My thoughts and prayers are with you everyday,

the lord only gives us what we are able and strong enough to handle, although it may seem so unfair. You have proven that you will not let go without a fight and i admire you greatly. It will be a moment when you least expect it that all things will become so clear, wether it be to realize the love surrounding you or the fact that YOU may have affected someone's life so profoundly and deeply and changed them forever. Stay strong and keep fighting Mahonyha ~ YOU define courage and strength!!xoxo CeeCee

A HEART FILLED THANK YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!

To everyone who has helped, donated and been touched by MAHONYHA and her story! To all those that have donated monetarily, their time and otherwise, it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated!! The support from the Nelson community and communities where we previously resided and beyond has been amazing. I am so thankful for the support as well as the inspiration and ground to reality Mahonyha's story has brought everyone.

Mahonyha's story is not only particularly special and unique like she is, as she is my sister, but she is always my reflection when I think the smallest thing in the world is the end, it never is and there is always something greater within! MAHONYHA wristbands are a fundraiser, but I wish for them to be something everyone who sees one wears, weather they know her or not, it will forever be their reminder that the little things that get to us in life, are just that "little things" and to push through the hard times and never give up! Live life to the fullest each and everyday as if it were your last, and always stop to help someone, even if you think you have nothing to offer and no connection to that person, it is sincerely within the thought and the experience that shapes us as caring individuals.

To those who didn't get to see MAHONYHA over these last few weeks due to her low energy, I truly apologise, trust that everyone understands the situation. Merry Christmas to all!! May your Christmas be as special as ours is with MAHONYHA in it!!.

Thank you, Mahonyha's Sister
Emily

Dear Mahonyha,

I am not sure if you remember me, but I used to live next to you in Slocan when I was staying at my grandma’s house. I never really got to know you really well as my time in Slocan was not for very long. I just want you to know that your fight has been an inspiration to everyone working at Paxx Computers. Your fight has inspired me personally to work hard at everything I do that is hard. Every time I feel like giving up on anything you come to mind and I can’t quit as a result, weather its something too complex at work or when I am down and out losing at hockey. I just want you to know that you’re in our hopes and prayers, Keep fighting, Keep positive & Merry Christmas.

We hope our present from the store helps you!

Peter Payne
Paxx Computers

My amazing big sister Mayhonyha,

I don't even know where to begin. I believe that every relationship is unique. But ours even more so. Although we have never lived together and we sometimes only see each other once a year or so, our sisterly bond has never once faultered. Every time we see each other its like I havent been away and we've spent everyday for the last 19 years together. Sometimes we dont even need to talk, we'll just sit there in that comfortable silence. Every memory I have of our time together is a good one. What can I say...we're just sisters!
I've always admired you, looked up to and wanted to be just like my big sister Hones! With that beautiful smile of yours, your amazing curly hair and rich brown eyes. Every time someone tells me that we look similar or im the younger version of you I beam with pride....because as one of my friends said..."your sisters HOT!" And that you are. You are such a beautiful person, from the inside out. Your strength and courage over the last 4 years gives me inspiration everyday. You are so strong and eventhough I cant be there everday with you, I think about you all of the time and I am there in spirit.
I'll be back home in a month for more quality sister time.....and hopefully again and again after that.
Sending you my love every second of everyday
Your little sister,
Kate

Wow. What can I say? I am truly moved by your story.
We too are from Nelson and have been touched by brain cancer. My daughter was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in 2001 at the age of 17 months. Today she is 7 years cancer free and we are truly blessed. As I am sure you are well aware from your own experience, treatment was not kind to her and we deal daily with side effects. If you would like to read her story, I too have a site for her...
www.caringbridge.org/canada/katelynn
We send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Sometimes the best medicine is the love we recieve from each other.
Cheri

Hello.

