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.