This is the hardest thank you note I have ever written, for I am thanking you for helping to save my life. I did not know what changes were in store for me when Sharon came in as a new patient to see Dr. Abdehou. In the exam room, we found we had a common though horrifying experience—breast cancer. I soon discovered that Sharon's father, a fellow patient, encouraged her to find me and discuss my situation. She informed me of a new treatment that had not yet been FDA approved in the United States, but had a phenomenal remission rate on breast cancer. This news changed my outlook on the rest of my life. It seemed this might be the last chance I had to become a survivor of this disease.

Sharon, Dr. Donna Holder, M.D. and Dr. Deborah Adcock, M.D. led the charge and brought together volunteers in the community who worked to raise enough money for me to go to Germany and have this treatment. This act of kindness overwhelmed me.
I am blessed with a supportive husband and two wonderful boys. Before this treatment, I was sick for five years. This disease prevented me from being able to be the wife and mother I wanted and needed to be for them. During this time, my eight year old son asked me if I could "throw the ball" with him. Due to my pain, I could not grant this simple request. After my treatment, I can throw the ball and play with him everyday. My 16 year old son's stepmother says he smiles and talks more now. He told her "I have my old Mom back." I cried when I heard those words because I am finally getting my life and close relationship with them back again.

These examples illustrate that cancer is not a disease that just affects you, but also your family and friends. By receiving this treatment, I was able to restore my life and relationships to normal. I am so blessed to have friends in my life now who were once strangers to me. This disease did not defeat me and instead showed me the miracles people can achieve with the help of our beloved Lord. I know in my heart it was the Lord who used these people as vessels to achieve what only he can.
There are not enough words to express my gratitude. To all of the volunteers and contributors to

The Castleberry Foundation, on behalf of my family, thank you for giving me back my life. I will continue too with The Castleberry Foundation to help create more stories like mine and together we can save our world from cancer. I hope you will continue to be involved in this effort.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Triplet
Cancer Survivor