I stopped by Evergreen Natural Foods and saw your donation stand and immediately made a small donation. I'm impressed by your spirit and determination to fight your tumour with organic food and natural supplements. Truly, there seems little that conventional medicine can do for tumours of this sort, and the suffering created by radiation and chemotherapy can be so debilitating. So good on ya for taking on such a brave challenge. I would just add that if you own a cell phone or Blackberry, PLEASE use it as little as possible as many international studies are demonstrating a link between brain tumours and use of these microwave-emitting gadgets. Better if you can simply do without them. The same goes for wireless computers (WiFi) and internet, as they use the same frequency that has been proven (despite what the telecommunications industry will tell you) to cause biological damage at the cellular level that creates the ideal conditions for cancer. Our local Valhalla Wilderness Society website has a good page on the links to the international studies. (http://www.vws.org/) Please also check to see if there is a radio/TV or cell phone broadcast tower near your home and if so consider moving as far away from it as possible. Sadly we all lost our valiant eco-warrior Colleen McCrory last year to an aggressive brain tumour. What a terrible crime, that as a society we have allowed a whole generation of young people to use technological products that have never been tested properly for safety prior to being marketed. Take care. - Art Joyce author, poet, journalist http://www.chameleonfire.ca/ the work of sean arthur joyce

A message from Mahonyha:

Hello everyone. I feel so much love from all of you. I am touched by all your posts and every day I look forward to messages from friends new and old, and even people I don’t even know very well. I am really feeling my community. Since I was first diagnosed I have felt a continuing support from my family, my friends, my community, and friends and family around the world. I just feel so much love. I don’t know how to thank you all enough. I wish words could express how grateful I am to know so many people care.

My dear sister Megan, when you first showed me the blog you created for me I was absolutely overwhelmed. I could feel that everything you said and did for me on the blog came from your heart and you touched me. You give because you want to give Meg, it is who you are. That’s why I love you. Everything you do for me always comes from a really good place.

Emily, you are such a caring person and a mover and a shaker. I am so grateful for all the energy you keep pouring into the fundraising efforts. You will always be my baby sister Em, but right now I feel like you are the big sister.

Mom, it is so special to me that you can be with me every day and share this time in my life. I am blessed to have you close. With all you've been through in losing one daughter to cancer, and facing this fight with me for a second time around, you remain so incredibly strong and you give me so much inspiration.

Victor , my rock, no matter how I feel or what I am going through you still see me as beautiful. From the beginning of my journey with cancer you have been there for me, and that means a lot to me. You have so much compassion for everything I have gone through and continue to be by my side and share my journey. I am your pea and you are my carrot...we will always be peas and carrots.

To all my friends and the people who care for me, to my family and extended family, Thank you for your love and your support and for your fundraising efforts and financial contributions and a special thank you to my Dilly bean . I just feel so much love!

Wishing you All Love and Good Health

Mahonyha

Mahonyha,

You probably don't remember me, but I feel close to you and to your current struggle because your sister Phaedra was my dear friend . I think of her every day. I know she would want me to reach out to you and commend you for your bravery and your strength. Like you, she was a brave and inspiring person and I will never forget her wisdom and her incredible capacity for joy. Whenever life throws me difficulties, I am reminded of her smiling and telling me to "surf it" -- this when her troubles were so much more overwhelming than my own. You come from strong stuff, Mahonyha, and we are all cheering for you. With love, Sarah

The Wristbands Are Here!

They started being distributed to businesses on Saturday. There is a list of locations they are being sold at in the left hand column.

Hones:

hey girl, I dont see you often but when I do its the best part of my day. You have always been a precious friend, near to heart even if a world apart. I admire the strength and determination you have always had for whatever you may be facing, and all that common sense you have. You were always the one reminding me to study while the rest of our class, well, got into trouble! (We couldn't have ever got into much trouble together with those bright white grad hoodies we wore). It makes my heart happy for you to know that you are fighting and caring for yourself in a way that you believe in. I am thinking of you and wishing you all the strength of the earth. Devin

Hey Mahonyha,

My one true "girl" friend in high school. I was always blessed to have you in my life while I lived in Kaslo. I didn't have any girl friends to watch girly movies with or just hang out until I found a great friend in you. I must say, I loved our comfy sit on the couch nights or our crazy hiking/running adventures. Remember that time we ran up the backroad and back around to mirror lake. Loved it. Other memories are the ones that we shared for a while in Vancouver at the chicken coupe!! Oh good old Swiss Chalet. Your beautiful, sweet, and full of fun. Your compasionate and gracious personality could befriend almost anyone. Your a treasure and I send you LOVE AND PRAYERS!

