Reaching Beyond the Clouds

3 Comments for this entry

• Randy
  January 20th, 2010 on 7:57 am

  Hi Cindy,
  Your story caught my eye as I was browsing colleges in CA for my son, who has WG (GI,lungs and kidneys). He was dx back in April 2004 at the age of 14 at the Cleveland Clinic. He went through the treatment and fortunately, he has stayed in remission thus far. His passion is basketball as much as yours is mountain climbing. As long as I can remember he has aspired to play college ball and I’m not sure it can happen. My husband and I know that he had a ‘setback’ back when he was so very ill and going through the treatment, etc. He played HS bball successfully but it has taken until now for him to get strong. He even moved from home in Aug. (Ohio) out to the LA area in hopes of getting on a junior college team. Unfortunately, a back injury (now resolved) prevented that, but he is still attending the junior college and practicing with the team (redshirted). As a sophmore, I worry that his chances are dwindling down for next year as I imagine that colleges wouldn’t consider an incoming junior who hasn’t played college ball. And of course, he won’t be able to continue at a 2-yr. college. There isn’t a player out there who is more passionate and dedicated to basketball than he is and I feel so helpless. Sorry to bend your ear about my son. I guess your story reminded me of my son as you are so passionate about climbing Mt. Everest. I sincerely hope you continue working toward that climb and will be following your blog and cheering you on! When I retire from teaching, I, too, plan on promoting awareness about Wegener’s (and Vasculitis). I love your web page and reading about your adventures. Don’t stop!!! :)
• Lori Hardin
  February 14th, 2010 on 4:03 pm

  I am inspired by the stories in this website. Our daughter was dx with WG in 2003 at 12 in Orange County CA. She is now 18 and in Jr. College. She has suffered much from this disease but remains a bright ray of sunshine in our lives. She has experienced all the rx’s used to treat WG and the horrible side effects that accompany them. The past 6 years have been tough and I really wish she had a support system. This is a rare disease but even rarer for children. She struggles with just wanting to be a normal kid and live a normal life. As her mom, I struggle with not being able to help her. Cindy….you provide hope for all individuals with WG and my hope is that our daughter will regain her strong will and zest for life when she sees your website. Thank you for your courage and strength and I will be following your adventures. Lori
• Kendell Lee
  February 19th, 2010 on 9:07 pm

  I’m Kendell Lee and I am actually Lori Hardin’s daughter. I was diagnosed with Wegener’s in 2003. I was 13 and in the 7th grade. My mom happened to mention this blog site and I was very inspired to look at what everyone writes. I am 18 years old and I have been through a lot of ups and downs. As my mom said I struggle big time with finding the trust in people, and trying to be “normal.” But what’s normal anymore. I feel like I’m the plague sometimes. Everyone wants to be there for you; however, when it come’s down to it they run so fast you can hear the wind behind them. I said I am 18 and I am slowly finding out that most people my age are extremely immature and have not been through half of what people with illnesses and other issues deal with on a day to day basis. I am pretty sick of feeling like the plague and people backing out of my life because of this long named stupid disease attached at my hip…or shall I say rib. I say rib because I recently got a tattoo (a dove with ‘WG’ in the mouth and “let it be” in the body on my rib) this tattoo is to always know WG is with me but to let it be and not let it be me. It was my best decision and I love it.
  I am so glad to hear people over-coming WG. I a varsity cheerleader in high school and was captain. Anything you want to do you can do it. If I can say anything it would be never regret anything. Cheer was so much fun and even with an illness like Wegener’s ANYTHING is possible!!
  <3 Kendell

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