The Bravest Mother I know . . .
My Friend Amy Potvin.
As a celebrity spokes person for a number of causes -- cancer, particularly children with cancer have become a passion. In 2010, I was asked to present awards at the 7th International Symposium of Hyperbaric Oxygenation. It was there that I became firm and forever friends with Amy Potvin.
One of the Awards I presented was to Amy's twin daughters -- Ellie and Gracie Potvin. Amy had prepared tribute video for her baby-girl, Ellie. This remarkable child had gained "Angel Wings" a month earlier. Here it is -- take the 8 minutes to watch it. Have tissues nearby.
LiftUpFoundation 2012©
Then Amy stood and for twenty minutes addressed a hundred or more scientists and specialist physicians. The gist of her message was as follows:
" Ellie fought for 2 years and was given hard core amounts of chemo and radiation using a 30 year old protocol to start the fight. I was disgusted! Ellie had stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed at 6 years of age in July 2008. It was only after the Oncologists sent her home to die, April of 2010, that God Blessed my family with HBOT treatment.
I firmly believe that Ellie would be alive today should we have started with this immune boosting treatment. Though I am sad to say that we started this cancer healing therapy too late. But, I was blessed to have been given more days with Ellie through HBOT. Ellie fought till June 23, 2010.
Ellie has a twin sister, Grace. I can tell you with great HOPE... that should Grace be diagnosed tomorrow... I would start with HBOT treatment. It would be through great difficulty to poison my child again. The chemotherapy caused her such great suffering above and beyond the cancer. Please look into alternative treatments. I have started the Lift Up Foundation and pray that in years to come it will support and educate families like yours on HBOT and other alternative treatments.
Blessings -- Amy Potvin.
Amy never missed a beat, did not lose track of her message nor flinched when delegates blundered out of large room, to find solace in the hallway and to compose themselves. There was not one dry eye in the room.
LiftUpFoundation 2012©
And here we are, my friend Amy and me. Yes, red-eyed, the both of us. Tears are supposed to be shed over those that would cry of us. Ellie Angel Specialized in Kindness" so she told her mother a month or so before she flew. I was moved to write the following:
"Amy is one of the most passionate speakers that I have had
the pleasure of listening to. It is her
knowledge through tragedy that has given her voice clarity and her heart
passion to create a higher purpose. Amy
shows a dedication to this cause of supporting others in need of love, hope and
faith. Our wonderful Amy has to be
allowed to be heard fallout are far too many of our children dying of disease
that can hope to live. Amy also has
great compassion for others who are hurting and in need of words of
encouragement. Please let us learn from
each other through Amy. She is the one
to convey the message . . . for she and her family knows the story so well. Amy is a natural born speaker and motivator.
Let us give her voice a platform to be heard and there will not be a dry eye in
the house!
Amy is a connector
and a messenger that has an amazing voice of wisdom to be heard. I take
great pleasure in calling Amy Potvin my friend and have learned so much from listening
to her.
Her friend - Kelly LeBrock"
LiftUpFoundation 2012©
And here is Bravest Gracie -- with her "Fly Ellie Fly" cake. Ellie is never far away from Gracie's shoulders. But what about Amy and her husband Tim? Determined to make a difference the tirelessly helping others.
LiftUpFoundation 2012©
LiftUpFoundation 2012©
If you are moved by the Courage of this family, and you feel a little foot in your back pushing you to ddo something -- it is Ellie, back from the beach. Her idea of Heaven was and is, white sand and salty water.
And some good news also . . . see for yourselves . . . Ava "Binkey Boo" has now arrived.
Amy Potvin, my Special Friend, I love you and I salute you.
Kisses and hugs.
Kelly
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