Sincerley,
Sarah

Wristbands...

We have placed the order and it is being processed, we should receive the wristbands within 10 days. We spent the weekend assembling the display boxes and designing the write up that will personalise them, so they should be ready to distribute as soon as the wristbands arrive. We have a list going of businesses that have requested them, if you would like to have a box at your business or place of work or know of anyone who might, please Email me at megan_moore1978@yahoo.com with the business name and address, we will deliver it, or we can arrange to get it to you personally if you prefer. We have received $800 in generous donations towards the $1800 purchase of the wristbands, therefore we are still asking businesses who display the boxes to make a small donation of at least $10 to help us to pay down the remainder of the purchase. Thank you to all of you who have offered to help and those who have made donations towards this fundraiser, we truly appreciate your help!

Mahonyha..

my favorite employee...I haven't found another like you! You were such a brave soul to go off to Switzerland to become a nanny!!! We all had fun at the coffee shop making up a memory book for you....so you wouldn't be homesick!! I think of you often and remember all the good times and laughs we had.....even over silly thing! Love and prayers. Teresa

Hello Mahonyha,

I know it has been years since our paths crossed however you are often on my mind and always in my prayers. I have many fond memories of time we spent together in our childhood, from camping at the Slocan campground for your birthday to Ski-Dooing together at my parents house. The pole that we hit at my parents house still has the black skid mark. I think you are a beautiful and amazing woman. Take care and keep strong. Stacy.

Scans of Octobers MRI have been posted

The previous post of Mahonyha's MRI pictures has now been updated and includes two shots of her latest MRI from October. Scroll down to view!

Cell Phones:

While researching Brain Cancer treatments I came across the following and thought it was worth sharing, I know that modern life makes it difficult to even consider abandoning such things as your cell phone or computer or microwave but perhaps one day (before it's too late for a lot of us) we will hear these words and actually listen.

Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). You are exposed to them by electronic appliances. Cell phones, computer screens and microwaves are among the biggest offenders, but even the clock radio by the side of your bed is putting out unhealthy levels of EMFs for a foot or two. Your car puts out quite a bit of it.

Radiation from cell phones can literally eat holes in your blood brain barrier, which functions to prevent toxins from entering the brain. When it is full of holes, toxins get into the brain, causing much damage. A Swedish study has found that heavy users of cell phones had a 240 percent increase in brain tumors on the side of their head that the phone was used on. The study defined 'heavy' use as more than 2,000 total hours, or approximately one hour of use per workday for 10 years.

To Read More: http://www.cancerfightingstrategies.com/energetics.html

We have wondered weather Mahonyha's cell phone may have played a part in the development of her tumor, for at least a year leading up to the discovery of her tumor her cell phone was her primary phone, and she would sometimes spend several hours a day talking on it. More and more research is being conducted on the effects that cell phones are having on us and the links between them and brain tumors.

Hello beautiful……

I haven’t talked to you in awhile, but you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I really enjoyed spending the short time we had together on my visit home in March. It was definitely too short and I hope that we are able to visit again real soon. I hope that you had a great summer, and a very happy birthday. Your most recent pictures show the spirit and peace that I can only dream of one day finding. When I first accessed “ Mahonyha’s Fight” site, its very dearing hearing Sarah playing in the background as you and your family are the ones who first introduced to me her music. I remember falling in love with the song Vox, while sitting on your living room floor at the house in Slocan. I listen to it almost everyday now, as it reminds me of the ray of light that shines so bright from your soul and your big Julia Roberts smile. Thinking of you and sitting here writing this so many memories come flooding back to me that it almost feels like yesterday that we were hanging out in the camper trailer that you turned into your bedroom as if declaring your independence. Funny how time goes by but the greatest of memories are always with you. Camping with you and the crew, having our late night adventures outside W.E and on the floor at DJ’s house, tubing behind the boat and always wishing that one day we would have a Toyota Tacoma to drive……oh the days. You were the bestest friend that anyone could have had being the new kid. ( Even if you did date the guy I crushed over!!!!) I love you and wish you all the strength to defeat the battle you’re in. You’re already a survivor and my hero. You truly inspire me to live for what’s important and for what makes me happy. Our story is not over, its just to be continued……………………All my love, Rhonda

