Archive for Other Cancer Survivor Stories
Rush Limbaugh and a Final Update on Jeff Hasara
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Jeff Hasara passed away on Monday, August 16, 2010, at the age of 16 from Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer.
Jeff and his parents are friends with Rush Limbaugh. Jeff’s mom sent me a link to Rush’s broadcast about Jeff and his family. It is really a wonderful tribute titled “Our Prayers for the Hasara Family”.
One of the photos I did of Jeff is on the blog post. That is pretty cool too!
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_082510/content/01125106.guest.html
From the Gazette Obituary information about Jeff: Jeffrey was born November 24, 1993 in Okinawa, Japan, the son of Mark and Valerie Hill Hasara. He was a sophomore at Linn-Mar High School. He loved longboarding, surfing by the ocean and being with his friends. Jeffrey was tenderhearted and was more interested in helping his friends than doing his school work. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he was active in his church and a strong believer in his God. Jeffrey was also active in Boy Scouts. His favorite thing was spending time with his family. He was a great friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
As part of a recent fund raiser that Hu Hot (Jeff’s favorite restaurant) did, I donated the use of an image and graphics. If you are inclined to assist in any way, Jeff’s blog is http://pullingforjeff.wordpress.com/ there are some great surfing images of him on it too.
An Update on Jeff
Posted by: | CommentsI met Jeff last year, the first image in the collage below was from that last minute photo session. You can read about that first meeting in the post called “Why Me?” Jeff was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. I have recently photographed his family and we updated Jeff’s photo with all his gorgeous curls! Jeff was tired and struggling but what an outstanding young man he is. The letter he wrote to share with us all is so moving, inspirational and such a gift. It is an honor to be the Hasara’s family photographer.
His family has a website for Jeff at http://pullingforjeff.wordpress.com/. A fundraiser is being put together for him, I will watch for details.
June 11, 2010
Family and Friends,
My condition has worsened considerably. On about May 29 the tumor pain started to increase and became constant. On the first of June I had my IV injection port removed and spent the next several days in bed with pain on both sides. I thought I would regain strength. Over the next week my tumor (that had not grown since the blessing in March) has now tripled in size. Cancer is truly overtaking my body.
Why are we on this earth? To be tried and tested so we may come to know God and we may be found worthy to return to live with him someday. Our faith is tried so it may be strengthened. God allows us to be tested that we may more fully come to know him.
Don’t worry or be afraid for me. Pray I might know God. I don’t believe anything could test my physical, mental, or spiritual endurance more than the experience I am facing now. But now is not the time to worry about the outcome of whether I live or die. Now is the time to praise God, to petition to see his face and know him better.
Over the last several days my tumor has grown to the point I can’t be upright and support the weight without great pain. I can only be up for about 5 minutes at a time. The rest of the time I must be in a laying position. I have been planning and looking forward to a trip to Utah since the first of the year. I have felt this trip was important not only for my enjoyment but to witness to my many cousins, aunts, uncles and family how much God has done for me.
When I was first diagnosed with cancer I was approved by the ‘Make a Wish Foundation’ to receive a wish. I was told to wish for anything and to think BIG. Over the next several weeks I had fun with friends and family thinking up bigger and bigger wishes. It always surprised me how small people’s imagination was. I could not believe a thousand dollar shopping spree (or the like) was the biggest wish many of my friends could come up with.
A couple of nights ago I was praying to Father in Heaven and asking to please just let me go to Utah and have some pain free time with my family camping and enjoying life. Then whatever Gods wants I am ready. As I closed the prayer my mother pointed out to me I was not thinking big enough. Like my friends and ‘Make a Wish’ I was asking for a simple shopping spree when God stands ready to fulfill my greatest desires.
I have been tried and tested and stand firm in my faith, willing to submit to all things. What would you give to see God and know for sure you will live again through him. After you have given all, would you be afraid or forget to ask to know God? It is time for me to ask that I might receive.
My prayers have been very different the last two days. And I have received some direction from God. First, I was told if the mormon pioneers could cross the plains with their sick I certainly can find my way to Utah this summer to share my testimony personally with my family. I believe this to be important and God will provide the way.
Second, God told me again I am to live. I will leave that in his hands. After all, who would not give their life to see God’s face and know he lives. Yes, I am thinking big and know what ever God grants will strengthen my faith and help me to stand firm in the Gospel for the rest of my life. More importantly, I know I have a mission to fulfill as his special witness to Jesus Christ to bring others home to our Heavenly Father.
God lives and loves us,
Jeff Hasara
Why Me?
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I would have to admit when I was diagnosed with a cancerous breast tumor, the typical question “Why Me?” was not one of my questions. I wanted to know so many other things like how it happens, what did I eat, how was I going to get through it, and how much time off work this would take.
A few days ago, I got a call at the photography studio right when I walked in the door. I was not even open for business that day, so I was not going to even answer the phone. I had my day all planned, a friend of mine was on her way to work on a special project with me all day, and I was dressed very casually to go ride horses after that. I grabbed the phone by instinct anyway.
The nice lady asked if I could photograph someone that day. I hesitated. I didn’t want to. I had other plans. I don’t work that way…last minute …without a plan…anyway, I need a consultation first to plan clothing. After some information gathering questions to find out why she needed such a rush without sounding like I was hesitating or going to turn her down, she finally told me her son had cancer. She went on to explain he didn’t feel very well but she happened to have him in the car at the moment. That is when it all clicked, and I said, “I am a cancer survivor too, you called the right person, bring him right over.”
Those who know me well know I am not great at spur of the moment. I like my plan, my schedule, and it is difficult for me to switch gears. But God did something great that day and kept me from messing up this unusual phone inquiry.
When they arrived I met 15 year old Jeff. He recently broke an arm that lead doctors to discover a shoulder tumor. It is possible that he will lose an arm. He had had two chemo treatments and was not feeling well, but he was a trooper, and I made the photo session quick. I asked his mom how she happened to call me. She said she just picked someone in Marion. I think it was a divine appointment I had asked God for earlier in the week.
After they left to face the uncertainty of their day, I told my friend, who was gracious enough to wait for me, with honored tears in my eyes, “This is why I am here.”
I answered the call. God kept me quiet. He let me fill a family’s need. He had prepared me for this.
I may not have ever asked the question. But now I do know the answer to “Why me?”
Follow Jeff’s story at http://pullingforjeff.wordpress.com/
Barb Gordon, www.GordonPhotography.Biz (Portraits & Stories photographer)
www.PortraitsAndStories.com a photo essay project to bless breast cancer survivors, their family, and friends. Find inspiration and encouragement here through photographs and stories.