Wendy

"It was just eleven short years ago on December 10, 2002, in a local dermatology office during a surgical procedure that I had a seizure due to the incorrect dosage of local anesthesia. What happened next has not only changed my life, but the life of my family. The ambulance arrived to rush me to the ER. I had no recollection of who I was, let alone my husband, my three kids, my family, and my community of friends. I had no recollection of the last 44 years. Question after question were asked that day, none of which I could answer. Who am I? Who are these people? What day is it? Do I know which holiday is almost here? I was told that I had just run the Santa Clarita Marathon the month before and that I was in great shape. I had been married for 24 years and had three children. I had been a PTA president and was very active in the community. I was told I had put aside my career to raise our children.I left the hospital two days later and went home to a house filled with memories, all of which were foreign to me. Day after day went by with no emotions, no flashbacks, nothing. I saw the faces of my family staring at me, my kids bringing me pictures, sharing stories of the memories that were dear to them, hoping one would connect. It was so much for my mind and body that in February 2003, I had a Transient Ischemic Attack (a stroke). I was rushed to Motion Picture Hospital in Woodland Hills were I was admitted for three days. With slight to the left side of the body, I left the hospital and went home with my family. Walking with a cane now, I stayed home day after day, hoping to remember something.In December 2008, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. I am thankful for the team of doctors that have been working with me-my surgeon Dr. Senofsky and my oncologist Dr. Barstis. Thank you for your compassion you show to those of us who struggle with the disease.So much has happened since the surgical accident six years ago. I have run one marathon and two half marathons. My husband and I started our own gourmet snack food business: M & W Gourmet Foods. Once again, my family and I are grateful to our extended Santa Clarita community who have rallied to help us run this race and fight. Victory will come when I pass the finish line, when I am done with chemo and radiation, and when I am again training and running through the paseos of Santa Clarita with my best friend, my husband. Circle of Hope has helped me with hospital bills, chemotherapy, radiation, scans, and labs."