Hones,

Oh the memories I have being your little sister... there are so many... I could go on for hours, but I will pick a few. You were such a kind sister growing up, you always wanted to take care of us and cook for us, it was amazing the way you were so motherly at such a young age, and I thank you for all that you showed me as an older sister. I am honored to in any way possible repay the generosity you showed me from such a young age. Weather we were playing together, quarreling over a bike or straight out fighting like sisters do, we for some unknown reason, stuck together and were there when times were strange, like when we moved to Kaslo and knew no one. We were each others best friends, walking and talking together and exploring the new town we would call home for many more years. The many nights drinking tea and watching old school flicks! I would give everything to have another moment from the past with you :) Thank you for everything, you truly are an amazing sister and best friend.

Loving you with all my heart
Emily

MORRIS THE MOOSE

I'll never forget the time when i had to work on a saturday,when i suddenly got a phone call from Mahonyha.'There's a moose outside the window she screamed in surprise'.I calmly replied 'Hones, what do you mean?' She said she opened the blinds and there was this huge moose eating the daisies on the side of the trailer.I THOUGHT,THERES NO NO WAY IT'S A MOOSE,IT'S PROBABLY A LARGE BUCK,MORE LIKELY AN ELK.Hones insisted whatever it is it's huge with a big rack!As i drive up the driveway, to my astonishment, was a 2 yr old orphaned moose that got scared down from six mile lakes and ended up in the eating crab apples and daisies! As most people in the area know, this was an orphaned moose the Croxall family had been looking after, they hoped it would find a mate one day, well, he found Hones! Love and Hugs, Scotty

Hello..

I have known about Mahonyhas' illness for sometime now. You can tell her she is indeed a remarkable individual. Her courage and strength to maintain this fight is inspiring to say the least. I put a lot of faith into positive thinking and she is proving that all things are possible if you will it to be so. She is a hero.
I have fond memories of all of you. Yours was in fact, one of the first families I met when I moved to Slocan. Though I have not seen you all recently, I remember Mahonyha well as a little girl. Especially her time in band class sitting in the front row. Such a sparkle. I can imagine that the sparkle she had then, is the part of her personality That is giving her the strength now.
Mahonyha, you are in my thoughts and prayers. We are all with you and we will not give up on you. Take care and talk to you soon. Be stong. You are indeed a special person, a ray of light to say the least.

Mr. Shannon Sternloff

Memories..

Mahonyha, I am so grateful to be blessed with the sisterly bond that we share. My life has been filled to the brim with wonderful moments growing up, so finding just one to call my favorite is difficult, but I do have one that always makes me smile on the inside when I think of it, and makes me miss those days of being young, without a care in the world, when (in hindsight) life was simple and our life goals consisted of buying a pink convertible and going on a road trip. The camping trip me and you and the boys took up Slocan lake, the laughter and adventures we shared that week will stay with me for the rest of my life. I still remember that enormous rock we insisted on hauling back up the beach to our campsite, laughing so hard the entire way because we couldn't believe we were actually able to move it. You my dear have always been so much more then just my sister, you are also my best friend and I Cherish every moment I spend with you, and will always be grateful for your unwavering support, open arms and generous heart. I have learned so much from you and this journey you are on, the importance of finding happiness, living everyday to the fullest, to give what I can, to use what I know to help who I can, to care for my body as it's the only one I get, and to find peace in my heart. Thank you Hones for being you and loving me. Always loving you, your sister(and friend) Meg

It's Miles Woodley here... Been some time since I've been up into the jewel of the Kootenays but I sure wish I could have been through there, where the air is fresh, the people friendly, and those memory foam beds so darn comfy! I just read Hones' blog and am reminded of meeting her way back when... when Monica was staying at my mom's place in Vancouver while she was at Blanch McDonald with Mahonyha. Like a good BC girl, she was working at White Spot and rocking the black polyester pants! I sure look forward to a return to Nelson for some more rafting next summer! Perhaps Monica, Tore, and babies will visit and we'll make the trip up? Until then, I expect to hear all about your triumphs on your blog. Keep up the good work! Much love from Victoria

Mahonyha,

When I think of you I think of a smile that lights up a room and laughter so bubbly it's contagious. On your quest to get healthy my wish for you is lots of inspiration for both. My love and positive thoughts are with you and the family. Much Love, Bry & Niya too.

