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Skydive for Charity Raising Money to Fight Leukemia

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:58:00 -0400

Sunday, October 26th, was a beautiful day! It was the perfect day to shout to the world "I'm Fearless!!!"

There were two jumpers who had reached there goal by the deadline. Given courage by a memory of a woman who fought hard, inpired many to do the same, and touched lives around the world, the jumpers arrived, strapped on their gear, and headed to the sky. The jump was a message to themselves, to survivors, to the world; "I'm here to live! I'm hear to love! I'm hear to fight! I am fearless!"

Despite its low numbers, the first of many organized jumps, was a success. Already, raising almost $2000 for LLS and over $2000 to help Deb's family, this group has nothing to be ashamed of!

In the coming months, they will continue to sign up jumpers, raise funds, and have the second of many more organized jumps.

Be Fearless!

http://www.couragetojump.com

A Mark in History

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:23:00 -0400

If you get a minute, search Debbie's name (or variations there of) on google. You might be suprised at what you find. Deb was a lot of things to a lot of people. For some, their relationship with Deb was close and intimate. Others only knew her by her witty straight talk that garnished a whole array of responses. One thing is abuntantly clear from the results of the search. Debbie left her mark. The web is colored with flashes of her personality on web blogs, webrings, and posting boards.

If you knew her or "of her", you may never say you were her freind; but its hard to say that you won't remember her. Its hard to deny that she touched other lives and hearts. Its hard to say she didn't inspire hope in those who had none. And, it is hard to say that she did fight with everything she had to beat this terrible disease.

What I am most impressed with is Debbie's legacy and how many kind words follow her memory. Say what you want about the person, she was flawed, as we all are; but, don't with one single breath tarnish the reputation of the heart and soul with which she fought - not just for herself but for all who needed to find the courage to fight. Debbie continues to make a difference, even in death.

I can only hope to leave that kind of mark.

How Small Efforts Yield Big Rewards

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:44:00 -0400

My son was born with a heart defect that threatened his life. Babies in the womb produce plasma and red blood cells in their liver. In their first weeks outside the womb (not a doctor, so I might not have this exactly right), red blood cell production moves to your bone marrow. Sick babies don't make the transition well and can often end up futher compromised without transfusions.

Jacob was given 5 total transfusions of various blood products in the first 2 months of his life, between his surgeries and other complications from his illness. I truly believe that without these transfusions he would not have lived. Although I would have most certainly have given my blood (my life) to my son to save him, I unfortunately had no warning that he would be born so ill. Becasue of this, I had to rely completely on the kindness of strangers and their choice to donate blood.

There are all kinds of events and illnesses that lead to the need to use donated blood. To name a few: car accidents, anemia, surgery, luekemia and other cancers. Blood products extend and save lives - pure and simple.

Here's an amazing point to remember: the entire donation process takes about an hour with the actual donation taking only ten minutes.

Think about that. Ten minutes of your time to save someones life. That's a lot of impact for such a small effort and amazing gift you can give.

Give life. Give blood. Ask about Plasma donation. Be Fearless. Its the right thing to do.

Take a minute. Schedule an appointment right now in your area:

(ps. I always wiggle my toes when I give blood; passes the time and makes you forget the stick.)

Final Words Are Words to Live By

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:26:00 -0400

Copied from http://difficultseasons.com/2009/05/28/final-words-are-words-to-live-by/

Deathbed confessions carry more weight in law than normal confessions.

That’s because we believe that a dying person has nothing to gain by telling a lie, and everything to gain by telling the truth.

The same logic also makes us pay special attention to words spoken to us from a dying person.

Lots of people became acquainted with Debutaunt (Deborah Greer-Costello) during her battle with cancer through the internet. She blogged extensively about life and her illness. Through her suffering, she attracted legions of followers, many becoming true friends who never met face-to-face in this life. Deb often requested prayer, and her requests were quickly relayed through Twitter.

Here’s a handwritten note relaying one of those requests on Flickr.

Deb passed from this life on May 18, 2009. But she had her final say — posted today by her sister Steph on her blog. She knew she was dying, and she had a lot to say.

Give yourself a blessing today, and read Deb’s final post.

Not Even Death Can Stop Deb From Having Her Say

Thu, 28 May 2009 18:05:00 -0400

Repost from www.debutant.com

[Every single one of the posts on this blog were typed and written by Deb. Except this one. She died on May 18, 2009, peacefully and no longer in pain, with family and friends by her side. I wish I could write that less abruptly, but that's what happened, and there is no easy way to say it.

I'm Sis#1 in the blog, and throughout Deb's illness, I'd ask her if she would want me to type an update. She'd always refuse, saying she wanted to do it herself when she felt better. She wrote some amazing things, even when she was in a lot of pain and taking a lot of medication.

She finally asked me to update the blog for her after doctors told her that she was certain to die. We talked a lot about what she wanted to say, and she had a lot of pent up things because she hadn't been able to post in a while.

