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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

tHiS Is NAtAliE







My name is Natalie Jolley. I am 22 years old and I have Ewings Sarcoma, a rare junvenile bone cancer. This is my story.

I was like most little girls who loved to dress up in fancy dresses and twirl and twirl. I loved running and jumping and tumbling. My favorite place to be was upside down on any monkey bar or swing set.

I like sports. I loved playing soccer, softball, and basketball, but in my heart, I really wanted to be a cheerleader. Trying out for cheerleader was not easy for me. I had never been trained in tumbling and so I had to start from scratch. I tried out for my sophmore year and didn't make it. I worked harder and tried out for my junior year and I didn't make it. I decided that if I was going to be a cheerleader I was going to have to pick myself up and work even harder to get my "full", a tumbling stunt that not everyone does. I worked and worked and tried out for my senior year and this time I MADE IT!!!



Up until then, that had been the biggest fight of my life. Looking back on it, it just might have been the best training I could get for the fight that was just around the corner in my future. Looking back, I learned that I am strong! I learned that I don't quit and that I can do anything I set my mind to. What I know now is, my struggles, disappointments and triumphs with cheerleading prepared me for the fight of my life and for my life.

After high school I was so excited to go to college. Because of money, I only went parttime my first semester and not at all my second semester. I worked and saved my money and was so excited to start full time fall semester 2007. I had been having severe pain in my back and sides for three months and no one could figure out what was going on. I thought I had pulled a muscle in my back while tumbling but the pain got worse and worse. I couldnt sleep. I would pace all night long and if I did get any sleep it was kneeling on the sofa in my family room and hanging over the back. I was getting about 2 hours a night. Four days into fall semester, my legs went numb and I was having a hard time putting one foot in front of the other. My mom took me to the emergency room on the night of August 30, 2007. Because the feeling was gone in my feet they did several tests and an MRI and found a tumor in my back at T- 8,9,& 10, next to my left scapula. They gave me pain meds (alot of them) and for the first time in months, I was able to sleep. By the afternoon the next day, I was in surgery, relieving the pressure on my spinal cord. It was Labor Day weekend and so we had a long wait for the official diagnosis but the doctors all knew that it was a sarcoma and a very serious cancer.

Needless to say, my family and I were in shock, sad and scared. The diagnosis came back as Ewings Sarcoma and because it is a juvenile cancer we went to Primary Children's Medical Center for treatment. What a blessing that turned out to be. I started in-patient chemo treatments on September 10. I had 14 total in-patient treatments that lasted anywhere from three days to five days with a total of 5 different kinds of chemos. I was also looking at radiation on my back and my pelvis.

Chemo made me very sick. I lost my hair and I had dozens and dozens of transfusions of whole blood and platelets-sometimes 3-4 times a week. Because my white blood cells were destroyed by the chemo, I had to stay out of the public and I had shots every night to help my body rebuild the white cells and my immune system. As soon as my counts were up I would start the whole process again.

About half way through chemo, I started radiation to my back. I had a total of 25 radiation treatments at that time.

I was so excited to be finished with chemo treatments in October of 2008. I was looking at radiation on my pelvis to be finished about the first of the new year. I enrolled for spring semester at Utah State, had a new place to live and was looking forward to moving on with my life.






I started having headaches around Christmas but didn't think too much about it. I finished up my radiation after another 22 treatments and had mentioned the headaches to my doctor at Huntsman. She said to keep an eye on them but to enjoy school. I went to the first two days of school and the headaches got so bad that I was vomiting up everything. The doctors wanted to look at my head. They found a tumor in my skull pressing into my brain. Because of the seriousness of this tumor, I had to once again drop out of school and go back into radiation.

I had 20 treatments to my head and once again lost my hair. Not long after that, they found a spot on my collar bone and radiated there. The headaches started again and this time the doctors said they probably couldn't do anything more to help me. But we were not giving up. The stereotactic doctors thought they could get the tumor using the stereotactic machine. I was radiated 5 more time to my head and moved forward.

Everything seemed ok. I enrolled again at Utah State for the third time for part time classes fall of 2009. I had such a great semester. It was hard but good. It was my first real experience living away from home. I registered for spring 2010 for fulltime classes and was ready to go.

