Tuesday. Her wishes are to be cremated. Her husband and son will place her ashes appropriately.

She also asked for no flowers and for all donations in her memory to be made to the HER2SUPPORT group or to her church.

She wrote her own obit and I tried to find it in their paper on line, but it only came out today so maybe is not up yet.

The quote at the top of this message is how Sandy ended her posts. I think this is a worthwhile way to remember her - she would do anything for a person in need.

P.S. Some of you do not know that Sandy and I shared a hotel room at two San Antonio symposiums. That was a great way to get to know her and we had a good time together. Two "ghosts" haunting the convention very much alive and well! (Meaning we had by far outlived our prognoses!)

[mslinda]

My heart is broken for you. I pray that our Lord will give you peace during this time. I only knew Sandy through this group. She answered several questions for me. She was such a blessing to many on this list.

Sandy, I know you are singing with the angels in heaven, and wearing your green shoes.

Linda
S. Mississipi

[Mary Jo]

I type this with tears in my eyes and a sad heart. I will miss "seeing" Sandy at her2support as will all of us.

Mary Jo

[Karen Weixel]

I am so very sad... I know Sandy is in a better place but I will deary miss her beautiful spirit.


Hugs, prayers and strength to her husband and son.

Karen

[Chelee]

This is just the type of news I did not want to hear. I've had Sandy on my mind since we heard she was in the hospital and was praying for a positive turn around. I sit here with tears running down my face...this news breaks my heart. There are some really terrific and special people...and Sandy was one of them. She always went beyond the call of duty. When I could NOT have radiation I was SO SCARED. She wrote me some private messages and told me how she had dealt with skin mets and explained how IF that happened...I would be alright and she would be there for me any time. She gave me her home phone number. She gave me JUST what I needed at that time. I was a mess until she talked to me. She did NOT have to reach out to me but she did. There are so many people that could, and should but don't. But Sandy went all the way for EVERYONE. She GAVE so much of herself. She will be so missed. This absolutely breaks my heart. The *quote* she used at the end of her posts says it all about her.

Since Sandy did not want flowers I would love to donate money to the her2 board to honor her memory. My sincere sympathies to Sandy's family and friends. My heart goes out to you all. God bless you Sandy...you will be dearly missed...I will never forget you.

Chelee

[tricia keegan]

I've been reading Sandys posts since I first came to this board and can't believe she's gone. She had such a wonderful positive attitude to everything it was addictive. I'll miss seeing her posts here and also on the IBC board and will keep her family in my prayers.

[tousled1]

My heart is saddened to hear that Sandy passed away. I always enjoyed her posts. She was such a positive, up-beat woman who always was there to offer encouragement. She will be sorely missed. My sympathy to her family.

[Yorkiegirl]

I am very sad to hear the news of Sandy's passing.

Her family will be in my prayers during this most difficult time.

[Belinda]

My deepest condolences. I joined the board in January soon after diagnosis, and Sandy has been such a bright and positive presence the whole time that I have clicked in and out. I know her warm spirit has been an inspiration to many many women like me. This is such sad news. Belinda

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

as we lost a wonderful person last night. I will never stop seeing her beautiful smile in my mind.

My heartfelt sympathy to her family and loved ones.

I see you my friend, clicking those green shoes in heaven and that twinkle in your eyes that was so soothing to so many of us.

Thank you and rest in peace my friend.

[kacey]

I'm so saddened to hear of Sandie's passing. I haven't been here very long but loved to read her posts. She was such an upbeat person and gave so much to everyone here. Prayers to her husband and son.

Love, Kacey

[Jeanette]

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I know you are in Heaven Sandy and will be watching over all of us sisters in this fight. Rest in Peace friend, my thoughts are with your family at this time, Blessings to you all,Jeanette

[Mary Anne in TX]

Without Sandy it will feel like a car with 3 wheels or a beach with no sand. How many times did I read her wisdom and kindness and courage. So glad God took her in the gentlest of ways. But it won't be the same without her. Her footprint was so mighty on this board. Love to her family and all those that benefitted from her love on this board. ma

[Caroline UK]

I have only been coming to this group for a little while, but Sandy's lovely cheery, twinkly smile in her photo always made me smile back at her, and she wrote me some warm and sensible messages which helped take a lot of the fear away. I will miss her very much, and feel so saddened today. My love and thoughts are with her family and friends. Caroline

[Margerie]

I am sorry to hear we have a new angel. I am glad her last moments were peaceful. I will miss you Sandy!

