Update, Letter from Norma Hotaling
Jul 30th, 2008 by admin
I blogged about Norma Hotaling a little while ago, and I have been forwarded this letter from Norma via the DIGNITY listserv.
Dear all, I have thought endlessly about what to say concerning what is going on with me, how I am doing, and how I miss the work. In the end I am speakless. I was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in April. I was alone when I was told. I remember my body convulsing. The Dr. left without telling the nurses the news he just conveyed to me, so they were shocked when they found me hysterical in my little cubicle. Since then I had a 7 hour surgery, mainly to see if there was anything missed or if anything else could be done. There isn’t.
I have been offered chemo, “to buy time,” but mostly been encouraged to choose a shorter quality of life over, the effects of the chemo. Many of you come in at this point. You have given me the will and resources to fight. I have gone to one of the best alternative health clinics that was founded during the beginning of the breast cancer “movement,” 25 or so yrs ago. They recommend chemo, supplements, and we are exploring clinical trials, meanwhile I am also seeing a Vietnamese Dr. The upside is that my first CAT Scan since surgery was very good. Many of the side effects, as well as the size of the tumor, have either resolved or in the case of the tumor, it has grown very, very little. I am extremely tired and lonely, but with your help and caring, I am fighting.
I am now meeting long term survivors-today is my first meeting and they are offering many alternatives as well as much needed support, such as the best nutritionists and Stanford Doctors for 2nd opinions. I have lost 80 lbs. and can’t seem to get enough calories or the right ones to stay healthy and keep every little ounce.
Your thoughts, love, and support means more than you know. It is lifesaving. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will stay in touch. Keep up the great work.Love and hugs, Norma
******
Please support Norma’s medical fund.
As most of you know, Norma is the founder and Executive Director of SAGE, one of the first survivor-led service centers for trafficked and prostituted women. For almost two decades she has been a leader and an innovator in the work to fight human trafficking. Now she needs our help. We hope you will take the time to visit and make a contribution to a Friends of Norma fund.
Sincerely,
Donna Hughes
Laura Lederer
Lisa Thompson
Marissa Ugarte(For more about Norma’s work, see also: http://www.sagesf.org/html/about_main.htm)
“I have lost 80 lbs. and can’t seem to get enough calories or the right ones to stay healthy and keep every little ounce. ”
this is one of the reasons why marijuana is so helpful to the cancer survivor/fighter. vaporizing marijuana cuts out a lot of the harms of smoking, as does eating foods with marijuana’s extracts in it. i know it’s not always accessible, which is a shame.
i pray for the best.
Dear Norma, Hi, Norma. I really hope that you will get this message. This is Hyun-mi, a Korean immigrant woman who worked for SAGE’s STOP program in 2004 and 2005.
I worked together with Allison, Linnette and Judy.
Norma, I am sincerely very saddened and heartbroken by the news of your illness. I know that so many survivors look up to you and get such an amazing inspiration from your commitment and dedication to make other stuggling women’s lives better….
Being part of an anti-trafficking team was one of the most valuable experience for me and I still cherish my work experience at SAGE, together with my co-workers.
I lost my father at the age of 16. He also had a pancreatic cancer. I know how difficult this must be for you, your family and all the people who care deeply about you. Norma, I also know that you are a fighter and you are a strong woman. You have all my support in fighting this illness and I will be praying for you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.