The weekend of Presidents day in February of this year, I was riding home from seeing my brother and his family in Colorado. My leg was killing me and when I got out of the car, I couldn't walk on it. Yep, that's right, more cancer and more radiation to my femur this time. I was able to stay in school this time so I would go to class, drive to Ogden to meet my mom, drive with her to Huntsman in Salt Lake, have radiation, ride back to Ogden, and drive back to Logan. I did that every day for 10 days but it was ok. I was so glad I could stay in school.

In the early morning hours of February 22, less than two weeks later, my back and chest started hurting severely and my feet went numb again. I called my mom and she drove to get me in the middle of the night. We spent the rest of the night at my house and then headed to Primary Children's Medical Center. By 2 o'clock in the afternoon, I was paralyzed from the chest down. We knew that meant tumor on my spine but we had to wait for an MRI machine to find out where it was. We found it at T-3,4& 5. I was back in surgery that evening to relieve the pressure to my spine. I went back into radiation to shrink the tumor in my back. This time we were really praying that I would get the use of my legs back. I spent 10 days, including my
22nd birthday, in the hospital hoping to walk again and amazingly, on day 10 I was able to walk (or ride) out of the hospital. I had physical therapy and occupational therapy to help me learn how to get around with a walker, crutches and wheelchair. Soon, I was walking with minimal help. Talk about relieved but once again, sad because I had to drop out of school for the third time.

I was pushing forward, trying to improve my strength, thinking that maybe I could at least go back and live the last month that I had paid for in my apartment in Logan. Two weeks after I got home, the headaches started again. Tests showed that the tumor was again growing in the same place in my skull. This time there was nothing to be done. I was told that I am terminal and that I should live my life the best that I can and enjoy the time I have left.

I struggle every day to make my legs do what I want them to. It's amazing how much my ability to run, jump and tumble was taken for granted. I just did it. Now, everyday takes effort. I am blessed. I have a family and friends who love me and bring happiness to my life every day. I have learned many lessons through this journey but the most important lesson is that family and friends are everything. That we should do everything to lift one another. Thanks to all of you who stand behind me.



And so I move forward! I wouldn't have chosen this journey but I have learned many things along the way and soon I will move on to a wonderful place where all the struggles of my body will be gone and I will once again be able to move and run and jump. My hair will be restored and I will not hurt any more. And once again, I will be victorious in my fight. I will be released from this mortal body and I will live again.

72 comments:

  1. Natalie, you do not know me...I am a niece of Vicky Gunnerson. Your courage is incredible. You have such a beautiful soul. I wish you all that you dream...here and now and when you fly with angels. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for touching my heart. Susan

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  2. Natalie, you are an amazing and inspiring girl! I admire how much you've already made of your life.

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  3. Thanks to you mom for letting us all know about your blog. I enjoyed reading it. It's so touching. I have heard stories and updates through our family grapevine, but you never really know all that is going on. You ARE so strong and amazing! We take so much for granted everyday. Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sending love and prayers your way.
    ~RaChelle Jangula Squibb

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  4. We love you Natty. Interesting enough this is what i have written a song about. Actually I am waiting for the right tune to come and I know it will. We are so blessed knowing you. You have always had the light of Christ with you and that has been a great example. thanks for tumbling on.

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  5. Natalie What amazing person you are. Thanks for sharing your story. I am so glad that we have gotten to know you when you come down to Cedar City. I love your beautiful smile. And love your testimony in the gospel.

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  6. Hey Natalie, Kathryn Kemp...Buxton here, I came across your blog and just wanted to say how amazing I think you are. It's amazing to see the choices you've made and the outlook on life you have chosen to have regardless of the trials you've dealt with. It's beautiful to see someone appreciate little things the way you do and I know you are told this often, but you have no idea what kind of an effect that has for those around you. Your beauty, courage, and testimony to are contagious to everyone and so many people look up to you. It's a gift to be able to touch lives the way you do, and you've touched many lives. I hope you are laughing lots and know that my prayers are always with you. Thank you for being you!!!

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  7. Natalie,
    You don't know me either, but I want you to know your story has inspired me and your strength has amazed me. You truly are a VERY special individual, and I feel incredibly blessed to have read your story. You are an example and a "Light on a Hill." If only we could all be as strong and faithful as you. Your positive outlook and optimism is inspiring. I will pray for you daily and pray that I can be more like you, because you are awesome.

