In case you need a refresher click here for the Recap of the Recognition Dinner
And here is the acceptance speech that brought the house to tears and laughter. Bravo my friend, Annette.
I would like to thank the academy, my producers, the
production company....
OOPS! Wrong venue!
Happy Birthday to you (sung/whispered ala Marilyn Monroe)
Oh, sorry, Chemo Brain!
CANCER
Fear, anxiety, depression, confusion,
darkness, isolation, panic, constant daily pain....
Then
HOPE.
Cancer is not all that bad you see...
It forces us to evaluate what is important in our lives, what we
hold dear to us, and makes us realize not to waste precious time on bull shit.
It clearly reminds us that each moment of
life is a treasured gift and should not be squandered on negative thoughts or
actions.
You become acutely aware of and admire the
beauty of a sunset.
You appreciate your loved ones on a deeper
level.
You marvel at the majesty of a blooming
flower.
You make time for what is important,
especially yourself.
You firmly believe in hope and karma.
I would like to take a moment to honor and thank Evelyn Knapp. I
feel that it is divine intervention that we are all gathered here today.* Clearly
Evelyn was a very special person who touched the lives of many, and continues
to touch even more. Her passion and spirit enabled the amazing Strength for
Life organization to be born. Jacqui & Debbie have kept her memory and
mission alive through selflessly giving strength, hope and empowerment to
scores of cancer patients.
I want to thank Strength for Life not only for honoring me today,
but for the consistent, uplifting support they give. Whether it is free
exercise, nutritional guidance, wellness retreats or simply friendship, they
are an endless support for their participants.
I am often asked how I have stayed so strong and positive during
my 4 year battle with 2 primary cancers.
Enduring: 5 serious
infections
4 organ
surgeries
3 courses
of chemo
2 times
completely bald
And a
partridge in a pear tree
It was largely due to being born in Brooklyn and I don't consider
myself a survivor, I am a warrior! I consider my scars badges of honor and I
have used my keen sense of humor. But more so, due to my super supportive
friends both old and new, and my fabulous family.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you.
To my parents, who provided a safe and comfortable environment and
have helped me through so many days when I could not get out of bed over the
past four years.
To my daughter Amanda, who makes her mama proud on a
consistent basis. She is always kind, generous and cheerful. She also sat
tirelessly at my side during my early
treatments, at uncountable hospital stays, all while needing to be
other places, in order to graduate honors college. She has been one of my
biggest joys since she was born.
To my new friends, Priscilla, Christie, Becky & Laura, who met
a broken woman, post treatments. They have seen me struggle, dealt with my new
found lack of patience and accepted and loved me, realizing that I am more than
this beast that I wrestle with every few months. They have offered their time,
their strength, their smile, very often when mine is waning.
To my old friends, Jae, Ruth, Brittany, who have hung in
there, and kept my spirits high when I would otherwise be disheartened. They
watched my struggle and been steadfast friends.
To my Best Friend, Claire who works an average of 10-12 hours a
day, and often weekends, but all I had to do was mention a surgery,
or need the ER and in a heartbeat, she would drop everything and be at my
side for endless hours, many times throughout the night, with me begging her to
go home. She gave me the gift of peace of mind every time I went into surgery
or was admitted to the hospital.
To my oncology nurse Kim. A blessing from day one, she has
been my sounding board, my 'xanax', my sanity. She very unselfishly has given me
her knowledge, her caring heart, every time and anytime I needed it during
the roller coaster treatments I have been through. I know for a fact that, I
would not be standing here today without her unwavering strength and
compassion. She is truly an angel on earth.
Finally, if you know me at all, you know that music is an
important part of my life and joy. So when I
could not bring myself to face anyone, even myself, I would turn on my Ipod
and listen...
There was an array of music, from a plethora of artists, but most
effective for me was Lady Gaga. Particularly "Marry the Night" an
anthem about never giving in or giving up.
"I'm gonna marry the night
I won't give up on my life
I'm a Warrior Queen
Live passionately tonight"
This warrior queen would like to wish you all health, happiness
and blessings as I have had in my life
~Annette Gerani
*The Recognition Dinner was held on the anniversary of Evelyn’s passing.
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