As most of you know, I am suffering a recurrence of invasive anal cancer. Matter of fact, I'm making my appointments today to begin radiation and chemotherapy yet again.
Last Fall, I wrote a letter to Farrah Fawcett telling her about my longstanding history with HPV, my prior anal cancer in 1991 and my recurrence of what was at that time AIN (in situ, not invasive cancer). I wished her the best in her treatments and for her health in general but was never sure if she ever received or read it.
Like a lot of people on here, we watched Farrah's Story hoping to hear something about HPV but didn't. I was upset about it too but understood her need for privacy despite the graphic depiction of other areas of her ordeal.
Today, as I make those appointments for what I know to be hellish treatments for myself, I received a package in the mail. In it was a photograph of Ryan O'Neal and over his left shoulder, a picture of Farrah. To the left of the picture he wrote, "For Bonnie - With love and thanks, Ryan O'Neal"
It's a bittersweet thing really. Her death was not overshadowed by that of Michael Jackson, but obliterated by it. She deserved better than that from the media. While a private person herself and I'm sure she would not have necessarily wanted attention under these circumstances, she deserved a more fitting tribute especially in light of what she gave during her last months of life - a documentary to enlighten others about anal cancer.
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Thanks from Ryan O'Neal
- By Dragonfly23
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 2:01 pm · 15 replies
- In Other HPV related cancers
- Shared with the public
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15 replies
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- By tam1
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 2:15 pm
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What an experience to receive this in the mail! I hope this provides you with some comfort that you deserve.
- By mommy2four
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 3:13 pm
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That's awesome! It is interesting to see how Michael Jackson & Farrah Faucet lived & died - Michael wanting the attention (hanging a child over a balcony?!?) and Farrah more private - sad at what the media gives the attention to!
Bonnie - I hope your appointments go well - stay strong as you are an inspiration to so many of us here - you rock!!!
- By Bymyside247
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 3:29 pm
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Bonnie, that is so wonderful and deserved! :o) How amazing that in his time of grief, he has taken the time to reach out....................gee, that sounds like someone I know..................YOU! You are so amazing Bonnie. I cannot help but wonder if you wrote back to Mr. O'Neal, if you couldn't discuss with him doing something together (and publicly of course) to honor Farrah's battle and get more education out there about HPV and anal cancer. He has responded to you and I just can't help but think that there is an opportunity here. I know it may seem like a long-shot, but not impossible :o)
An abundance of blessings to you :o)
- By jamiegirl
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 4:07 pm
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Thanks for that post Bonnie. What bymyside suggests is certainly worth a shot, but in the end he may chose to keep her business private. That's ok but it can't hurt to try!! How did your tv segment go last week????
- By flowershoplady
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 6:16 pm
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How great that you received this letter and photo, and such good timing. I hope it helps to give you strength and comfort.
- By mp327
- Posted July 6, 2009 at 7:22 pm
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Bonnie--
What a nice gesture by Ryan O'Neal. He obviously could see from your letter to Farrah that you deeply cared about her and what she was going through, along with your concern for anyone else dealing with anal cancer or other HPV-related diseases. He is obviously a very caring person as well, as evidenced by his devotion to Farrah all those years, and especially during her journey with cancer. Perhaps he will involve himself in efforts to increase awareness, which would be great, just as you are doing. Thank you for that!
Martha
- By hopeandprayers
- Posted July 7, 2009 at 11:38 am
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Dragonfly23, I wish you the best in your upcoming treatments.
I would've broken down in tears after opening up the package you received. It is wonderful to know that people, no matter what their social status is, understand how devastating it is to have/had cancer touch them or someone they love. I believe Ryan O'Neal is a cancer survivor himself.
Best Wishes, Amy
- By PJ2
- Posted July 7, 2009 at 1:50 pm
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That is so great that here friends and family are continuing her legacy, over shadowed by Michael Jackson or not. I think when it comes down to it, people won't forget her, long after MJ's star fades. For those of us who know this disease, and there are many, her legacy will continue. Keep up your hard work towards educating people about HPV, no matter what form it takes. I am sending good karma your way for your recovery!!
Hang in there! xo,
P
- By satya
- Posted July 7, 2009 at 2:25 pm
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Incredible, Bonnie. Gives me goose-bumps.
Thinking of you every day with hope and prayers,
Satya
- By Sophie-1977
- Posted July 7, 2009 at 3:41 pm
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Bonnie,
Thanks for sharing that inspiring news. I'm so glad Ryan O'Neal reached out to you.
Wishing you the best outcome in your treatment and in your wonderful public awareness efforts.
Sophie
- By jamiegirl
- Posted July 7, 2009 at 6:03 pm
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Bonnie's website shows the picture he sent her if you look under "author". :)
- By Faith2
- Posted July 8, 2009 at 1:24 pm
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Hi Bonnie,
I'm pleased for you that your letter was acknowledged and responded to. I hope that all of the letters that were written (and snippets of some read during Farrah's documentary - did you recognize if yours was one of them?) will be re-read by either Ryan O'Neal or Farrah's pal, Alana and that with a little prompting from Farrah above, they see the need to take this to the next level. I agree w/you that Farrah did not receive the coverage she should have, and most obviously, the lack of HPV coverage or at the very least, links/sources for people to go to on their own that could've been provided @ the end of her documentary (think someone else mentioned that too).
I think you got through, Bonnie, with your letter and I think that's a positive step. I'm keeping you in my prayers.
- By Dragonfly23
- Posted July 8, 2009 at 1:38 pm
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Thank you to everyone who has responded to this post! I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
I do plan to pursue something with respect to the supposed Farrah sequel and reaching out to both Ryan O'Neal and Alana Stewart. I don't feel that the timing is quite right at this point and do wish to be respectful of their grief and loss.
I do however believe that given their experience and Farrah's desire to bring her anal cancer to the public that they will on some level pursue this if nothing else as a legacy to her. I will keep everyone posted/
- By indigo9
- Posted July 8, 2009 at 5:38 pm
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Wow, that is very touching. Even if Farrah didn't read it, I bet Ryan got some comfort from it. So sweet of you, and him!
- By larsmonty
- Posted July 10, 2009 at 1:24 pm
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how do you know if you have anal hpv and who will test/check for it?
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