If you follow this blog, you'd see that Deb was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October 2005, had a stem cell transplant in February 2006 but then suffered a relapse of her leukemia in November 2008. She had been continuously in the hospital since Thanksgiving until her death, and in the ICU since December and then moved to a rehabilitation hospital ICU in February to see if they could wean her off the respirator, remove the tracheotomy, and get her able to move, and get out of the bed.

Eventually, the doctors informed us that Debby wasn't going to be able to get off the respirator, that her organs were struggling from massive infection and that she had developed a new form of leukemia, chronic monocytic leukemia. As I understood it, the new leukemia was likely a result of the massive DNA damage that occurred during the first treatment that put her acute leukemia in remission.

When Deb was given the information that rehabilitation wasn't going to work, that she was never going to leave the hospital and all hope to get her old life back was totally gone, she request the focus of her care be more on comfort than fighting, signed the Do Not Resuscitate order and prepared to die.

What a difficult thing. To be there in mind, trapped in a painful, failed body, waiting for a death. But, during this time, she thought of her online friends from both close and far away, and she wanted to give you a final blog post that shared her views. So here it is. The following may not *sound* exactly like her because it's hard to read lips but it is certainly her views. In her last days, she dreamed of walking and running, and you could see her legs moving as she slept even though she barely moved when she was awake. I'm not sure what she is doing now, but it certainly has nothing to do with being confined to a bed.

Immeasurable thanks to all for being with her on her journey in whatever way you were able. You have no idea how much it helped. -Steph/Sis#1]

Deb's Last Blog Post:

Keep Reading

I am writing this blog post to say a more proper goodbye to all the interweb peoples who have helped me keep it together. Who have given so much support to me through the years. Who are my friends and family. Who were strangers who became friends.

In my blog, I often give assignments for people to do. Here's the ones that are on my mind....

1. Appreciate everything. Even stupid stuff. Since I've been sick, I've communicated with a number of service members abroad. We understand each other well because we both know how much we miss just the normal stuff that most people take for granted. Driving. Driving in traffic. Complaining about stupid stuff is for people who have no idea how good they have it.

2. Be a force for good. There's enough bad stuff in the world without adding to it. Forgive people and leave grudges for others. Do kind things just because. Figure out what you are good at and do good with it.

3. Seek a higher power. I believe Jesus Christ is my savior and this gives me comfort. As it takes faith to believe, it takes faith not to believe. I believe God doesn't want us to live our lives on an island, and that finding a community of faith that is uplifting and supportive to you can make a huge difference in your life. If you have that cool. If you don't, consider it. But don't wait until you are looking death in the eye because you will miss out on some neat things. (Love you ACTS community!)

4. If you have kids, squeeze them. And then squeeze them again. Give yourself a pat on the back if you are responsible and work hard to give your children a good life and better opportunities. Sometimes you don't give yourself enough credit. If you have people in your life that you love, tell them that. Often. Don't save your I love you's for a rainy day.

5. Take care of yourself. I understand more than most that there are injuries and illnesses that you can't prevent by eating well and moving, but that doesn't mean you should be fatalistic. Nothing like being hooked up to a respirator to make you appreciate just getting going, doing and breathing. Treat yourself at least as well as you treat your car--you put the right type of fuel in your car and you drive it safely most of the time--you are more important than a car so treat yourself that way.

6. Enjoy life. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and as long as it isn't hurting yourself or others, go for it. Bring joy to others. Find passions in your life that make you want to get out of bed in the morning, unless your passion is sleeping and then go ahead and sleep in.

7. Be open to new things. Listen. Doesn't mean you have to change your mind, but who knows, you might learn something.

8. Support sensible health insurance reform. I'm not sure what that ends up looking like, but injuries and illnesses shouldn't fate people into a life of insurmountable debt and bill collectors. I spent the last â€œhealthyâ€ months of my pre-hospital stay, worried and scrambling to find insurance because my COBRA insurance ran out. Patients should be able to focus on getting better and not crushingly large mountains of papers telling them that their credit is forever screwed.

9. Ask for help. This is a hard assignment. For a lot of people, it isn't easy to ask for help when you need it. But what I've discovered is that it is a part of the human condition for people to want to help those in need. People enjoy helping others. Sometimes you get help where you don't really expect it. So if you need help with something, go to the appropriate people and get it.

I sometimes think that the bad stuff that happens in life is one of the few things that bring people together. It still sucks, but maybe it sucks a little less.

There are too many people to thank for the help they gave me and my family over these difficult times. I would list you individually but am afraid I would leave someone important out. My last days have not been easy at all, but it has been a great comfort to know about all those who gave me prayers and love.

In my life, I've looked for love in a lot of wrong places, and as I die, it is nice to know I am surrounded by love.

10. Last assignment. There is no last assignment. You create your own assignments every day. Choose wisely.

However, my last assignment that I give to you is to take care of my 9 year old daughter Zoe the best you can. I love Zkat from infinity and beyond. I just am trying my hardest with what I can do from this stinkin bed to help her. I know she will be taken good care of in a house full of love, but I feel pain that I can't be physically with her any more to prepare her for a happy, long and healthy life.