Video Link..

The following link is a fascinating 20 minute video testimony from Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a stroke victim and brain scientist. Her Insights into the left and right hemispheres of the brain and there functions.

"Jill Bolte Taylor: My stroke of insight"

Mahonyha's MRI's

From Dec. '04 - Jul. '08

NEW SCANS - MRI Oct '08

Click Images For Larger Screenshots!

Mahonyha's MRI Results:

Mahonyha's MRI has shown that the tumor has grown by 50% in three months, it is now 85mm. The size and swelling of the tumor have almost completely closed off the ventricles on the left side of the brain which has caused her to lose mobility on her right side, she walks with a limp now, and is unable to use her right arm, as well the rest of the right side is mostly numb including the right side of her face which can at times affect the clearness of her speech. This loss of mobility happened within just 7 days, caused by rapid tumor growth and swelling. Surgery is not an option because it would cause paralysis and brain damage and the tumor would return regardless. The tumor is also starting to cause the ventricles on the right side of the brain to "balloon" which has resulted in the earlier signs of mobility loss on her left side such as tingling, pins and needles, lack of circulation, and some occasional numbness. Her steroids have been increased by 125% to bring down the swelling and stop the mobility loss on her left side from progressing, and to make her more comfortable. The tumor is also affecting her speech and her ability to find words, often when she is speaking she will attempt to say the word that she is thinking of but she will say the beginning of several words each time she starts to say one she realises it is not the one she is wanting, the same thing happens when she tries to write. She is also experiencing terrible headaches that can come over her in an instant and cause her agonising pain. She has started two new alternative treatments just since returning from Kelowna with her latest MRI results, and already she seams to have made improvements, on Saturday she was showing a lot more mobility, speech, focus, energy and vitality then she had only two days prior. We are all very hopeful that these new treatments will be her cure. She is finding solace in the time spent with family and friends.

Fundraising Campaign....

Hello All supporters and followers

Emily and I are working on a fundraising campaign that we are hopeful will yield a considerable amount of funds raised as well as raise awareness around the community and area.

We have compiled a list of 100 businesses in the Nelson area all of which we will approach about donating a minimum of $10. The money that we collect from these businesses will then be used to purchase silicone bracelets in Mahonyha's honor. They will then be given back to the businesses to sell as a fundraiser. All money raised will reimburse the family for the financial debt that we have incurred supplying Mahonyha with her alternative medicine.

We have faith that giving donators something tangible will give them a greater sense of the reality of our situation and raise awareness, and hopefully bring communities closer in future efforts to fundraise.

The bracelets will be ordered as soon as we have raised enough money to put the order through. We would like to extend the opportunity to anyone who is interested to help us approach businesses either within Nelson or surrounding areas. We have put together letters and donation envelopes for those interested. This will happen! However both sisters working on it have small children, and therefore any help would be greatly appreciated.

Please Contact Emily @ ispayou@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out or needing more information.

Thank you and keep your eye out for the bracelets at local stops and shops in Nelson and surrounding areas!

Hello Everyone..

I wanted to take this opportunity to say a thank you to all of you for your heartwarming messages to Mahonyha, they have touched her more then you could know and have at times brought her to tears feeling everyones support. I want to let you all know that we are working on a post to inform everyone of what her MRI results are, right now her priority is to spend as much time with family and friends as she can. But I encourage you to check back as Mahonyha has expressed that this is something she really wants to work on, to let you all know what her results are, and what she is feeling. Thanx again for all your support Megan

Hello from Kootenai Moon

Hi Mahonyha from all the staff at Kootenai Moon. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we are sending love and light to all of your family from all of our families. All of our energies are focused on giving you all strength.