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  8. I've had the privilege and joy of knowing Nat and her family since 2003 and realized that she had a special character watching her through her cheerleading years. So glad that she is one of my daughter's very closest friends and that I got to know and love her mom Marjean.

    Natalie, Marjean: thanks for the blog and for sharing your inspiring story with so many here and through CarePages. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!! B. :)

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  9. I'm so glad Natasha shared your blog with me! What a story you have. You are such a beautiful girl and I sure admire your strength. I'm so glad you are able to see the things you have learned and know that you are still watched over, despite the hard times. In just thinking about my own car accident and the fact that I have to walk carefully and don't run or jump or hike-and I know that's not even comparable to you, but I've often wondered at the physician our Heavenly Father must be- what miracles will happen in the ressurection! I know they will too- and not just physically, but all the blessings he has to offer will be yours. Thanks for touching so many lives. You are amazing and are loved!

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  10. Thanks for your shining example. We love you.

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  11. thanks for sharing this nat. i miss you! you are such an example and an inspiration to me! Love you!

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  12. Natalie, you are such an inspiration to me. You have no idea the impact you have had on the way I view my life. you are a wonderful woman and an excelent example. I pray that you will continue with faith in your battle. you are amazing!

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  13. Hey Natalie! Lezlie Brady here. Thank you for sharing your story. You truly are inspiring. I've thought about you since I learned your story from your mom, whom I also love and admire so much. You are such a great example to me. Oh if I had an ounce of the strength and courage you have!

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  14. I LOVE YOU NATALIE! Just thought you should know. You are beautiful in every way. Congrats on going through the temple, I hope it was a wonderful experience for you and your family. We think of you every day and you are always in our prayers. Love Di

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  15. Your blog is amazing. You are truly amazing. I have enjoyed watching you grow and triumph in so many areas. I love your smile and admire your faith. Thank you for being such a good example and showing us how to love life.

    Jeannine Hone

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  16. Hey! I am Kourt's friend. I have been praying for you and your family for awhile now. I am amazed by what kourt tells me about you and how strong of a person you are. I am so grateful I have gotten to read your story. thank you for sharing and for giving me strength to do my best in life and not take things for granted. Thanks for being a great example! Jamie R.

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  17. Natalie,
    You may not remember as it's been a while, but a couple years ago at Primary Children's while you had been receiving treatment and I'm sure feeling lousy, you took the time to come and visit my little girl [Chloe] that was very weak and about to have a bone marrow transplant. We never saw you there again and I just wanted to let you know that your visit was a highlight of her otherwise pretty miserable day, and I'll always be grateful to you for that. Thanks for taking the time to make her feel better even when you weren't feeling so great. You're a great example to a lot of people - some you know, some you don't know and even met years ago and haven't seen since. Thank you for being the great person you are.

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  18. Natalie, I dont think you know me, im friends with Alyssa Chambers (gleaves) You blog is amazing, your amazing and so strong and beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story.

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  19. Natalie, hi :-) Do you remember me? I met you at the singles ward at Weber state in like 2006. I also went to tumbling with you in Brigham City? Well anyway I moved to Ogden like a year ago and the whole time I have been wanting to come see you, but I am lame and never did. Can I come now? email me and I can give you my number. alicranney@yahoo.com/

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  20. Natalie I am so amazed by the grace and strength you have shown. I have been so touched by your journey and my testimony of the gospel has been strengthened. You are truly an instrument in the Lord's hands.
    Love you girl and we can't wait for the concert!!!

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  21. Hi Natalie! You don't know me but I am a Facebook friend to Jana Hone Mitchell and she had your blog posted and info about the concert. I felt inspired to read you blog even though I am not "up" on blogging. I wanted to share with you a story about my dad, Brian McBride, who was cured from terminal cancer 14 years ago and remains cancer free today. My dad had leukemia, bone cancer, and lymphoma and was considered terminal. He was cured from a strict plan using herbs: wormwood, cloves, and black walnut. At the time, it was a 3-month cure and now there is an 18-day cure and is claimed that it's never too late. Since my dad's cure, we have referred other people to this plan that have been cured also. Doctors don't study herbs and even if they did know about this they don't make money from herbs, they make their money from traditional cancer treatments. My mom enjoys talking to people about this and would love to talk to you if interested in hearing more. She doesn't sell ANYTHING, it's as simple as purchasing herbs from an herbal store, like "Shirlyn's." We're good, honest LDS people and treasure family too! We wish we could shout this cure to the world! My mom's name is Carol McBride and her phone number is 801-967-1791. I'll tell her you may call her. My name is Nikki McBride-Skadal. Please call her!

