Aubrey's Letter to Oprah

Dear Oprah,

I’m a 28 year old, happy, married, middle-class, Jewish Chiropractor. On October 5, 2001, my life changed forever when my angel was diagnosed with breast cancer. (she was 26 at the time). After ten months filled with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, Brenda was given a clean bill of health. Her strong determination, and our overwhelming strong love and dedication for each other, allowed us to have the wedding of our dreams on August the 25th, 2002, (which was the guiding light that kept us striving during the horrific ten months of treatment).

After eight amazing months of marriage, we were given even more terrifying news as Brenda was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer to her lungs. She underwent 12 weeks of chemotherapy, 3 months of radiation to her lungs, to only find out that the cancer had spread to several areas in her brain. Since then she has gone through 5 radiation treatments to her brain and G-d willing, will be beginning chemotherapy once again in 2 weeks.

To say the least, my wife and I aren’t living life the way we envisioned, however as my wife said to me this morning, “we are the luckiest people in the world, and have come so much farther than anyone we know, in such a short period of time.”

The reason I write to you is that my wife has taught me and so many people around us, some who know her and others who don’t, so much about life and living. We don’t know what the future has in store for us but we know one thing, regardless of what the doctors have told us, my wife and I will win this battle. My wife has spent the better part of the last 2 years as a very sick person, but you would never know it when you come in contact with her.

She is the most loving, beautiful, caring, unselfish, and courageous person I have ever known and she exemplifies the meaning of love and life. We receive messages, cards, and letters, from friends, family, and strangers, all reiterating the fact that my Brenda has been an inspiration and sense of hope to all of them. I believe Brend can provide hope and strength to people who require it and your show is an avenue which can allow her to touch and change the lives of others as she has done for so many who know her.

I know in my heart what we have learned during our continued battle against this horrible disease, can help the people around us in so many ways. My angel will be the inspiration and knowledge that save lives and enlightens peoples hearts. Our story is one of love, strength, and hope.

Thank you for providing the airway that allows voices to be heard loud and clear.
With love and care,

Brenda’s husband - Aubrey