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20 Comments

  1. Natalee Popadiuk
    May 6, 2014 @ 9:10 pm

    Dear Jillian, Thank you so much for sharing your account of the struggles and triumphs over the last six weeks in the hospital. I just want to give you a big hug and make everything okay! Thinking of you, missing your smiling face (and wicked humour), and hoping there are no more setbacks. You have definitely earned a break, my friend! Are you going to be staying in Vancouver for a while, or are you coming back to Victoria soon? Natalee xo

    • Jillianne
      May 8, 2014 @ 7:49 pm

      Natalee – Thank you for reading and being willing to post a comment! I miss laughing (and maybe working!) with you. An extended break is definitely in order but that doesn’t mean I am letting you off the hook for tea! 🙂 J

  2. Cynthia Puddu
    May 7, 2014 @ 2:20 pm

    Jill,
    I just wanted to send you a note to wish you well and to say WOW! You are an incredibly strong woman both in body and in spirit. So many people would let what you are going through bring them down. You on the other hand are facing it head on, with amazing strength and grace. I also want to let you know that although I haven’t written, I read your posts all the time and think about you and remember the fun person I always visited at MacEwan when I needed ideas to make teaching better. Many people still remember you at MacEwan and send their thoughts and prayers to you every day. Take care and I hope that a heart comes for you soon!!!!
    Cynthia

    • Jillianne
      May 12, 2014 @ 1:33 pm

      Cynthia – Thank you so much for your message, thoughts, and prayers. I always smile when I think of you – such energy!! Please tell everyone at MacEwan I am doing well and once I get my heart and am allowed to travel I will come back to Edmonton for a visit. Our families are all still there so we will definitely be back!

  3. Sharon
    May 8, 2014 @ 11:03 am

    Jill, my god-daughter – you are an awesome person. Every time ou have a set back you just put your head down and plough through. Just like a ragging bull. I know you have your ups and downs but you always end up on the up side. Hoping you are are with your babies very soon. Love and hugs from all the Faragini’s. oxoxoxoxo

    • Jillianne
      May 12, 2014 @ 1:34 pm

      Auntie – much love to you and Uncle Jim. It was so nice to see you when you were both through Vancouver. I hope to be home soon. xoxoxo

  4. Julie Steffes
    May 9, 2014 @ 7:52 am

    Jill,

    Thank you for sharing your heart and soul journeys. You have been through so much. I have so much admiration for all of your strength and determination and positivity. You have people all around praying and sending positive wishes your way. I am one of them. I wish and pray all the best for you and your heart.

    Julie Steffes (Stinson)

    • Jillianne
      May 12, 2014 @ 1:36 pm

      Julie – Your prayers and wishes mean a lot to me. Thank you for commenting and know I am sending you hugs in return. xo

  5. Carolyn Thomas
    May 12, 2014 @ 5:36 am

    Good grief! Thanks for this gripping blow-by-blow recount of your journey to a new heart, Jillianne. I’ve been thinking of you and keeping my fingers and toes crossed for a positive outcome. You have now officially surpassed your lifetime quota of traumatic events and deserve a !#@$%!! break!
    regards,
    C.

    • Jillianne
      May 12, 2014 @ 1:37 pm

      Carolyn – Heart Sisters Unite! I will NOT go down without a fight! ;0) I am hoping that break will be soon… at least for a little while before my new heart decides to arrive. Thank you for your thoughts!

  6. Chelli-man
    May 12, 2014 @ 4:39 pm

    Jill,

    What a trip you are on… remember it is the journey and not the destination. I am still recovering from seeing you get your first ICD shock and Nick, your mom and me jumping over one another to get the attention of a nurse. Geez… To see you joke and smile after that incident was truly remarkable and inspiring!!! We can’t wait to see you and Nick this summer (outside of the hospital). Take care.

    Chelli-man et famille

    “Only from the heart can you touch the sky.” Rumi

  7. Ashley
    May 12, 2014 @ 8:02 pm

    Jill, your strength is so admirable. We had heard you had been in the hospital, but had no idea the extent of what you were going through. So glad you are on the mend and back home. Big hugs from Luke and I and sloppy wet kisses from Quillan. If there is anything you ever need (and I mean ANYTHING) just let me know. XO

  8. Carmen
    May 12, 2014 @ 8:52 pm

    Jill, it is amazing to read what you are going through and the courage and strength you show. I remember little Jill, playing outside, having sleep overs and playing ” wars ” in your basement (Sorry Judith) I know your heart will come, and you will be living a vibrant life again. I’m in Seattle now, so close and hopefully one day we can visit and remember the old days, and look forward to the new. Take care, stay strong and positive!

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  12. stephany
    August 24, 2014 @ 12:46 am

    Jilliane,
    Thank you for sharing your journeys with us, I too relate with the whole “rare” situation. I am currently being tested for cardiomyopathy, I say it generally, because of course, why be tested for a specific kind when you can have 1 of 3? 2 of which never cause the heart to grow or the walls to thicken -lucky me =D-.
    Your outlook on your unique experience makes me smile, not because I am happy to see you endure such pain, but because it gives me reason to look at all of these “unique” experiences with a smile. If I ever require a transplant or an LVAD I will surely be just as unique but can only hope to have the same mindset as you.
    Thank you,
    Stephany

  13. Jillianne
    August 24, 2014 @ 11:12 am

    Thanks for your kind words Stephany! As hard as all of this is, and as you know there are days that seem impossibly long, its much easier to live them happy than to live them sad and miserable. So … that is a choice us ‘rare’ beauties need to make. I hope beyond hope that you do not need an LVAD or a transplant, but know that if you do that hope still and always remains.

    Hugs to you my heart sister!

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