Christine has passed away

[Danielle]

I just wanted to take the time to let you all know my mom, the founder of this group, and your sister through this fight has just recently passed away. I was able to read her all of the messages you all sent in her final hours, and I stressed to her that what she was able to accomplish in her time was so unique and so inspiring. I made sure to remind her of all the lives she's saved and all of the women she's empowered, right down to my sister and me.

If any of you are able to make it out here, I'd love to see as many HER2 faces as possible at her funeral service. I do know the visitation will be at El Camino Memorial at 360 Melrose Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024 and her funeral will more than likely be held nearby the site of her burial at San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside.

If for whatever reason you cannot make it and still want to offer something in the way of condolences, my sister and I would prefer donations to the HER2 Support Group in lieu of flowers. You can make a donation in the upper right hand corner of this screen, or if you would prefer, you can also mail a check to the HER2 Support address of 6973 Mimosa Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011.

Within this organization, both of my parents were able to create a legacy that was so unique and so compassionate, and I want to take this time to thank all of you - from our ladies spearheading all of our advocacy work to the new women who have just recently decided to give this website a chance - for allowing their dream to come into such beautiful and incredible fruition. They loved all of you so dearly, and as their daughters, Debra and I are of course so proud of them.

I hope to see some of you at the services next week. I'll be posting more accurate dates/times as they come in, but right now I'm pretty certain with the holiday weekend, visitations won't be until the end of the next week.

Hugs and may those of you who had the chance to meet my parents never for their memories,
Danielle

[CoolBreeze]

Danielle,

Your mom and dad were inspiring and their legacy is not only the organization, but you and your sister. My deepest sympathies for your loss.

[Laurel]

Danielle,

Your mother was one-in-a-million, but then you know that. Thank you for sharing your parents with all of us, and thank you to you and your sister for continuing this wonderful site. I am grateful to your entire family. Your mother will be greatly missed.

[Paty]

Dear Danielle,
I amheartbroken and still in state of a shok. We have lost so many incredible lives this year. Your Mom and Dad and this site that they built for us meant a lot to my life. Going trhough this BC journey without their support would not had been the same for me. Thanks to your parents I was empowered with knowledge about this illness. I am so grateful to them. My condolences to you and Debra who I have the great pleasure to meet too. Let's keep helping lifes as a legacy of your parents beautiful work.

[sassy]

Danielle and Debra,

There is a long line of angels welcoming your Mom home, with Joe at the gates.

Had it not been for this site, I seriously doubt I would be living today. It was here that I gained the knowledge and courage to take a hand in my treatment.

Your Mom's vision and Dad's wisdom opened lifelines to many. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to know and work with them.

Peace and comfort to you.

[Pamelamary]

Danielle and Debra,
I only know of your mother through this site, her wonderful legacy. I am so grateful for the network of knowledge and support she created, and my thoughts are with you at this sad time...... Pam

[Mary Jo]

How proud you must be of your wonderful mother and father. Rejoicing with them both that they are now together again. My heart is sad for you as you grieve their loss.

Prayers for peace and comfort.

Mary Jo

[Mandamoo]

I am so saddened to hear this and see you and your sister much love. I never knew your mum but what she strove to create thorough this site has helped women all over the world. May she be at peace now. May you find joy in your memories.
Amanda x

[Bunty]

Dear Danielle
my condolences to you and Debra on the passing of your mother. This website has helped countless women and men - beyond all our imaginations. Personally, I have been empowered and understood here, and that is because of the dedication of your parents.
Marie

[StephN]

Dear Dani -
Thank you for summoning the courage to write such a beautiful post.

It has been a long, hard time to see your mother in such a state after the strokes started. So many of us have missed her soft spoken, yet wise voice. When she could not see well enough to use the computer she would use the telephone. She continued to help people any way she could, even as her own faculties were changing.

May she and Joe rejoice in each others' long-overdue arms. And rest easy now together.

[caya]

Dear Danielle and Debra,

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother. She and your father were angels on earth, now they are both angels in heaven. This site is their lasting legacy to us all.

all the best
caya

[cheery]

I'm so grateful for this site started by Christine and the wonderful ladies here who've made this site so informative and helpful. Thank you and my condolences to the family of Christine.

[michka]

Danielle and Debra your parents were beautiful persons. I am so sad, so sad. If I am still alive I owe it to this forum. Christine and Joe will never be forgotten. My thoughts go to you both Danielle and Debra, your family and all who loved Christine. Michka

[Jackie07]

"Love never fails."