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  22. Natalie, you are such and amazing person! I was in tears thinking of all you have gone through. Thank you for being such an example to me! I am so excited to be able to work with you in IWA this year! Love ya!
    Ashli

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  23. What a lovely writer you are, and how brave of you to share your story. I wish miracles for you.

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  24. You are amazing and beautiful! Brooke is my good friend and I heard about you through her. God bless you and thank you for sharing your courage and testimony!

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  25. Hi Natalie! This is Katie Clarke, me and my family love you and your awesome example. We are so blessed to be in this ward with you and your amazing family! You have touched so many lives and continue to do so. Thanks for sharing your story! We love you girl!

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  26. Hi Natalie, You probably don't remember me but you and your family lived across the street from us in Roy. I wanted you to know how your story has touched my heart. I've witnessed how difficult cancer treatment can be through my husband. I am truly amazed at your fighting spirit and optimistic attitude. You at a young age have created a legacy which is uncommon and rare for a young person. Your family and friends have a strong and undying love for you. You are blessed. I pray for strength for you on your journey. LOve, Shaundra

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  27. You sweet girl. I'm sure you don't remember me, you were so little, but I grew up with Melanie. (Sarah Johnson) You and your family are in my prayers and just know that I look up to you for your strength. You are such an inspiration...

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  28. Natalie, I still remember the first day we met-at a job interview. Out of the 8 people there, we were the only 2 to talk to each other. Luckily, both of us were hired and became friends. I am so grateful for that day. Since then, I have always looked up to you. You have the most contagious smile and a bright outlook on life. No matter what is thrown at you, you have an amazing attitude. Thank you for always being an inspiration to me and my family. We love you so much. Love, Jennie

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  29. Natalie, you are so amazing! You are such an inspiration and are so amazingly beautiful! We love you and your family soooo much! Love, Angie, Haylee, and Ryley
    xoxox

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  30. Natalie, I am so impressed at how strong you are. I lived next to you and your family growing up in Roy, so I knew you when you were just a little girl. You were so cute then, and you are goreous and amazing today. You are such an inspiration to those who are going through their trials.

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  31. When I first came across your blog, I was on vacation with my family. I was in a fight with them over something that was so silly and so insignificant. Just moments before I started reading your story, I had run back to the hotel room crying because I couldn't deal with all these little things that were making me angry.

    Natalie, you have to know how much you have impacted my life. When I scrolled through, reading and re-reading your story, I started thinking about the arguments that had just taken place. How stupid I was for leaving my family and ruining everyone's day when all of that could be taken away so suddenly. It's a shame when I can complain and argue over something that's so completely meaningless when you have had so many things happen to you and yet you remain strong and grateful. You are such an inspiration. I'm now making an effort to be just a bit more understanding and grateful for everything I have.

    Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can't wait to attend the concert. :)

    ~Kylee
    Northern Utah

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  32. How is it possible I did not know this blog existed???? Natalie, you are absolutey beautiful, inside and out... I could hardly get through reading your post without crying when I think of all you have been through and how strong and brave you've remained. I'm so sorry we haven't been there more often, we are coming as soon as possible. We love you so very much. xoxo

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  33. Natalie, I know I'm going to live a very long time, because I have a very important lesson to learn. One that you have already mastered. That is to be kind to others when in pain. True! I'm mean and nasty and don't want to be around people when I'm hurting bad. But you and a few other very choice people have crossed my life's path at various stages who were in more pain than I could ever handle and were still kind and loving toward me and others who came to visit. I am learning from you. You have touched hundreds, perhaps thousands of lives to reach higher, be better, be stronger, be more faithful. Your light has shown, your entire family's light has shown the way that I hope to follow someday. You have blessed my life with hope. Thank you, and see you at the concert.