[RhondaH]

I have no words, only tears.

Rhonda

[chrislmelb]

i haven't been online much so was unaware of Sandy's situation. I am also sitting here with tears in my eyes as i read the news. Condolences to her family and friends.
Christine

[juanita]

I have tears in my eyes while writing this. I signed on today just to see how Sandy was or if there was any news. My heart goes out to her family, and my prayers as well.

[lindaw]

I am so shocked by this. I was praying so hard for Sandy as she did for everyone in need. We were so alike in our diagnosis and progression. This is so unfair.Her family must be missing her terribly she was so supportive and nurturing.


love to you Sandy

[Liz J.]

Stephanie,

Thank you for letting us know the sad news about Sandy. I didn't realize you had roomed together. I am sorry as I know you must have had a special bond with her. Her smile would light up a room and as others have said she was always so positive. I will continue to pray for her and her family and I am sure she will be praying for all of us.

With sincere sympathy,

Liz J.

[kareneg]

Sandy,

You will be so very missed, my heart and sympathy go out to Sandy's family. This so such heart breaking news...

[Lala]

I shall always remember Sweet Sandy.

May God Bless her and her family, May they find peace.

God Bless All

[Beckie]

I am so sorry for us losing Sandy. I know she is happy and not hurting anymore, but her family (both biological and Her2) will really miss her. I had really come to love her even though I found this site not too long ago. Her logs about her crazy socks, her green shoes, and always signing off with hugs will be missed so very much.

Beckie

[mke]

I am so sorry, she was one of the kindest of members.

[hutchibk]

No, no, no. How can this be? My heart is just broken in half. But she is now in the arms of the Lord and that is a beautiful and peaceful place to be.

[LAURIE]

I too have been thinking about Sandy so much. She was one of the first people to welcome me to the group. I have been thinking and praying for her so much. I have been checking daily and hoping for the best. I will miss her on this site. She was such a inspirational and positive force for all of us. I will always keep fighting like you and consider you a cyber friend. Heart felt prayers go out to her family, all of us and everyone she has touched. Wow am I going to miss that cheerful smile, positive posts, and pink ribbon sweater in her picture.

[lexigirl]

I am so very sad to read this. Sandy was one of the first ladies to welcome me to the site when I was diagnosed with IBC in 2005. She was a positive and inspirational woman. I will miss her thoughtfullness and sweet personality that shined on this board.

My prayers are with her family.

Love and Prayers,
Lexi

[Sheila]

I am saddened to hear about Sandy....her loss will be truly missed by all of us....I logged on tonight to see if there was any news and read Steph's post....this disease is beginning to leave me emotionally exhausted...may we all gather strength from each other to continue our fight as a special tribute to Sandy and all the other angels who are no longer with us.

[jojo]

Awww, shoot! :-(

I have never met Sandy in person, as we lived on the opposite coasts, but we have exchanged such personal emails, and I had always truly enjoyed reading from her.

I shall keep our fun note exchanges in my memory forever...

I do not mean to make any unthoughtful & seemingly abrupt turns, but:

Steph, who is our second "ghost"? (in "Thinker" mode)

[Rendi69CA]

Sandy I just met you. You was so concern about me and what type of treatment I was recieving. That was a wonderful feeling. I love looking at your picture because you was full of love. When Christine posted that you went to the hospital I told myself that you will fight this, she will be home soon, and I start praying. I was waiting for your email saying you had on your funny sock and lucky shoe and to thank us for the support. I know right now you are thanking all of us. And I am thanking you for reaching out to me. I will pray for your family. I want to say good bye and now you at home with are Heavenly Father. Love you, Sandy.

Rendi Cotton

[cafe1084]

i am stunned! I'd checked the site before I left for vacation but it wasn't working, then I come back to find that the woman with the impish grin and beautiful heart has left us. I have always enjoyed her presence on this site and her way of looking at the light side of life, while still being a spitfire when she had to be. Heaven is a happier place today because she is there. My best to her son and husband-You were truly blessed!

Stephanie

[Barbara H.]

My sincere condolences to Sandy's husband and her family. I am still totally shocked by this news, although I knew she wasn't doing well these past few weeks. She was such a fighter, and her posts gave so much hope to everyone on this site. She seemed to care about everyone and was so upbeat. I really expected her to keep going. She seemed to be doing well this past winter which makes it hard for me to believe.