Christine and Joe had loved each other, their children and grand children, and devoted their time and energy to this support group. The greatest is love. Love endures. And we will continue to follow their steps to practice patience and kindness, to seek the cure ...

Thank you, Danielle and Debra, for carrying on their work.

Joe and Christine are smiling at you and all of us from Heaven ...

[NEDenise]

Danielle and Debra,
I know in my heart that there is a great celebration welcoming your Mom home now that her work here is done. The joy when Christine and Joe were reunited..Wow!

My heart goes out to the two of you...but I hope and pray that your pride in her accomplishments, the glow of her love for you, and the bounty of wonderful memories you share, will bring you comfort.

Thank you both for continuing her work. Like the others have said...I'm not sure I'd still be around without this site that your parents worked so hard to create and enrich over the years. And, I love the idea of making a memorial donation in her name. Consider it done.

My prayers are with you in these difficult days ahead.
Denise

[Paula O]

Dear Danielle and Debra,

I'm so very sorry about your loss of your dear Mom. Your parents certainly did a lovely, generous, impactful thing in putting this site together, keeping it going all these years, and investing their lives in breast cancer advocacy which is a blessing to all of us.

((((Hugs))))),

Paula

[Becky]

My heart is broken but she is now at peace and with Joe again. What a wonderful and inspirational woman Christine was. I will never forget her or the lifeline she provided me and all of us with the idea of this website. Then Joe created this wonderful Christmas gift for her and ALL of us. Their legacy will continue on this site forever and ever.

[ElaineM]

My sympathies to you and your sister. I am very grateful to your parents for starting this website. May your parents be together for all eternity.
Take good care of yourself.

['lizbeth]

Danielle and Debra,

I couldn't even post right away. I want to tell you how much I appreciate the work that your parents did. Losing your mom and dad are so painful. But you are so fortunate to see the legacy that they left on this board. Like others I came on for sympathy, information, guidance and support.

We can only envision that they are together again and watching over us.

[caroline96]

Dear Danielle and Debra,

I am truly saddened by the news. My deepest condolences for both of you on the passing of your mother. Your parents' advocacy was the reason I am still alive. I really appreciate your decision to keep the legacy. Bless your heart. Your parents' passion for cancer advocacy will live on and continue to inspire everyone who visited this forum.

[karen z]

Dear Danielle and Debra,
Your mom was a one of a kind individual who I shall miss very much (as I do your dad). I cherish memories I have of Christine (most of these occurred with your dad nearby) as well as talks we had and events we shared. Your mom was intelligent, very funny and compassionate. My heart goes out to you at this time. The legacy your parents left, not only in terms of this site, but of two wonderful, caring and talented daughters will never be forgotten and always inspire us to try and do what we can to help others through their suffering and pain.
Love,
K

[lkc Gumby]

Dear Danielle and Debra,
I am so sorry for the loss if your dear mother. I have always marveled at her great strength and dedication to all Her2 sisters.
Your mom and dad were a huge testimony of strength, courage and boundless love. I feel certain that they are together in God's grace and proud of their daughters and legacy of their work.
God Bless you both

[BonnieR]

There is no higher purpose than to make a difference in this world. And both of your parents did exactly that. They touched countless lives and it will continue to be payed forward.
It's comforting to think of them united again!
Keep the faith

[3twins]

Danielle & Debra,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom and dad have left such an incredible legacy of love and compassion. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
3twins

[norkdo]

omg.
Danielle, there are no words right now.
So sorry.
I'm in shock.
You're amazing.

[Catherine]

Dear Danielle and Debra,

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. May you find strength knowing your parents are now together. May you find strength from experiencing their great love for you and their fellow man. The legacy they created was a support line to me and I will always appreciate them and remember them for what they gave us all. I am sure they appreciated all the love and support that you gave them over the years. And they were probably very proud of the fine people you are.
Hang on to each to other and know that we are still a part of your extended family. Thanks for all your family has done for the Her2 family.

Hugs and Love, Catherine

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Dearest Danielle and Debra,

First I must thank you for the beautiful and extraordinarily eloquent post to us, even as you are grieving. I suppose we are all the keepers of the flame. Most especially the two of you!

I am deeply saddened that Christine has passed on, but I also know she still is. Death is surely not the end of our story. And that brings me some solace.

What would we all have done without this amazing site that was dreamed of and created with immense love and caring. No easy accomplishment indeed!

I had the good fortune of speaking with Joe at length many times years ago. What a fellow! He oversaw this site as the Webmaster meticulously and daily. Like the captain of a ship, he was all hands on. What a comfort that was to me.

