Of Lost Causes Found


St. Jude Hospital was named after the patron saint of lost causes, because in many cases, children and their parents are turned away from treatment and hospitalization with little hope for recovery. Why? Sometimes insurance doesn't cover what it should. Often docs do not see their patients beyond the statistics. Because numbers don't lie. Because the outlook is not good. Sometimes a family cannot afford proper care and at St. Jude none of that matters. Its doors are open to everyone-- A Mecca of hope and optimism.


Enter the beautiful and wise-beyond-her-years, Scarlett. She's 19-years-old and spent the majority of her teenage years living in the Cancer ward at St. Jude Hospital. For the past five years Scarlett has battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

We almost lost Scar several months ago. Her counts were terribly low and her cancer was getting worse. An aggressive chemotherapy helped. And then she relapsed again. More radiation. More chemo. But faith is a superhuman power. Hope is a prerequisite for those will illness and their families. The Doctors at St. Jude understand that. They are sensitive and kind and helpful. They look beyond statistics. They hold hands. They believe.

Today Scarlett is kicking ass. She's in remission. Her hair is growing back. She is one of the finest examples of strength and grace. She has for the past year been one of the lights of my life. An inspiration. A fucking rock star. One of the most beautiful souls I have ever known. Certainly, the silliest:



For Christmas/Hanukkah this year, Scarlett made me a keepsake box and filled it with snow. It was the artificial kind, the stuff that doesn't melt so I could have snow year round. Because she knew. One of the finest gifts I have ever received from one of the greatest friends I have ever had.


On behalf of Scarlett and the amazing doctors and children at St. Jude Hospital, I am asking you, if it's possible, to donate what you can to an amazing place. A true lifesaver. If you prefer, you can do some last minute shopping at the St. Jude gift store, where all proceeds go to children like Scarlett, bringing light and hope to families year round.

Because everyone deserves a second chance. And a third. Because people like Scarlett need to walk among us in the flesh, surviving and thriving and making the world a more livable place. A more lovable place.

Donate money to St. Jude today, for my good friend, Scarlett and for all of the children on the road to recovery.

...And for all lost causes, found.

GGC

12 comments:

Anonymous | 9:14 PM

Dudeee Becca I dont know what to say. I love you more than bacon (obviously a lot.. practically unheard of) and your post made my week!!! xoxoxoxo!!!

Girlplustwo | 9:22 PM

thank you for doing this. i'll head over there now.

Anonymous | 3:41 AM

Oh she is gorgeous.. I so love love love the 3rd photo of her, so cool.

I can't imagine what it must be like to be so young with such an agressive illness and to go through so much. She must have an amazing strength of spirit.

Bringing Up Ben | 8:02 AM

Every time I see those Marlo Thomas commercials I think "I really should donate". Then life gets in the way and I forget. Thanks for the kick in the ass - I am heading over right now!!!

Momo | 8:48 AM

I cry, nevertheless crying is a regular occurrance for me this holiday season, but of joy that there are still people like you. It should be a calm around Christmas, a solice in knowing we are loved...So if there is a way to create this for people in need like Scarlett just let's do it...

Mom101 | 4:07 PM

You are beautiful inside and out. All this good will is making my heart grow too big for my body.

(and loved the nanny story btw! I didn't register so I couldn't comment but seriously? Hilarious. That nanny-swiping beyatch.)

MrsFortune | 5:33 PM

Okay, there are tears now ... And I do need me some last minute stuff, so off I go ...

Anonymous | 8:11 PM

my son is jude. a name we chose as an aggregate of beatles & the good doctor law. only afterwards did we realise the gravity of the name. jude is love.

Anonymous | 8:45 PM

Nice post. Tell Scarlett to keep kicking ass. My six year old cousin is in remission from Leukemia. He had a rough go but is doing well.

St Jude is a fantastic place. We donate to them every year.

motherbumper | 9:13 AM

I've heard of St. Jude's hospital and how amazing it is down there in the US. Scarlett sounds (and looks) amazing - a very cool chick and she's found an amazingly cool friend in you. Rock on GGC.

Anonymous | 2:49 PM

Such a beautiful girl! She looks amazing -what a great story, thanks for sharing and best of luck in the future to her!

BabyonBored | 10:17 PM

I don't know what happened to my comment so I'm writing it again. Fuck. I am doing a benefit for St. Jude's hospital in March at the Improv on Melrose. It should be a huge event with celebs, gift bags, press etc. I'd love for you to be involved if you want. Maybe you could come and write up an article about the event. I'll keep you posted. Hopefully we'll make at least $20 dollars.