Living La Vida (Lymphoma): Meet Heather, Mesothelioma Survivor!

Living La Vida (Lymphoma): Meet Heather, Mesothelioma Survivor!:

Heather Von St. James was diagnosed with Mesothelioma shortly after the birth of her daughter, Lily. Back in January, I featured a heart war...

Living La Vida (Lymphoma): A Time For Reflection & Giving Thanks....

Living La Vida (Lymphoma): A Time For Reflection & Giving Thanks....: Sending out a special heart-felt thanks to all of the men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives for the United States of A...

Have a Wonderful, Relaxing Weekend!

Keeping it REAL!

I woke up this morning already thinking about ways to market my book, trying to stay positive and then I checked my emails and found the following letter from a student and it really put things into prospective - it's not about the marketing or the money, it is about keeping it real and helping others!

Ms. Sykes,
First off I would like to thank you for writing this book because I don't have any sort of cancer or illness but my best friend did. She had Cystic Fibrosis, not cancer related but an illness that also needs a cure! My best friend had passed away two years ago, she was only fifteen. Your book gave me the curiosity to read about the life on an in and out patient. At first it was just a book that I had to look for, for a memoir in my AP English class. Then as I started to look more into your book I couldn't get myself unattached from it. Knowing what my best friend had gone through with her illness I somehow became apart of your book, remembering how I'd visit her at the hospital or making sure she took her medicine. You are a true example of someone living life to the fullest because being able to face the challenges in your life ESPECIALLY your illness. Just me with the flu I feel like everything in the world has gone to pieces but you! You are a magnificent woman! Thank you Ms. Sykes for writing this informative book, making understand what life is like with an illness, and helping me receive an accepting grade.
Clarissa

Thanks so much, Clarissa for your kind words!

The Thrill of the Hunt - For Books!

     As a child, I can remember my mother taking us to the library each week. The thought that you could pick out any book(s) that you wanted was such a thrill! Walking into that library was like Disney World to me...I'd get lost in there, browsing through the shelves in search of my newest adventure! 

     In my "other life, " I was a Pre-K teacher. On the first day of school, when it was time for story time, I'd ask the children "How many of you have a story read to you each day / night?" Usually out of a class of 20+, maybe five hands would shoot up into the air. It saddened me to think that there are so many children who never get to experience the feeling of being read to, all snuggled up in bed, or anywhere for that matter. Four and five year olds who had never, before that first day of school, been read to! Needless to say, these children developed a love of reading and I pray that they are avid readers to this day. 

     The thrill of opening that new book.....Ahhhhhh!

T.G.I.F.!

WHOO-HOO! It's Friday!!! 

What is your favorite book EVER??? 

I'm looking forward to hearing from you! Have a great day!

HAHAHAHA!

When I first started my Living La Vida Lymphoma blog, I  never knew I'd be reaching out to so many people.  Now, with almost 9,000 hits to date (since August 2012), I  am so blessed to know that what I set out to do, is helping others. Through my blog and book, I have had so many readers contact me for assistance, support and guidance in their own lymphoma struggles and that makes me happy. I am finally at a place where I can give back and it's a good place to be! Writing is my passion, and helping others is my mission ...it's what life is all about!

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