Tuesday 15 November 2011

For Anita, with love

On 25 October 2010, just over a year ago, I came across Anita Steiner's story and added a link to her blog under "We are not alone" on the right.  Although on the other side of the world, we have been following Anita's story ever since, inspired by her positive attitude, determination to stay alive until a cure is found for mesothelioma and be there for her little girl, Emma, as she grows up.


Anita was talking to the Meso Warriors online only last week about starting a new chemotherapy drug.  It therefore came as a great shock on return from our travels on Saturday night to read that Anita had died earlier that day, some four and a half years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Although our hearts are heavy with this sad news, those who followed Anita's story will always find inspiration from her words and positive outlook on life:  


"I know at present Mesothelioma is classified as an incurable cancer. But I think, with the right mindset, there is no reason to believe that you can’t beat it. Yes, it doesn’t help if you have been diagnosed at a late stage of the cancer, having the right attitude doesn’t necessarily guarantee a good outcome, and there is no evidence that a positive attitude will slow the growth of cancer. But that is not what I am suggesting. What I am saying is that it is possible a cure is going to come along before the cancer gets you and by, keeping that in mind and having a positive attitude, it does equip you with the right frame of mind to want to fight it and win."


Anita Steiner
14 March 1962 - 12 November 2011


Thank you, Anita for your words of inspiration.  We send our love to Emma, your family and friends.

3 comments:

  1. Thank you Anita for sharing your battle with us. Allowing us into your life at such a private precious time. I will never forget your grace, courage, loyalty and most of all your love for Emma .

    Ann Bendle Thomas

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  2. A very inspirational story of Anita, I learn that we should hold a positive mindset even at the challenging moment of our life. We should have faith that everything is going to be okay and has its purpose.

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  3. On behalf of Anita's family, I know that Anita would have been very proud that she had been able to inspire people. While she did not consider herself inspirational, she was passionate about everything she was involved with and thought others should be too. I know she was inspirational; at least to me.Thank you all for your kind words

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