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  34. You don't know me, but I read your story and am very amazed at your strength and courage. I'm so glad you have been strong, and I hope for the best for you and your family. You are a blessing to many people who are struggling. I will keep you in my prayers. <3

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  35. Hi Natalie! I haven't seen you since you were way little! I'm Lana Garrett and lived in your ward in Roy forever ago. I'm Melanie's age and have a twin sister, Lesley. I've been sitting here reading your blog and bawling like a baby because I can't believe what you've gone through in the past 3 years. Thank you for sharing your story and being such an example of unwavering faith. You are truly a strength to many many people. I am looking forward to the concert. I love you and may God bless you!

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  36. Hi Natalie, bless your heart. I have read your sweet blog and you are in my heart and prayers. My daughter Kolby has just been diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Non Hodgkins Lymphoma Stage 4 in May. She is 15 years old and I just showed her your sweet blog. My niece who is visiting her father right now in Utah text me and told me about your blog. I am so glad she did. Kolby has a blog too. It is www.keepingkolby.blogspot.com
    Blogging has been such a blessing. It's great therapy. Your sweet story has touched our hearts, and it helped Kolby not feel alone. Keep up the blog so we can follow your progress. Are you LDS? We are. I truly wish you the best of luck. Love always, Dana Crampton

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  37. Oh, Natalie, you were so young when you were in our ward in Roy. My heart is so touched by reading your story and trying to envision all of the pain and suffering you have had to bear, yet you have never complained and kept moving forward with your schooling the best you could. You are a reminder that we should never complain ever about normal day to day living and enjoy each moment that God lends us breath, for it is truly a gift. You are the greatest inspiration I have ever known and I love you with all of my heart. Your parents and family have always been a great influence for good in my life. See you at the concert!!

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  38. Natalie- I know that you know how much I love you. I was sitting on the front row watching you fight for that spot on the cheer squad. To say that being your cheer coach was a priviledge is an understatement! You are an incredible person! My life has been blessed in so many ways by knowing you and your family. I will continue to share your strength and your faith with every girl that I coach- they need to know you and to learn from your example. You and your family are true followers of Christ--you lift those around you and turn to Him for strength and direction and then share it--I love you for that! I love you because you are YOU, but words cannot express adequately enough the profound influence of your strength and testimony has had on me personally and on my family. Love you sweet Nat!

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  39. Natalie you are such a wonderful light in so many lives. It was so good to visit with you last week. Your positive attitude is contagious. I love you girl!

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  40. Natalie,
    I can't even imagine all you've gone through. I remember you're gorgeous smile, fun personality and sweet spirit back in high school. You are such a wonderful person. I am incredibly touched by your life and your strength. You make me want to be better and to not take anything for granted. I want you to know that you are effecting lives around you for the better. Your courageous perspective on life is very contagious. Thank you for sharing your story! I can't wait for this concert! All my love goes out to you and your family!!

    <3 Jessica Hunt

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  41. Natalie,
    I didn't know you very well in high school and I am wishing that I would have!!! Your blog helped me get a new perspective on life and helped remind me of the true meaning of it and to not take the little things for granted. Thanks so very much! I remember seeing you in one of my classes at USU in the Spring semester you attended for a couple of days and I remember thinking how stinkin' cute you were! Anyway, I will be praying for you and thanks for you example to me and so many others! You're wonderful.-Shannon Stowers

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  42. Natalie! You are so full of grace. so so so inspiring. i think of you so often. Everybody loves you-- you are such a lovable person, strong in every sense. Thanks for sharing your story and your spirit! Love you! --Leslie McNaughtan

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  43. Natalie, I read your article in the newspaper today. What an amazing person you are. I had a brain tumor in 2001 when I was 18. It turned my life upside down. Thank you for having the courage to share your story. You are such a beautiful person. You are such an inspiration for so many people. I would love to make it friday, it sounds like a great time.

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  44. Dear Natalie,
    i am a retired teacher from China .I live in Ogden.I read your article in the newspaper today. What a brave girl you are!Your stories courage me very much.I am leaving UT tomorrow morning .Would you mind if I coming to visit you when I come back ?
    I want to show you some very good antioxidant and supplement which I order for myself.My Chinese doctor says they are very good for the people who have suffered from tumor or cancer.Be brave girl ,we stand behind you !

