Note From Allegra

reinforces the power of a united community

From Allegra...

(As you may know, our staffer Allegra is recovering from surgery after a cancer diagnosis.  Many 24th STreet patrons and friends donated to her fund, which is now over $10,000.  Allegra sent this update to say thanks and let you all know how she’s doing.)

I cannot even begin to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of love and support during this challenge. This fundraising campaign has gone beyond my wildest dreams and reinforces the power of a united community. It makes me think about all the people who have not reached out for help for whatever reason; and the capacity we have to share love and resources without limiting fears and beliefs getting in the way.  Sometimes I feel guilty asking for help.  I also know that doing this on my own would take away from being able to focus on the healing process.  This is what mutual aid is all about and what we can strive for in all areas of our lives.

My doctors are recommending chemo over a 4 1/2 month period as treatment with radiation afterwards.  Of course, I am experiencing mixed feelings about this and am exploring what other options may exist. I am seeking a long-term investment in my health and am building a foundation for years to come. All the juicing and whole foods-type eating are a life time commitment and I am hoping that this can inspire us to take better care of ourselves.  I am planning on developing a resource guide to help those that may be facing a similar situation.  There is no way I would be recovering at the pace I am going without all the healthy lifestyle changes I have implemented.

I cannot thank you all enough for the caring and love that has been shared. The cards, visits, rides, messages, texts, hugs, and shared meals are helping keep my spirits high.  One thing I can say is that I have so much faith in what I have chosen to do by merging holistic and Western medicine.  I am eternally grateful to those who have helped take care of me when I got home and appreciate all those who have braved Koreatown parking and high gas prices to come visit. This time for healing has truly been food for the soul and I am making efforts to be more mindful about taking time to slow down and enjoy the beauty that life has to offer. Last week my beautiful grandmother was here to help me, I am so blessed to have her in my life and she has fought breast cancer twice. When I told her about my diagnosis in October she responded immediately with, “we are survivors.”  So many of the decisions I have had to make were under a pressurized timeline and my team has helped me do a phenomenal amount of research to acquire knowledge about healing, fundraising, developing a support network for rides, meals and so on. I am looking forward to using my experience to help empower others.

Love and light, Allegra

Note from Allegra continued from our newsletter