I also spoke with your Mom and enjoyed our conversation all these many years later. We discussed amino acids and supplements and really got into it! Such a remarkable lady, so full of knowledge and wisdom, Christine was clearly in touch with her body, as we talked in depth about her experience and mine. She was a woman of great grace and courage! Proud to have known her!

The special mix of women who have gravitated to this incredible site -- because of Christine and Joe -- offer unique skills, a wealth of information and an uncommonly giving, sharing Spirit. We are Family. Sisters, and Brothers. Your parents have enriched the lives of so many (many more than those who post, many more than you can possibly imagine). They were gifts to us all. They have blessed immeasurable lives!

"NEVER BELIEVE THAT A FEW CARING PEOPLE CAN'T CHANGE THE WORLD. FOR INDEED, IT'S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS." Margaret Mead.

What magnificent Souls your parents are, Dani and Deb! And still are! They are in another Realm, and they will no doubt continue to watch over us. I feel honored to have known them. I'm but one of the many recipients of their good works. Their involvement had no end, from San Antonio to wherever they felt they could contribute across the country...

Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this time. No doubt each of you reflect all they had to offer this world. I know how very much they loved you.

May I add my love at this difficult time, along with heartfelt hugs,

Andi

[DonnaD]

Danielle and Debra,
Words are hard to come by right now. I do not check in on the site as much as I should. But the last few days something was drawing me here. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing.

I had the privilege of meeting and working with your parents several times at ASCO and San Antonio. They were amazing people. They have touched so many lives because of their dream of helping Her2+ breast cancer survivors. I will always remember the love they shared. I rejoice in the fact your Dad was waiting for your Mom along with so many others like my dear friend Sheila, Chris, Mary Ann, Brenda and so many others.

My heart is so heavy. Please know you are both in my thoughts and prayers. Their legacy will continue now through us.
Donna

[Ceesun]

Danielle and Deb, Thank you for sharing your parents with us all these years. I am sure it wasn't always the easy thing to do, but as you can tell we all needed them, admired them, and loved them. For me, although I never had the chance to meet them, they were role models. Reading their posts, hearing Christine's story, was a true education...always gave me the feeling to push on, go forward, make the best of what I could, and gain a bit of power thru knowledge. Do take good care of yourselves and again, thank you for allowing them to take care of us. "Ceesun" Cathy

[KsGal]

I am so, so sorry for your loss. As everyone has said, your parents made a HUGE difference in our little corner of the world, and this website is an amazing gift that they shared with us all. There are no words to describe how grateful I am for this website, and for your parents who helped lift me up when I was down and inspired me, and many others, to keep on going. Prayers for peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Jody from Kansas

[roz123]

my deepest condolences to your family for your loss

this site has been such a comfort and source of information for all of us - I am fairly new but when I look at the diagnosis dates for some of the members and how long they have stuck around it shows how truly special all the members are and how your parents brought together all these strong women from all over the world - what a legacy

rest in peace Christine

[jacqueline1102]

I am so very sorry to hear this about your mother. I did not have the opportunity to meet your parents. From what I have read, you truly were blessed to have such an amazing mother (and father). My thoughts are with you and all of your family.

Take good care,

Jackie

[Gerri]

Adding my thankfulness for this site that your wonderful parents saw a need for and took action to make it happen. The lives they touched are countless and far reaching. My deepest sympathies to your family in this time of great loss.

With love and graditude,

[jml]

"A Luminous light remains where a Beautiful Soul has passed." Antoine Boveau

Danielle & Debra~

I'm so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, or your dad, but felt like I was able to know them more intimately through you.

I found you all and this Her2 Family 6 months after I was diagnosed - that was 11 years ago. And you all have been my lifeline, support, guidance and on many occaissions my laughline too. I can not speculate what this journey would have been like without all of you lighting the way.
Your family and the legacy of this site has made a profound impact on my life & the lives of so many, not just those of us fighting this disease, but on an even broader scale those out there from family members to Big Pharma that fight along side of us to bring this disease to an absolute halt.

Sending you my prayers and may your hearts heal quickly, finding peace in knowing your parents are together again, surrounded & welcomed by our sisters who've gone before us.

Much love,

Jessica

[Cat]

I did not know your Mom and Dad but I am very grateful to them for this site and the things I have learned, laughed at, been saddend by and been joyous about. I hope you are at peace and sending you prayers.
Cathy

[Mtngrl]

Dear Danielle and Debra,

I'm so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.

