Posted on June 24, 2013
Allison Hughes, thank you for delivering my eulogy for Janelle. I wish I could be there with you in person, but you know I am there in spirit.
On June 18th, I was given a gift – more precious time with Janelle and Andrew, but also a chance to meet Carson, her family and Rushville friends.
Janelle’s Journey took her to unexpected places. We met in DC and I quickly saw her beauty both inside and out. She was strong, kind, compassionate and caring to every patient and caregiver she met – both in person and online. I would watch Andrew lovingly take care of his beautiful wife he adored – with a smile and tenderness.
During her six and a half-year mesothelioma battle, Janelle never complained; in fact, while in pain, she offered others hope, faith, and love. Janelle also had a special gift – the art of communication. She could purr like a kitty or roar like a lion to have her powerful messages heard and understood.
Janelle’s Journey was shared throughout Rushville and around the world.
When Janelle knew I was coming to Rushville, she wrote to me about how important it was for me to meet her son, Carson. She was so very proud of him and now I know why.
During my visit, Janelle remained concerned about her fellow meso warriors and about asbestos disease awareness. She asked me to take photographs to remember her story – the unedited story – with pictures of her, the Rushville Pharmacy and Corner Restaurant benefits, and her family. She bravely shared her journey in her “Janelle’s Mesothelioma Journey” video. As she said, “I hope this video will show people we’re not statistics, we’re real people.” Real people around the world were inspired and comforted by Janelle’s blogs, emails and postings on Facebook and her commitment to groups like ADAO, where patients come together to support each other.
Although I was only in Rushville for a day, Janelle and her family welcomed me into their home. The town of Rushville welcomed me too. It was always clear why Janelle had received her nickname – Wonder Woman. She was a person who never gave up, a person you couldn’t say ‘no’ to, and a person you couldn’t help but love. The community of Rushville loved their Wonder Woman and her fellow mesothelioma warrior community loved Wonder Woman too.
It was my honor to present Janelle with the 2014 Alan Reinstein Memorial Award to recognize her commitment to education, advocacy and support to countless patients and families around the world. She held the award on her lap and we posed for one last picture together. The United States Congress also recognized Janelle for her amazing accomplishments in letters and actions to forever remind us of Janelle. It is my hope that at ADAO’s annual conference, Andrew and Carson will accept the award in Janelle’s memory.
As I flew home on June 19th, I saw the most beautiful sunset of bright red, pink and orange from the airplane, as I thought about Janelle. Upon landing, Allison shared the news. I will always remember Janelle when I see a beautiful sunset.
As we grieve, we must continue our fight for a global asbestos ban in Janelle’s memory. Our Wonder Woman will live forever in our hearts and in our work.
Love,
Linda