Lisa Theofanides...Amazing Grace Exemplified

We, and all who love Lisa, were devastated to learn of her cancer diagnosis last year.  We were so humbled and amazed that, in the midst of her treatment  process and uncertain outcome, she was willing to let us close and allow us to witness her grace and courage as she progressed through the chemo, radiation, procedures, and surgeries.  We are so grateful that she is now recovering , but this ordeal has left an enormous medical debt.  

Our goal was to produce a variety fundraiser this summer to help with some of the bills, but Covid-19, the devastating wildfires and resulting smoke have made that impossible.  Instead, we have set up this GoFundMe page and are working on a "virtual" variety show.  Our YouTube Channel, "Show of Support" will be launching soon. It will showcase perfomances by many talented local artists and musicians.  

Below is Lisa's story in her own words. Please take a moment to read it, and if you are able, we invite you to contribute.
 
Thank you so very much!

MAD Productions
Madeleine, Annie & Dee



“Adventure is about what comes next.  It’s about starting something new and not worrying so much about how it will end.  Adventures summon some of our flintiest qualities: courage, craftiness, dogged determination!! It also calls forth those magical traits -- optimism, humor, a flair for improvisation -- that are indispensable in the face of the unknown and unknowable thing that hasn't’ yet happened.”
Author unknown
 
We adopted an attitude of "adventure” as we started this cancer journey on December 12, 2019.  When I heard the words “esophageal cancer” my heart sank. Questions swirled: I had a wedding in March to attend because my eldest son was to be married.  Would I make it to his wedding?  Would I see him and his beautiful bride get married?  Would I be around to see my youngest son graduate from college? And anyway ….. What was esophageal cancer? 

I’m a follower of Jesus and He led me to a verse that carried me through many difficult times during the eight months of treatment and recovery: Psalm 27:13-14 “I am confident in this.  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord. Be strong. Take heart.  Wait on the Lord.”
 
Patience and faith were my allies, but it was a rough eight months. Waiting to rebuild strength from severe malnutrition so I could start treatments.  Waiting for the treatments to begin. Waiting for treatments to end.  Waiting for a wedding and wondering if I’d have the energy to participate.  Waiting to be able to eat normally. Waiting to rebuild stamina in preparation for a major surgery.  Waiting to recover from the surgery.  Waiting to eat normally again. Waiting to hear the outcome, the long-term prognosis, after my lengthy recovery.  Waiting to rebuild up strength and have my life back.
 
Through it all Psalm 27 was a perfect verse to sustain me on my adventure.
 
Two things I didn’t have to wait on.  The first was Michael, my husband, who faithfully took care of my every need along the way.  He was stoic and with patience, gentleness, and a humbled heart, he helped me through.  He found the adventure quote in a magazine while we were waiting at a doctor's office. The second was my ‘family’ in Scott Valley.  There was no waiting there. You all provided delicious meals, rides to Medford daily, words of encouragement, scripture verses that were so relevant, and prayer.  “Thank you” doesn’t even begin to express the gratitude that I feel for each of you.
 
Although the road ahead is uncertain, that is life. My intention is to continue on in the spirit of adventure.  As for now I’m celebrating that I’m cancer free. Life is precious and it is beautiful.
 
My warmest appreciation,
Lisa Theofanides