I never met your parents, but they must have been wonderful, because they created and sustained this site. People here meet others who know what they're going through. They make friends. They realize they are not alone, and that they are part of a community. I shall always be grateful to your family for this wonderful labor of love.

Everyone dies, but not everyone leaves behind a marvelous work like this community. It touches people all over the world, and it offers hope, encouragement, priceless information and advice, and the strength to carry on.

It is a priceless gift.

[sarah]

Dearest Danielle and Debra,
I am so very sorry to hear this news.
Joe and Christine created a wonderful community of caring friends that have made this journey so much easier and I cannot imagine going through it without my HER2 family.
Joe's death was devastating and now Christine, it is so very sad.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Your parents are exceptional people who will always be remembered with great affection. Not many people can say that they not only changed the world but made it better but you can say that about your parents.
Of course we will donate to the site as is their wish and I hope that you and others will continue with it. Certainly it is an important part of our lives and has helped us all so much.
Hugs and love
Sarah

[Patb]

So very sorry for your loss. I was lost when I was
diagnosed with Her2 and then found when Christine
and your father had this wonderful group with all
this knowledge and such great women and men.
God bless them and I will keep them in my heart.
patb

[Bill]

Please accept my condolences. I'm so sorry for your loss. As you already know, you were blessed with two wonderful parents. I never had the pleasure to meet them in person, but your Dad and I would swap PMs from time to time. My heart goes out to you.

[lexigirl]

Please accept my sincere condolences. Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Thank you Christine for all you have given.

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

[BonnieR]

Lexi, what's up? Have not seen you around. Hope you are doing ok. Keep the faith

[tricia keegan]

I've been offline for a while and was told about Christine's passing from someone else and was so sad to hear it. I didn't have the chance to meet your parents but spoke to your Dad quite often, my sincere condolence's to all your family and my thanks to Joe and Christine for founding this site for all of us. xx

[Shobha]

My deepest condolences to the family. I cannot imagine how lost I would have been all these years without this site. Christine and Joe will always be in my heart and I am forever grateful to them.

-shobha

[bmorr7]

I'm so sorry to hear about Christine's passing. Our prayers are with her and her family. May she rest in peace.

[MJo]

I haven't checked in for a while and just found out about Christine. I met them in a wonderful Italian restaurant in Jersey with some other East Coast survivors -- Becky, Joan. The food was great. Joe wanted to discuss business and Christine said "No business. I want to talk" And boy did we talk -- gossip, sharing BC stories, laughing, talking about our relatives. It was great. We did manage to do some business, too.

I admired (maybe envied a little) your parents for their intelligence, creativity and drive -- after all, they created this incredible Her2support.org. They were also so generous. They made a difference in this world. They left it a better place. Bless them both.

[Rolepaul]

Late response,

Sorry to hear about your mother. I want to say thank you to your parents and yourself. This site gave me inspiration to save my wife. Without it I would have given up back at Christmas 2011. Instead, Nina is doing great and her treatment will likely save thousands of lives in the future. It gave an opportunity for several of the people on here to get treated for disease in the brain and spine. I will stop by your mother's grave and put roses on it the next time I see my mother's grave in Riverside. My mother died from HER+. My wife did not. Thanks to your mother and the progress of the pharma industry there are many more that will be saved.
Rolepaul

[rinaina]

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet both Joe and Christine when I helped them in Chicago during a huge Cancer meeting at McCormick Place. I worked with them over the entire weekend for 3 days and Debbie and Christine and I even got the chance to do a little shopping on Michigan Avenue and have a ladies lunch. What impressed me the most of this family was their dedication to each and every Her2 support member and every diagnosed Her 2 patient. They were such selfless people who for the sake of others never stopped their mission. Christine, despite her own serious battles was always there pushing herself for the sake of everyone else. I never met such incredibly devoted people as Christine and Joe. My heart aches knowing the world, not just us but the millions who haven't even been diagnosed yet, will never get to experience the wonderfulness of Joe and Christine. To Danielle and Debbie, my most heartfelt sympathies. You were so blessed to have the wonderful parents you have had. I know you will continue to live by their example. I know I will always remember Joe and Christine and all they did for so many, always putting others first. Rest in Peace as you meet again and no doubt plotting your next plan together. I worked with them on their anniversary and their love for each other was so apparent. It is somewhat comforting knowing they are together once again.