She will be missed by so many in our support group, but she will always be in our thoughts and her memory will still continue to give us support and hope. How can we donate to the HER2 support group in her name?

Thinking of you, Sandy!!!!

Barbara H.

[mamacze]

Steph,
I am absolutely heart sick to hear the news of Sandy's passing. She was an unusual gem with a heart the size of Texas. Her great sense of humor kept us smilin' through the day and now her loss is almost unbelievable! Steph, thank you for staying in touch with Sandy and her family.
Love and Hugs, Kim From CT

[StephN]

Can't seem to reply - I get an error message. I'll try again.

You may make a donation to this site in Sandy's name in the ABOUT US section of this site. Go to the bottom of the right hand column and there is a link. They take a check or Paypal.

JoJo -
The "ghosts" quip was from back when Sandy and I first met in 2004 at the San Antonio symposium. We were both approaching our 5 years since DX and we said we must be ghosts since we had passed our "due dates" according to the stats for our particular situations. That was the theme that year - stage IV can be survived and have a good life quality. Ask Esther - she was also one of us showing the world that it can be done!

It was a difficult day as I knew the post on losing Sandy would shock some and upset everyone at the least. I also notified Joe and Chris at ASCO in Chicago.

[Barbara2]

I am so very sorry. There are no words for times when our grief is beyond expression. To Sandy's family, our sincere condolances to all of you.

Sandy had a beautiful soul. Her words were always spoken with kindness and compassion. May God's strength be with you during this difficult time. You are in our prayers.

[jener8er]

I don't know what to say, it seems so quick... I'm so sad.
Jen

[Brenda_D]

When I read this yesterday, it really saddened my heart.
I always enjoyed reading Sandy's posts. I'll really miss her.
God bless her and her family.

[R.B.]

I shall not pass this way again. Any good I can do or any kindness that I can show let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.




What a lovely doctrine for life. I had never noticed it on her posts before.

We all so frail, it is so easy to be fearful or callous. My marks are not very high.

I will miss her friendly face, and try and remember her mantra.


RB

[caya]

So sorry to hear of Sandy's passing. I enjoyed reading her upbeat posts, and will miss her. I send my deepest condolences to her loving family.

caya

[Patb]

God bless her familly and all her friends. She was such a support on this board
and I will remember her smiling face.
patb

[lilyecuadorian]

so sorry from the bottom of my heart ...Sandy everywhere you are ...at least you dont have this dark cloud on you head anymore and more and I 'm sure that you are in God hands ....for no reason this disease clean our spirits and make us better person .....kind like we are ready to meet our God clean of any sins .....enyoy God privilegies ....and I will pray for you and you family for comfort
regarts
lily

[Andi]

Sandy's family - my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. May God give you strength through these difficult times. Please know Sandy is with her Lord.

[vickie h]

I awoke this morning and came to the computer with hope in my heart that Sandy was doing better, and now I realize that she is.....is in a world of love and hope and sharing, with God. My heart goes out to her husband of so many years, she was your friend, your love, your life. You are in my prayers. Love, Vickie

[Kim in CA]

Dearest Sandy,


Your gentle soul has touched each of us in ways that you will never know. Our lives were enriched to have known you. I can imagine you in Heaven with your pretty green shoes and hopefully watching over those of us left behind.

Till we meet again dearest sister,

Kim in CA

[Patricia]

Dearest Sandy,

You have been such a constant on this board since I joined in 2005, it is hard for me to comprehend that you have left us. I know that you are in a better place with no pain, no treatment and no cancer and I am certain that you are watching over each and every one of us. We will miss you and your smile and helpful encouraging posts.

It is thru tears that I write this message as it just all seems so unfair. I truly believe in guardian angels though and there is a tremendous amout of angel work to be done, to encourage those that are still deep in this battle and there could not be a better angel than you.

Much love and prayers to your family.

Hugs,
Patricia

[Jean]

This is a major loss for all of us....
I am heart broken to hear this news....
We will all miss her.

Jean

[Jean]

I am very heart broken to hear the news of Sandy passing.
We shall all miss her very much.

Jean

[RobinP]

I know Sandy treasured this support board so much and called it family. It brings tears to my eyes to know she has moved on to heaven. I will always be thankful and treasure her warm uplifting friendly posts and she will truly be missed here.

