Posted on May 18, 2017
Today is my second surgiversary, and I’d love for you all to celebrate with me!
Two years ago today, I underwent a Pleurectomy Decortication surgery that saved my life and many of you had to also endure with me. This time last year, I was feeling pretty great as a result of this surgery and my other treatments, and I was so excited to celebrate by organizing and hosting an awesome fundraiser along with my family, “Rockin’ for Meso,” which benefited the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). This event had a silent auction, raffle, and T-shirts for sale, which together we were able to raise more than $5,000 for ADAO.
My goal was to host a fundraiser every year on the anniversary of my surgery, but unfortunately I won’t be able to host another in-person surgiversary celebration like we did last year. I had a reoccurrence of my mesothelioma that was removed in February, but had some complications that led me to have another surgery in April. Due to the fact that I am still recovering and waiting to have another surgery, I am currently not up to organizing the event this year. However, I want to host a phantom event to mark my second year surgiversary.
Instead of joining for another Rockin’ celebration this year, I would be honored if you would help my family and I mark this special day by donating in my name to the ADAO from 5/18-6/18. I’ve been so proud to work with ADAO for the last few years and I have been so proud to watch my family carry the torch as well. In fact, my daughter Hilarie even spoke at ADAO’s most recent conference in April as I was unable to attend. ADAO works tirelessly to increase asbestos awareness, provide lifesaving education, and advocate for our rights and protections in Washington — and they do it all with a tiny crew made up almost entirely of volunteers. They fully rely on community donations to continue their work and I am proud to assist in their efforts.
My Surgiversary Donation Drive will be a month-long effort, extending through June 18. You can donate with a few easy clicks using the form at the bottom of this page or via PayPal by using this link: http://bit.ly/13Awxy4.
The ADAO family, my family, and I thank you in advance for your love, support, and donations. You make this journey much easier to face each and every day.
With Love,
Annamarie & Pete
Hilarie, Rob, Carter & Rayden
Katie, Nick, Maddox & Mila
Marissa & Zach