[KDR]

What a wonderful legacy to leave: a world-reknowned safe place for persons coping with HER2 specifically. Through this site I have made some wonderful friends and even had the pleasure of traveling to the West Coast to visit with Kim (radiant) and Courtney's husband, Jay, discuss options and other treatment decisions at length with Waterdreamer (Fern, still looking for you). Here on the East Coast, the friendship abound as well. lk1, JoanM, Donna. Thanks for upkeeping and maintaining such a fine community space.
Karen

[wendyjames2]

I am a new member so I really didn't really had the chance to meet Christine but reading this thread made my tears fall. Rather than condolence what I'd like to say is congratulations for the legacy Christine left (Danielle and your sister). She will always be remembered.

Thank you for this support group most especially.

[Sherryg683]

I am so saddened to hear this, I haven't been to the board in awhile and this is the first thing I read upon returning. Breaks my heart
Sherryg

[Kimberly Lewis]

So sorry to hear that Christine is gone! I have not been here for a long time. My Mom got lung cancer and I was her sole caretaker for over 2 years now. I so appreciate all that this site has done for me and others. I join Sassy (Rhonda) in saying that I feel like I wouldn't have been here to care for my Mom if this site hadn't educated me on my cancer, my BRCA2 Status etc. Thank you so very much. I join you this year in the loss of my own Mom. Sending along a Christmas remembrance and a very grateful heart!

[kcherub]

I haven't been over here in a long time, but just last night I was thinking of Joe and found time to pop over. I am just devastated at the loss of Christine. Both of them, plus all of you, got me through some very tough times.

Sending much love.
KBB

[duga35]

I am so sorry to hear that your mother has passed on. Both of your parents were wonderful people. When I first came to the site after being dx, I was apprehensive at posting because I am a male. Both of your parents came to my rescue and assured me that it was ok for me to be here and learn. My prayers and love have been sent to both and also to you and your family.

God Bless.....

[Ais4Abbott]

I'm very sorry to read that your mom passed away. I do not know my way around this site very well, but I know your mom had fought the battle for years. I am very sorry to ask, was it HER2 that killed her? I don't find any posts about it. I am very sorry to be so blunt. Personally, I was very much hoping that Herceptin had knocked it down and out forever. I am from Texas and have recently learned that the CB1 and CB2 in cannabis can kill cancer cells. I was wondering if your mom tried it, if it helped at all. Being in Texas, I personally don't know anyone using cannabis, or using it to fight cancer. It seems to have no side effects or toxicity and I have read it can kill virtually any cancer in 90 days, if used correctly. I have had HER2+ twice now, and am suffering from the toxicity of the companion drugs used with Herceptin. So, I am rethinking what I will do next. I can not do those companion drugs ever again. I am very sorry to ask, and if this offends you, please just delete it, and I will understand. I am being selfish, to some degree. If your mom did use Rick Simpson Oil, and it didn't help, then it would be the first case I had heard of that a cancer wasn't cured from cannabis. It is hard to know what to believe. I used to believe in MD Anderson, but I don't anymore.

[Gabrielle]

So very sorry.

[Terri B]

I've been very absent from here for a long time. I'm so sorry to hear of Christine's passing. My condolences to you and your incredible family.

Like so many, this site got me through some of the darkest times of my life. I can only pray that the legacy continues and people continue to reap the benefits and information that this site offers.

Much love, all

Terri B

[4angel]

very sad to read of your Mom's passing. So thankful for the work your parents did for this web site. It helps so many of us walk this path. It was the first place I read that people survive many years even with stage 4 BC. That gives me hope...Prayers to you and your family.

[k1982]

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.
I am new to the site but from what I have read this evening I understand she was an amazing woman and she will now be reunited with your father in heaven.
I wish you and your family peace.
May God bless You.
K

[KymAustralia]

I have been away longer than I realised. I am so very sad to hear of Christine's passing and I extend my deepest sympathies. Your mom and dad were incredible people and the ripple effect of their legacy is so substantial.

I am so grateful to have found this site almost 13 years ago and was in awe of the amazing, courageous women who fought so hard to pioneer the treatments that I know contributed heavily to my survival.

Sending much love and prayers for both your mom and dad and to all the warriors who we have lost from this site xx

[KrissSchmidt]

Oh my gosh... So sorry to see this they made a BIG HELP for us... stay strong we all are with you! sending prayers

[europa]

Your mom helped support all of in our moments of despair. The site has been a source of hope for so many. Honestly, I don’t know what I would’ve done without this group during my treatment.
My sincere condolences for your loss but your mom will live on through this forum. What a beautiful legacy.