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A Note from Alex

Alex shares an unexpected turn of events in her life.

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Dear Members of the Quilt Show,
I am embarking on a very personal journey, one that many of you have shared. Every year, some 264,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer, and in 2022, I was one of them.

It is impossible to convey the shock and fear that is felt when the diagnosis is pronounced; the dreaded news that no one wants to hear. 

It came right before Thanksgiving, and though it might seem counter-intuitive, there are many reasons for which I can, in fact, give thanks:

  • Due to annual checkups and self-checks (I actually found it myself), it was caught at an early stage.

  • The available technology today is amazing, and I have a terrific medical team.

  • The cancer appears to be contained. (YAY!)

It also gives me the opportunity to urge EVERYONE to schedule annual mammograms and do monthly self-checks. Because of early detection, my prognosis is excellent. Don’t let fear or inconvenience get in the way of getting tested. One of the things I learned from my doctors is that there doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to who gets it or when, so PLEASE be kind to yourself and be vigilant for any changes in your body.

Although I am sharing this to encourage others to get checked, I am also asking you to respect my privacy, and understand that I won’t always be answering messages and calls. John and I have a lot to digest, and we need time for this, and for the treatment process. I appreciate more than I can say the love and support I have received from you all over the years. Please understand if I can’t respond individually. I will be sharing updates with you intermittently and hope to continue my FB Live as my body allows.

Knowing that quilters want to jump right in and help, I have a great opportunity in the works, but rather than further focus on me, please consider supporting your own community. Chemo can be a grueling physical challenge, and one of the negative side effects is bone-chilling cold. How about making infinity scarves to donate to your local chemo unit? I am currently working out details with Shannon Fabrics for yummy Cuddle kits for this project and hope to have it available on our website soon. Stay tuned!

And so the journey begins,
Alex Anderson

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Christine LaBarr
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I am so thankful for your excellent prognosis. Also I want to thank you for pulling my head out of the sand and nudging me after three years to get a mammogram. I got the all clear letter but your strength gave me the impetus. Thank you again and...

I am so thankful for your excellent prognosis. Also I want to thank you for pulling my head out of the sand and nudging me after three years to get a mammogram. I got the all clear letter but your strength gave me the impetus. Thank you again and my prayers are with you.

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Jeanne Brophy
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I send my prayers for you and your family while you go through your treatments. I want to thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention that they can help by helping those in their own backyards. Also, please, please self check and get...

I send my prayers for you and your family while you go through your treatments. I want to thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention that they can help by helping those in their own backyards. Also, please, please self check and get those mammograms.

Hugs, Jeanne

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Rommy van Houten
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Dear Alex, From the other side of the ocean I wish you and your family a lot of strength
I'll be praying for your full recovery. Stay strong!!

Diane Culliney
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My prayers are with you. I8 years a breast cancer survivor. There is so much hope for you. May your journey be simple and easy.

Alice Kusachi
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??

Janice Doherty
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This can be a very tough journey, but I pray you will be lifted up along the way by the love from your family, friends, and your “students”, of whom you have never met. I appreciate your openness about your challenges. I pray God blesses you...

This can be a very tough journey, but I pray you will be lifted up along the way by the love from your family, friends, and your “students”, of whom you have never met. I appreciate your openness about your challenges. I pray God blesses you with healing and grace!?♥️

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Ann Scott
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I send prayers for you and your family!

Nancy Martens
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Alex, so sorry to hear your news. Thanks for reminding everyone to do monthly breast self exams. Great that you found this at an early stage. Wishing you all the very best in your healing journey. Holding you in my heart.

Yvonne Reorda
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My prayers and thoughts are with you and your loved ones

Danell Cline
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Sorry you have to go through this tough experience. Prayers for you and your family as you negotiate your treatment and healing.
I appreciate all the fun and learning you do with the "lives", but you must prioritize yourself during this journey...

Sorry you have to go through this tough experience. Prayers for you and your family as you negotiate your treatment and healing.
I appreciate all the fun and learning you do with the "lives", but you must prioritize yourself during this journey and your loyal fan will understand and send you love.

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