[anne2]

I remember not too long ago she posted her 5th year as a survivor. She was always a bright light. It is so sad and sudden to hear she passed on. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Anne

[kimber]

I am simply heart broken. With tears, I wish you peace.

Love - kim

[sassy]

Its so hard for us to lose our angels on earth, but comforting to know they continue to watch over us. Sandy was such a kind and caring person to us all; we will miss her so. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
________
Park Royal 2 Condos Prathumnak (http://pattayaluxurycondos.com)

[Audrey]

So very sad to hear this news--Rest in peace, dear Sandy. I won't forget you.

[cmljungren]

Oh no.....
Her husband, son, family and friends will be in my thoughts. I will miss reading her posts.

[Bev]

Crying too. I've been thinking about and praying for Sandy these past couple of weeks.

Guess I'm disappointed that our wonder drugs gave her more time but not as much as she deserved.

This is very sad. Condolences to her family and all affected. Bev

[PatS]

I'm so sorry to hear this. She'll be greatly missed...

[Catherine]

Dear Sandy,

We miss you already. We hope our prayers continue to reach you as you reached us over this site. As others have mentioned, you were an inspiration and a darling woman in a darling vest. Thank you for all of the wisdom and kindness that you shared with us. We wish your husband all the best as he continues the journey without you.

Hugs to all, Catherine

[VaMoonRise]

I am so very heart broken to learn of Sandy's passing. She was an amazingly beautiful person. Her kind, compassionate, loving spirit touched us all. She had a wonderful way of up lifting your spirits, she made you feel strong again and able to face the day. She was a true warrior, an incredible inspiration. I will miss her dearly, will never forget her and will always try to keep the positive up beat attitude that she had and shared with others.

Spread your wings and fly Sandy, you are free now, free from all of lifes worries and pains. When I look to the night skies I will be thinking of you and I will smile because I will know that you are there in heaven smiling down upon us all and rooting for us all the way.

All my love and prayers to Sandy's family and friends. May time heal your pain and memories comfort your heart and soul.

Nicola

[Kavy]

I am so sad with this news. It is hard to believe that Sandy is gone. She was an inspiration to all of us. She was so helpful and supportive when I was first diagnosed, I will never forget her.
My deepest sympathy to her family.
KarlaV.

[Roz]

I am so shocked by this news. I could never imagine life without Sandy being there. She was always on the board with a reply that was well thought out and to the point. All my thoughts are with her family and that great jumper she had with the pink ribbons on it!

[Believe51]

Although I have just joined the HER2Support site in March, Sandy has always made me smile with her writings and through this short time we have had together she has given me wisdom and faith, laughter and joy. There was a special feeling I got listening to her interact with life. She will surely be missed here, but will remain alive in my heart forever, she was so special. My husband & I will continue to pray for her family, may they find peace. Waiting For A Miracle........<WAITING Miracle A For Miracle<WAITING><WAITING Miracle A For>Believe51(Marie G)

Husband dx 9/06 w/Stage IV Inflammatory, HER2+Breast Cancer

[Emelie]

I too am one of the relatively new ladies who will always remember Sandy's smile in her pink sweater. She always took the time to answer a post and was always positive and supportive in her response. She will remain with me as a shining example of what is possible even when facing the last unknown.
I know she did not want flowers, but I wish there was some way we could say a huge "Goodbye" to show how much we treasured her here? Any ideas?
Peace be with you Sandy, and your loving family.
Emelie

[Joy]

thought about sandy all weekend and was afraid to check the site. I'm just sick to my stomach with intense sadness. What a beautiful woman.

[Vi Schorpp]

My intial thought is to say what a loss, but actually what a gift she was to all of us. I'm so sad for her family, and our family too.

[suzan w]

I will add my sorrow to the list...just got back from a long weekend away...not the news I had hoped for. I will keep your smiling face in my heart, Sandy.

[Ora]

I will miss her. God bless her and her family.

[chrisy]

I am numb. I am without words. I am so sad - and will miss Sandy so much. I'm so lucky to have met her at SABCS last December and will always remember her unique and special combination of compassionate support for all of us and "take no prisoners" approach to making sure she, and others, got the best care possible for the fight.

Sandy will always live in my heart and memory.

[Lolly]

I've been off line for a couple of days, and am shocked and so saddened. I will miss Sandy's positive energy and that smile, which makes me smile. I'll be thinking of her wearing her green shoes, smiling and cheering us on.
Her family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

<3 Lolly