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  45. Dear Natalie,
    I have put some information of the high quality antioxidant and supplement in my blog named "Let's Fight tumor and cancer"
    If you show interesting in them we can have a good Discussion together when I came back.
    Good luck!

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  46. Nat! Holy Cow-- You are strong. Your outlook on life is inspirational! I love how you aren't afraid to acknowledge how horrendious of an impact cancer has been on you but then you also don't let it define who you are! You have changed me Natalie :) I am so grateful for getting to know you. Keep smiling my friend. THANKS!

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  47. PS> this is Valerie Wahlquist :)

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  48. I was given a link to your blog through a friend. I am so glad I took the time to read your story, because you are an inspiration to us all and have the ability to touch so many lives. Thank you for sharing and may God bless you each day of your life!

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  49. Natalie,
    Thank you for sharing your story. My Grandma, Dad and Aunt all had cancer. It's so rough to go through. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  50. Natalie, you don't know me (I'm Libby Carter's friend), but I just want to say, I am so inspired by you. You're an incredible, amazing, brave person. Thank you for sharing your story. May Heavenly Father bless every day of your life. You're in my family's thoughts and prayers. Love, CJ

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  51. Natalie,
    You do not know me but I wanted to thank you for your courage and example. Today I was running errands and feeling sorry for myself- you see it is three years ago today that I lost my 9 month old baby boy and mother in a car accident. I was wondering how I could possible make it one more year when I walked by a poster for your concert at old grist mill. I read it and then came home and found this blog. You were an answer to my prayers today. Your courage and faith is so strong in such a difficult time. Thank you for touching me and for reminding me how blessed I am. You are a beautiful girl inside and out. May you be blessed with all of the things you stand in need of at this time! You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank You-
    Angie

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  52. Hi Natatie,
    You don't know me either, but I can't leave after reading this without telling you how inspirational you are. You truly are a choice daughter of God and will always continue to be so. I am amazed at the hardships you've had to endure but yet, you are at peace. What a strength you are. Thank you for sharing.

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  53. I got the link to your blog through facebook. I am amazed by you. You seem to be such a happy person despite the cancer. Thank you for sharing your story.

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  54. unbelievable story. u are a strong, brave and beautiful young lady. i found it most interesting that through reading your ups and downs - throughout it all u keeps such a positive attitide. i hope the best for her and her family. xoxo

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  55. You don't know me either, I am a friend of Diana Caffee, but I love your eternal perspective. You really have a testimony of Heavenly Fathers plan and I am so grateful to see your strength and faith. Thank you for telling me your story.

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  56. May your life be filled with the wonderful blessings our father in heaven has for you.
    You are a Devine daughter of god and you will be blessed for your faith in his gospel. Much love to you in your juorney.
    You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Shawnnee

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  57. Natalie: I've visited your blog many times and can never seem to think of something good enough to say about you...but I do want you to know that you're such an inspiration. Thank you for your sweet example. You're a light to so many of us. Love you Nat!

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  58. Natalie-
    I don't know you either but, clicked on a link on facebook to find you blog. You are truly an amazing person. I have never expierenced half of what you are going through and find myself being negative and doubtful at times. Because of your story I am going to try to become an example of GOD as you are. I hope you all the best, and hope you continue to keep fighting. Your strength, courage and outlook on life will take you to so many places and I hope you can expierence them all. Again Thank you you truly are an inspiration!

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  59. I heard one time that it's not the total number of days that you have that matter but what you do with the ones you get given. Take my mother in law (please I'll pay for her plane ticket) she's got to 82 and takes no tablets because there's nothing medically wrong with her but she's never happy and doesn't stop moaning. I think, no matter how hard it is at times, we have to take quality over quantity!

    All you're pics are good but the one in the top right with the little boy? (poss clue in the blue jim jams) is just stunning.

    Wishing you a good quality of life for as long as possible! :D

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  60. Natalie, I don't know you and you don't me, but you have inspired me to be a better person. You are an amazing women. I hope you get to do all the things you want to do. We never realize how short life is until something happens, my Husband was told he was going to die last year and after 14 hours of open heart surgery, he is still a live today.

