When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and told that I had to go for surgery I was devastated.  I had battled panic and anxiety for over 20 years and when I asked myself if my life had been one that was well lived, my answer was no.  I had the surgery and was told shortly thereafter that I was a miracle as I did not need chemo.  The cancer was encapsulated and had not spread.  I had been working on a book a few months before my diagnosis and after the surgery I finished that book.  I also took a course in Animal Welfare because it was my animals that stayed by my side throughout my fight with panic and anxiety.  I founded an animal rescue which is now a registered charity.  I was able to establish relationships with many rescue groups and individuals across Canada and the USA.  My rescue was the first one to transport animals from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina tore apart the many parts of the state.  Over 300 animals have been transported and re-homed. Some days I chuckle to myself and thank God for his mercy.  Even though I have not begun to travel great distances on a regular basis, I have been able to make a difference.  I would encourage you to remember that you are valuable and able to make a difference.  You do not have to be perfect to do it.  Pick something that you are passionate about and "go for it".  Never think that one person can't make a difference.

In closing, if you would like to assist me in my pursuit of helping death row animals to have a chance at life, you can.  We are currently in a contest that will see the winning shelters in their category take home various sums of money.  The top two shelters in Canada take home one thousand dollars each.  The top two in North America take home 25,000.00 for first place and 10,000.00 for second place.  Our goal is the 25,000.00, but any portion of these monies will make a huge difference.  The contest goes until December 14, 2008. You can vote every day from each computer you have access to.  If you can pass the information around to get others to help, I would be grateful.  I am humbled at being able to help where there is such great need. Here is the link: www.animalrescuesite.com   Click on the "Give for Free" box and then a new window will come up.  See the "vote now" in the upper right hand side.  Click it.  You will now see a place where you can put in Canada, B.C.  Click the buttom next to it after you put that in and then a list will come up.  You will see 1atatime Rescue near the top. Click that and now you are a part of this miracle.  Bless you for helping and don't forget to pass it on and remember that you too can make a difference just as you are.

Sandy