Note: Annie's mother, Jean Rosenberg, read Annie's special message to the 2010 Spring Zing attendees on May 19. Annie continues on medical leave in her strong and courageous fight against cancer.
May 19,2010
[Jean Rosenberg's introduction: Annie has been fantisizing about coming to Spring Zing for five weeks - ever since the diagnosis. She visualized at least a short visit here tonight - both with and without hair. As her mom, I know she faces eight hours of chemo tomorrow and in the first round 3 weeks ago; Anie started having reactions to the pre-chemo meds which she had to start taking yesterday. I was very relieved to get her phone call today saying she had composed this message and asking me to share it with you tonight.]
Dear Friends,
I deeply regret that I can't join you tonight. This is the first time I have missed this event in eleven years. The Board informed me that I am only allowed to miss Spring Zing once, so I intend for this to never happen again!
I am pleased to report that my treatment has been very effective so far. In fact, my doctors are saying that it is quite rare to see the positive response I am experiencing this early in the treatment. I know that God's love surrounds me, and I have been blessed in countless ways by the outpouring of support from my family, friends, colleagues and the staff of Zoom Group.
I know that each of you personally has been touched by cancer or a major illness, and you know how truly humbling and powerful these experiences are. Facing a critical illness gives us a new perspective on things. It sharpens our vision and adds value to the things we have come to take for granted. There are innate, unfamiliar parts of you that begin to surface - strong and courageous parts that strengthen and empower you in ways you never imagined possible.
I've been amazed to see these capacities materializing. And as I've pondered this many times over the past weeks, I have begun to realize that many of the traits evolving within me are quite similar to those our clients seem to share.
I wonder if it isn't the "true self" that is surfacing - the part of us that is often hidden under layers and layers of conditioning. The part of us that we experience as children and lose more and more as we get older,
as we are taught how we should be and who we should become.
as we learn what is right and wrong and how to be socially acceptable.
as we are taught how to measure success and define happiness.
We spend our days try to attain a good life, when indeed we could chose to learn that when we have a good day, we have a good life. This is one of the greatest lessons our clients teach us.
Maybe this is why our clients are so refreshing...why they make excellent employees...and why they are so supremely happy to simply live in the moment. As Nelson Mandela said, "When you let your own light shine, you unconsciously give others permission to do the same." This is the invaluable gift our clients have to share with us.
I can't be more grateful for your support.
Your personal commitment, along with the gracious support of
our restaurants,
auction item donors,
Coach Walz and Dawne Gee,
our Board of Directors,
our incredible staff,
the Spring Zing committee,
York Management,
and our amazing volunteers,
ensures that our important work will continue and our organization will continue to thrive. My sincerest thanks are extended to you, and my deepest congratulations are extended to our amazing and most deserving award recipients!
THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Annie Rosenberg-Sattich
President
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