The first email came at 2:24 a.m., a sob in the dark from a woman in Amsterdam, the mother of two tenderly young sons and the wife of a man who had just been diagnosed with one of the most virulent forms of leukemia. Her name is Roos, or as she first introduced herself to me, Rose.
Much of my writing this year, both on this blog and off, has been inspired by her, as she searched for the consolations of faith and friendship — some way to face the fear, isolation, and despair of a dark journey. Her questions became my own, and her life thus mine.
Miraculously, her husband has completed chemotherapy and a double cord blood transplant. He is at home. The marvels of the medical establishment have run their course. Now she will care for him for the next six months or year, administering a daily protocol of high-cost medicines that are not fully reimbursed. She doesn’t know how they will do this.
When she wrote yesterday about the newest stage of their ordeal — the shocking cost of survival — wondering how to pay for next week’s prescriptions, taxi fare, heating and electricity, I knew what it was time for me to do.
It’s time to raise roses.
Please consider giving even a small amount for the Roos & Kenji Medical Fund — $2 for coffee; $5 for laundry; $30 for a week of medicine. The need may seem insignificant or remote to you. These times are so hard for everyone I don’t know how I even have the nerve to ask.
I’ve never launched an appeal before, but I know from growing roses that every bud blooms. This ceaseless bloom is what makes life beautiful even in the harshest of circumstances.
This week and always, may you be blessed by the fruits of your generosity, and take good care of your family.
To donate in US dollars:
To donate in Euros:
If you are reading this post via email, these donation buttons may be deactivated. Please visit my blog on the web to contribute. Thank you.
I am so happy to contribute here. After surviving my latest battle with cancer, it’s the very least I can do. Much love to them, and to you, dear Maezen.
Comment by Carol — November 21, 2011 @ 7:20 am
I wish sending healing was as easy as sending money. I too struggle daily with health issues and the support of my circle of friends has made all the difference. I am grateful to be part of the net you have cast out. Many thanks for your words and bringing me to Rose as well.
Comment by Simone — November 21, 2011 @ 7:54 am
Done!
Comment by Meg — November 21, 2011 @ 8:37 am
Bless you for doing this. I read Roos’ blog daily since I found her through yours and wanted to send money yesterday, but wasn’t sure how. Thank you for being you.
Comment by Stacey — November 21, 2011 @ 9:06 am
I read your post about raising roses for Roos’ family today, 26 years to the day after my mother died from cancer. I was ten years old when she died. As a child, I had no idea what was involved in caring for a spouse with cancer while parenting two children. As a mother of one and a wife to a healthy man, I have thankfully only a little bit more insight in this area where no one wants expertise. I made a contribution today in remembrance of my mom, Nancy Lembcke, and all those many people who helped my family survive so many years ago.
Comment by Amy — November 21, 2011 @ 9:24 am
May my small contribution be of some help and hope.
Love and light.
Comment by kathleen — November 21, 2011 @ 9:35 am
Thanks for doing this Karen. I made a small contribution; it’s nice to be able to help this family that I read about every day.
Comment by Carolyn — November 21, 2011 @ 9:45 am
Done.
Comment by Kaishu — November 21, 2011 @ 11:11 am
I am so glad you took the bull by the horns. I read Roos’ post this morning and wanted to weep. I also wanted to help but had no idea how to organize a donation for her. So it is with gratitude to you that I write this and am able to make my own contribution.
Comment by Kim — November 21, 2011 @ 3:41 pm
Thank you for providing this opportunity to assist one of the bravest families I know through a difficult and mysterious new part of their path. I’ve gotten to know Roos a little bit through you and another Wireless World friend and am happy to help.
I’d like to provide a link to this post on my site, if you’d like…
Happy Thanksgiving – I am very grateful for you, for this space, and for the healing Kenji has found on his journey.
Comment by Christa — November 22, 2011 @ 2:31 am
Yes Christa, please link to this post on your blog. We are turning the world into a rose garden. Thank you.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — November 22, 2011 @ 6:45 am
Dear Karen,
I have know Rose and Kenji for a long time. We were neighbours once, in Amsterdam. My husband and I were at their wedding and we heard about when their boys were born and how difficult it was for their first little one. When the news came last January that Kenji was diagnosed with leukemia, I couldn’t believe it. My family and I moved to Ireland a few years ago, so the contact between Rose and me had been mostly through email, and it was difficult to be physically so far away from a friend in need. We met in February and then again last August when I was in Holland with the kids for the summer. It was great to see her and to be able to hold her and listen to her stories. She told me about her contact with you and through her stories I got an image of you to be a very special person. Now I know this is true. You are magnificent setting up this fund for her and Kenji and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I made a donation, put the link on my facebook and I hope many more will do the same. Thank you, Karen. Love, Tess
Comment by Tess — November 22, 2011 @ 7:16 am
Done, thank you for your initiative!
Comment by Marret — November 22, 2011 @ 12:51 pm
You and Roos are two of the women who have touched my heart most deeply over the last year. Thank you for this. I will spread the word far and wide. With love and gratitude, Alana
Comment by Alana — November 22, 2011 @ 8:33 pm
Done!
Comment by Jolanda — November 22, 2011 @ 9:48 pm
At this time of thanks-giving, I’m grateful I can help.
Comment by Melissa — November 24, 2011 @ 9:09 pm
Done! I am a “faithful follower” of your blog…so grateful I didn’t miss this post.
Comment by Sharon — December 1, 2011 @ 8:00 pm
You brought Rose’s story to my attention and my heart ached for many reasons, one because I had lived through a similar experience with a husband with a brain tumour. The isolation, pain, utter aloneness is extreme. And financially it took a toll as well. I made an initial donation but was wondering if there is a way to may a monthly donation. It would be easy for me to know a predetermined amount was being billed to me without having to go back in and submit again. Regardless, I think what you have started with Raising Roses is great big huge and fills my heart. Thank you.
Comment by Kim — December 2, 2011 @ 5:38 pm
I am grateful that I can do my little bit today to help a family on the other side of the world. I am grateful that you have initiated this. I am grateful for the internet and that there is this web that connects us all from me here down in New Zealand to being able to help just a little bit, someone that I have never met and wouldn’t be aware off had it not been for the web. Thank you.
Comment by Melissa — December 11, 2011 @ 10:13 am
[...] Kenji’s journey touches your heart, please consider supporting them as well. You can do so here. This entry was posted in In the Now and tagged hope, life, other people's stories, support, [...]
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