Andrew Solomon Far From The Tree

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      Son Deaf Dwarfs Down Syndrome Autism Schizophrenia Disability Prodigies Rape Crime Transgender Father
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Teresa M. Losing a father SC
My story begins with my birth, I suppose most of our stories really begin there. My father was from the mountains of NC and he moved after serving in the Air Force for 4 years to S.C. (Greenville area/ eg...the "upstate of South Carolina") and he met my Mother in 1959 after his service to our country. He "courted my Mom" the old fashioned way, in July 1960 - they were married. I came along on January 7th, 1962 and I was due on Christmas day. It sort of "bummed out my parents" as I would've made a nice "tax deduction” and my Dad had a good humored joke about me from then "on" that I'll be late for my own funeral. My mother and father were both raised in poverty (if you know about poverty in Appalachia—you know they were raised sometimes without enough food to eat. They saw hard times. My father put an emphasis on owning his own home and land. He as years went by worked for AT&T and all clothing was bought at 2nd hand shops or thrift stores. I still love to shop at these stores to this very day. You see, my father put his "emphasis" of extra money on buying land, and he knew how to build houses by himself—he knew how to do just about everything. He read profusely, so did my Mom. He also abstained from smoking or alcohol consumption, as he never wanted to "waste anything"—not even time. After living such a healthful life, growing his own veggies and fruits, making honey from the (well the honey bees made the honey-he harvested it from the hives), he had vineyards - and raspberry and blackberry bushes. I grew up eating very organic and healthy.
One day, I got a call that my father was acting "strange" and we soon found out, my father had a Glioblastoma Grade 4 primary brain tumor. Although his body was 100% healthy - the tumor was going to take his life - they gave him a month to live ....but the doctors were amazed at his body. They said he had the body of a 30 year old and he was at time of diagnosis, in his late 60s. After contacting Duke University, we and he decided he'd try AVASTIN and he did live (quality) for a year and 1/2 - not a mere month. My depression gets worse - not better as time goes by. Waking up and realizing I won't talk to my father - is like someone takes a huge punch in my stomach daily-it's incredibly sad and such loss. I feel for anyone who has tragically lost someone so important to them and whom they love. I am offering my story - to show that - many people have obstacles they must overcome - however- how to put the "pieces back together" when your world has fallen apart, is easier said than done!

I feel more monies should be allocated to research for incurable diseases. It can strike babies, toddlers, young children, teenagers, college students and it cost my Dad his life. Primary brain tumors are aggressive and brain tumor doesn't "discriminate" - although - according to Duke University's research, these tumors somehow attack young girls more age 3-12 and men (any age) Caucasian usually 80% so there is obviously DNA involved and also exposure. Even benign brain tumors can cause severe disabilities and/or death - it's cruel that in 2012 - there is no cure for Primary brain tumors (yet) - I sure hope that changes!! For the HOPE of others whose lives will be shattered by this horrific illness.
Related themes and chapters: Father Love Hope Struggle Illness Activism Belief Breakthroughs Science
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