Val, Cheryl, Pat, Nick, Cindy and Martien

Hey Hones

Just dropping you another little line to say I'm thinking of you, sending you all the positive energy you need to get through this. I hope everything went well this weekend. Miss ya Hones, love and lotsssssssssss... of hugs , Scotty

Hi Mahonyha!

I know that we weren't all that close in school, but I have known you for a long time through your sister Megan. You are a very strong girl! And so beautiful. Keep up the fight. Stay positive. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you ever need anything or need an extra hand or shoulder, I am here for you. Take care girl. Am sending positive energy and thoughts your way always!!! Luv/From Crystal

Your a beautiful woman Mahonyha! Keep the faith :) you are always in my prayers. Sean

Hi Mahonyha.

I thought I would add to your blog since I have been wondering how things have been going with you for a while now. I am not to sure what to tell you, other then I’ll be thinking about you quite a bit. You’re a great lady and I know you can beat this. Hopefully all goes well for you. I don’t have too much to say to you here, but I’ll be checking your blog daily to see what is happening, and I’ll be saying a prayer for you. Take care I look forward to seeing you soon.

Dave Wayling

Hey Hones,

just wanted to say you are truly an inspiration for everyone.Whenever i have felt stressed about life,work etc.. i think of you,what you have gone through,and it makes these trivial stresses pale in comparison.Of course it also puts a smile on my face to just think of you and all the great times we've had over the years.My family is all thinking of you,and we all want you to hang in there and keep up the good fight! Love and Hugs always,Scotty

Upcoming MRI

Mahonyha will be leaving for Kelowna on Saturday (oct 18). She will be having an MRI done on Monday the 20th and will meet with her Neurologist on Tuesday to review the results, she will return home Tuesday evening. We will post an update with the results of her MRI.

We will be thinking of you Hones and sending you possitive thoughts and energy!

Hi Mahonyha,

This is Carmen, and our family thinks of you regularly. This post idea is great, because now I can express to you that you are in our thoughts. I believe in alternative methods and I am proud of you for putting such a great effort forward towards your health. We would love to help support that effort! As I know there is not much else we can do. So please know that we are thinking of you and we absolutely wish you all the best. Love from Carmen and family!

Hi Mahonyha...

:D Wow this is a great site, I wish u an Victor the best with everyday ahead. You are a strong person Mahonyha and a wonderful Auntie to my children. Ill never forget the Christmas tobogan partys in the back yard :) So much fun and joy iv found in your presence... Take care guys lotsa Love Sean Gordon. P.S. You are always in my prayers.

Mahonyha,

My BIG sis!! I am so thankful to be so close to you through out your life, especially in the last few years. I know living only a few minutes away, we dont see eachother every day, but there is not a day that goes by that you are not in my thoughts. There are so many things that you have learned and conquered and I know that this is going to be one of them. You are the strongest woman I have ever met, you are so determined and poised. People tell me that they see you, but they dont see the cancer, is she still sick they say? You are truely amazing. I treasure our time spent together in the last two years more than I have the previous 22 years. You have given me and my new family a whole different look on life, love and laughter, thank you!

Good luck Sweety on your upcoming MRI .... we love you, breath deep and keep on fighting, your nephew looks forward to wrestling with you, boating, glofing, and watching him grow up and change :)

You have every ounce of my strength towards your fight.
All my Love,
Your Lil' sis Em

mahonyha,

I feel like my words are not going to be enough to ease your pain but i can tell you my story so perhaps you don't feel too alone in your journey. my brother was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma and with chemo and radiation he got rid of it. 6 months later he got the news that it came back again. with more chemo and a bone marrow transplant the cancer still persisted and he got the news that the doctors did all they could do and that was it, he had a couple of months to live. of course we didn't accept that and started looking into alternative medicine to help. he started seeing a naturopathic doctor but by then it was too late. my brother died on feb.9, 2007. i fully, 100% support you in your quest for alternative medicine. i will help you with whatever you need. please contact me for anything, we will help you get through this. and please , please know that you are a true inspiration to us all.
with all my love,lia.