    You are a gorgeous girl! I will never forget you and I will pray everyday for you! Nothing but love for you girl!!

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  61. Natalie, we don't know each other but I know that you are a beautiful person, inside and out. Thank you for being an inspiration to me & thank you for sharing your story. You have touched so many people & have already done more than most people will do in an entire lifetime.

    You will be in my prayers!

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  62. Natalie I just want you to know that it's never too late. Since the doctors have given up, you have nothing to lose by trying something else right? PLEASE look into natural cures, especially macrobiotics and the Budwig diet. Both my parents have cured cancer through macrobiotics - no doctor will ever even mention these things whether they believe it or not for fear of losing their license. Radiation and chemo can actually cause cancer - thus the re-occurrence in other areas. I hope you'll at least try the diet - worst that can happen is you'll give up some foods you like, and the best - well it's pretty darn good. Wishing you all the best.

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  63. Wow what an inspiration you are to me Natalie!! Your amazing and I look forward to coming to your concert to help make your wish come true!! You are such a gorgeous girl and you are so courageous!! May your biggest dream of all come true!! :)

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  64. Natalie-
    I'm a college friend of Maryjane and Kylie (friends of yours from hs). I just wanted to let you know that they, along with many who you know and do not know, are praying for you and are thinking about you. Why this mortal life has to be so difficult and painful is one of the seemingly unanswerable questions but your faith and courage are telling of your strength in the lord and reassuring of your promised happiness in the hereafter. God bless!

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  65. Your story is inspiring! We are driving from Logan to show our support. God Bless!

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  66. I can't even imagine what this battle with cancer has been like. I appreciate your testimony of life after this. I think one of the most comforting things I know is that this life isn't all there is! One day you will be 100% again. Thanks again for your example. I'm sure it has touched many lives along with mine.

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  67. Nat, the concert was great. I hope you were able to enjoy it; it was such a tribute to you and your amazing family.

    I want you to know how much I love and admire you. I know I've told you that at least a thousand times over the last three years, but it so true. I will always consider you one of 'mine' because you were one of my Beehives and once you've worked with a terrific and fun group of young women, they become yours forever. I cherish those memories of your Beehive years and our carpool to NOJH and just watching you grow up into the incredible young woman with such poise and assurance as you've dealt with this illness.

    I so appreciated hearing the last paragraph of this blog post read over the microphone at the concert last night. It was so inspirational. It seemed like I was hearing your voice speaking those words. Thanks for the awesome life you are living!

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  68. I don't know any of you, and you wouldn't know me. I read in the paper about Natalie a few weeks ago, and I was really touched by her story. She seemed so positive and happy. When I opened my paper today I saw that her eartly struggle had ended. I am so sorry for your loss. I tried to remember the blog site, so I could read more about her. After reading this blog I am more determined to try to be more like Natalie. I don't know her at all, but I see someone who was able to stay determined, happy, faithful, optimistic, and courageous through her trials. We all face trials in life, and we can learn from others to make it through our own. Today I have had an opportunity to take an example from someone else and do my best to become a better person. THANK YOU NATALIE FOR YOUR EXAMPLE!!

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  69. Have just read your blog and want to offer my sincere condolences to your family. You are/were a very special person with an amazing zest for life. I know your loss will be deeply felt but I also know that your love for your family will live on.

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  70. Dear Friends ,
    You will be warmly welcome to a Free Skin Care Beauty Makeup Seminar 10 am on September 18 and a Free Healthy and Nutrition Seminaron on September 18 afternoon at 4765 Summerwood Drive, Bountiful, Utah 84010. If you are interesting in them ,will you please let me know before Sept.10?
    Let 's meet at the Seminar!
    Your friend Lingshan lai
    lslai2003@yahoo.com

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  71. Hi
    My name is Jenna and i came across your site. Natalie was a courageous, strong and brave fighter. Her Story is an inspiration, just like she was. She is an inspirational hero in heaven. Even though she may have lost her fight, she also won her fight, because she fought hard, and touched lives. I was born with a rare life threatening disease, and love it when people sign my guestbook. www.miraclechamp.webs.com

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  72. Hi,

    I have a quick question about your blog, would you mind emailing me when you get a chance?

    Thanks,

    Cameron

    cameronvsj(at)gmail.com

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