My friend Dan set up a college fund for Zoe recently, and I can't tell you how happy this makes me. If you are feeling it, I'd appreciate any donations of any size. Long time readers know it is no fun for me to ask for money, but I would do anything for my sweet bird talker.

To sum it all up....I love you internets! I love you friends! I love you family! I love you Zoe!

All my love,

Deb

[Okay, this is Sis#1 again. Apologies for the delay in posting this, but as you can imagine, this was a little difficult to type based on all my hand written notes that I took over weeks talking with Debby. More emotionally difficult than physically. At the time of her death, her blog software says that she had written 1440 entries and had 9646 comments. Who knows how many lives she touched in a positive way.

If you want to know more about my fabulous sister, please check out mem.com - Deborah Greer-Costello. If you would like to donate money for Zoe's college fund, you can either click on the DONATE Paypal link on this blog which is still active, or if you want to do it directly, please send contributions to: The Financial Advisory Group, Inc.; c/o David Jenkins; 5599 San Felipe, Suite 900; Houston, TX 77056. Please make out the checks to "College America" and in the memo field write "FBO: Zoe Costello."

At the request of many people, at some point I hope to post here a list of songs on Deb's iPod. She listened to that at home, in doctors' waiting rooms and clinics and the many months in the hospital. It's an interesting mix, and would be good to share. -S]

Encouragement

Wed, 27 May 2009 13:16:00 -0400

I want to encourage everyone to visit Deb's website and look at some of the amazing history she has there.

I try not to be impressed too often by people. I think she's the biggest suprise I have had on that front: www.debutaunt.com/

I want so much for this fundraiser. I hope I'm not over-reaching.

Debs Obituary

Fri, 22 May 2009 08:33:00 -0400

DEBORAH GREER-COSTELLO, 41 died on May 18 with family and friends by her side. Debby was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005 and returned to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 2008 when she suffered a relapse. A gifted writer, Deb began blogging online in 2003 and used her laptop as a window on her life with chemo, stem cell transplant and recovery. Her site, www.debutaunt.com garnered fans, especially other cancer patients, worldwide. Her funny, irreverent and often touching accounts made her a finalist in 2006 for The Best of Blogs in the Inspirational category. Deb's upbeat approach and advocacy for blood and platelet donations and the National Bone Marrow Registry won her local and state awards. She raised many thousands for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Societies in Houston, San Antonio and Austin. She was the keynote speaker for the 2007 Light the Night campaign in San Antonio. Deb graduated from Cypress Creek HS, Houston in 1985, and St. Edward's University, M.A. cum laude in Writing in 1991. She worked at the RGK Foundation, Pepsi Cola, Austin, and Price Waterhouse and as an editor at The Shaw Group, Houston. Deb was an avid member of the ACTS Communities at Prince of Peace, Houston, and Holy Spirit Catholic Church, San Antonio and the Houston Connect Singles Group. She is survived by daughter Zoe Costello, parents Jess and Marian Greer, sisters Michelle Greer, Jenna and husband Mark Whidby, Stephanie and husband Bill Stradley; and brothers Jeffrey Greer, Tom and wife Sonia Greer and James and wife Beth Greer; aunts Laura Axene, Joyce Jepson, Irene Santiago and Gladys Vietor; uncles David and wife Marcy Vietor and Bob Vietor, numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Jesse Greer, Jane Estes, A.H. and Gen Vietor; Anita and R.D. Borland, Delores Vietor and LeRoy Vietor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and she wants to encourage blood donations at M.D. Anderson or South Texas Blood Banks and participation in the National Marrow Registry. Deb was especially grateful for the college fund set up for Zoe; contributions may be made The Financial Advisory Group, Inc.; c/o David Jenkins; 5599 San Felipe, Suite 900; Houston, TX 77056. Please make out the checks to "College America" and in the memo field write "FBO: Zoe Costello." A vigil service will be Sat., May 23, 7 pm at St. Maximillian Kolbe, 10135 West Rd, Houston. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of her life on Sun., May 24, 2 pm at the Earthman Chapel, 8303 Katy Frwy, Houston. A funeral mass is pending at Holy Spirit Church, San Antonio. We thank the kind staffs at MD Anderson, Kindred NW and all the friends and family who cared for Debby and gave her nearly four years with us. For more information, visit mem.com

Have Courage

Thu, 21 May 2009 22:10:00 -0400

Do not grieve for me, my love,

Mourning does little for the dead.

Do not weep for my suffering,

Burden is not taken to the grave.

Forgive me for all that I have not given you.

And take comfort in all that I have.

Remember that I am more than an untimely death, a mother unfulfilled, and a friend you have lost.

I am an aspiration yet to bloom.

This pain, while heavy for you now, will soon be only a memory.

And, as you think back on this time,

remember that my suffering

was but a single sentence on a page in the book that you still have a lifetime to fill.

Read this sentence when you need strength.

Make from it a plan to ease my regret,

And temper it with the memory of my smile.

As you move forward, never fear the weight of the volumes you write,

Know that as your book grows heavy with love and legend,

My spirit is at your side,

My strength is in your arms,

And my breath is on the breeze,

Soothing the burden of time from the lines on your beautiful face.