Sunday, December 14, 2008

Thank You Everyone

I knew I had to get on and post tonight about my benefit and I really don't know where to begin. To say we were overwhelmed would be an understatement. I had no idea what to expect coming into a day like today and I never could have imagined that it would be like it was. I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, my family and friends that organized this benefit on for us. It's obvious that you put a lot of work into this and I love you all so much. It couldn't have been more perfect and Shana and I want you to know how much we appreciate it.

I was told, at one point this week, they were expecting over 300 people to attend and I thought to myself, "no way!". Then, before I left tonight, I was told the count had exceeded 550 people and I don't know what to say except that I have never felt more loved than I did tonight. It was great to see everyone - the people I see all the time, the people I haven't seen in a long time and the people I was meeting for the first time. To everyone who came, everyone who donated and everyone who contributed thank you. Please know that we appreciate everything that everyone has done for us, and we are humbled by it. There were so many people there tonight to support us and you all mean so much to me. I only wish I could have spent more time talking to everyone. I feel like I spoke to 500 people for one minute each and I hope everyone knows that if I could, I would have spent MUCH more time catching up with everyone. I tried to thank everyone personally, and will continue to try to do that, but please know I have so much gratitude in my heart for everything everyone has done.

My positive attitude and approach to this disease is a direct result of the love people continue to give us. The best thing about having such a great network of family and friends is that I don't feel alone or scared, I feel motivated. I don't feel depressed or angry about having cancer, I feel lucky and blessed to have the people I have in my life. This is a battle that couldn't be fought alone.

Here is a quick update on how I am feeling, which is still pretty good. I am starting to feel the effects of chemo a little. The worst part is the fatigue, I am pretty much tired all of the time. I am getting a lot of joint pain (this is an expected side-effect) in my knees, ankles and hands and sometimes it's mild, others it hurts. I wake up in the middle of the night sometimes and it feels as if someone had just taken a baseball bat to my knees...wierd. I have only been sick a few times and the meds they give me for the nausea work pretty well. I have four chemo treatments left until they decide the next steps (I am hoping for surgery!) and I should know by sometime in mid-January.



I thought this was pretty cool: http://www.cnycentral.com/news/video.aspx?id=235236

And this: http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=250047@video.wixt.com&navCatId=5

12 comments:

Shana McCaffrey said...

I just want to say that tonight was an amazing day! We have the best support system! I just want everyone to know that YOU are the ones that keep "Will's 'will' to live" thrive and survive. I don't think that I will ever be able to stop telling everyone, "Thank You." We are truly loved.

I just want Will to know that he is my hero. I have been blessed with an amazing guy! Thank you Carol and Bill for bringing up an awesome guy. He makes me feel like a princess everyday. I just want to tell Will's family and my family how much I love them. You are our backbone. We couldn't do it without you! Big kisses to you.

Finally, we have met so many amazing people who have truly humbled us. Will and I have so many friends, and they were all at the benefit even if we met you for the first time today.

Thank you (eight knock it down)

Anonymous said...

What a great night you all had!!! Wish we could have been there with you guys for such an amazing event. So many people love you and are support you 1000%. Can't wait to see you guys, stay strong! XOXO

Lizzy said...

look at you! you are now a TV star! Glad you had such a good time, I was thinking of you while I watched the game.

Liz/FL

Anonymous said...

Will and Shana I am not surprised by the amount of support the two of you drew in Sunday night. You both are amazing people who deserve nothing but the best. I have never met a family quite like yours and am increasingly impressed by their love and support which grows stronger every minute more I spend with you all.

With all of my love,
Susan

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear your benefit was such a huge success! We wish we could have been there, but we will be there soon (or see you here) to celebrate our 30th birthdays! Can't wait!

Dom and Andrea

Anonymous said...

Will and Shana,

So great to see you both. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Your strength and positive outlook are amazing.

We'll keep in touch,
Marilyn and Ray

Anonymous said...

WOW- the benefit was AMAZING!! Im still so fired up about all the money raised for you and Shana! All of are hard work planning it sure did pay off!! Its a day I know I will always remember and Im sure alot of others too. Cant wait for x-mas eve at Nana's house! We love you and are always here for the both of you if you should need anything! See you soon!
Love:
steph,Darryl,Kyle,Sydney and Alex

Anonymous said...

Will,

I just heard what was going on, and I'm really sorry to hear what you have been going through. Stay positive and you will get through this, this I am confident of. As for myself am getting ready to head off to Iraq for the third time in four years. Just wanted to drop a line and say best wishes for a quick recovery and to wish you and Shana a Happy Holidays. Your former SU roomate.

Jim

Anonymous said...

I dont think we could have asked for a better turn out for the benefit. To see how many people really support you and us is just overwhelming, even people we don't know. I guess you must be pretty special!! I cant wait to spend christmas with you and shana, I am so happy you are here for it. And then off to bean town!! Looking forward to it though, just one more step closer. I think about you all the time and love you so much. See you later. GO BILLS!!

<3your sister

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas!!! We love you both and are looking forward to spending the holidays with you.
AND then on to Boston ....one more step closer.
We will all get through this together.
Go Will! Go Bills!

Unknown said...

As Manny would say "that is freaking awesome!" So glad the benefit was such a success. It is great to know how much you are loved and supported. Keep up your amazing positive attitude - you will beat this! Hope to see you back in Dallas again sometime - soon!

Take care,
Rae

Anonymous said...

Dear All,

Finally it's here, upcoming week to Boston and finding out GREAT NEWS! One more step to beating this and having the surygery!
Please, let us know if theirs anything you need.

You're all in our thoughts always,
Love,
Cousins Karen,Tom,Cain and Cole :)
xo