- Lily deserves the standing ovation.
I didn’t see Lily until she appeared suddenly next to my chair. She was blocking my view of the stage, where I’d just given a speech before 330 people, most of whom would be running the New Jersey Marathon on behalf of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training on Sunday morning.
I’d just cleared away a tear, caused by the entirely unexpected standing ovation — my first — after a speech to “my people,” survivors, and families and friends of survivors who, like me, had been touched (more like slapped) by a blood cancer. I was supposed to inspire them, but they inspired me, by choosing to run 13 or 26 miles to raise a total of about $700,000 dollars for the LLS. (As I said in my speech, I don’t run unless there’s a ball or a chance to slide tackle someone else with a ball. Go runners!)
Lily had thinning curly blond hair and a newly missing front tooth. She couldn’t have been more than six.
“I’m in chemo,” she announced without introduction. “I loved your speech,” she said.
What six-year-old listens to a speech by a grown-up? At least, one that’s not about Dora, the Explorer or animal crackers? Lily did, because Lily knows what it’s like to fight cancer.
“Do you have leukemia?” I asked, figuring that odds were, that’s the blood cancer she had. I mean, when you look up leukemia at the LLS web site, there’s a photo of a child. Lily, who’d offered her name by then, nodded.
“You know, I had chemo, too, and now I’m okay,” I said. “Look at all my hair!” I added, shaking my head. She shook her head, too, but her curls, which I assumed were caused by chemo, didn’t move. I had the same chemo ‘do last summer.
She smiled, and I touched her face. It was smooth and warm, and her eyes were smiling, too, as though she was just a regular kid, dragged to some fundraising dinner by her parents, instead of the reason for the dinner in the first place.
“I’m going to be praying for you and thinking of you, Lily,” I promised. She thanked me and ran off to her table, but I didn’t see where she went.
So, I stormed the stage, my left leg nearly giving out as I jumped — in heels — onto the riser. To her credit, Laura Giorlando of the NJ Team in Training Chapter, let me take over.
“Where’s Lily?” I shouted rather than grabbing the microphone.
Suddenly, Lily appeared again in her purple LLS t-shirt adorned by a long strand of faux pearls.
“Lily’s in chemo now, and I’d like a photo of her, if she doesn’t mind.” So Laura took our picture with my cell phone. Then I turned to the audience and said, “I think Lily deserves a standing ovation, don’t you?”
And all 330 people got up and applauded for the little girl with cancer who had liked my speech, while she beamed.
I followed her to her table and introduced myself to her parents. Turns out, Lily had chemo last year, but now she has to start again in July. I asked them if I could post a photo of her on my blog, and they said yes. I promised Lily that I would write about her by today.
So Lily, this one is for you. This is my standing ovation for you. This is my tribute to the little girl with the missing front tooth, the curly blonde hair and the big smile. Go get em, kiddo.
Photo Credit: Laura Giorlando.
[CORRECTION: Lily is 7 1/2. And still darn cute.]
Read this great article about Christopher Johnson, who is running triathlons to help people like Lily and me, in the Suburban Trends.
Go, Lily! Adding my prayers and support for you. Hang tough, girl, and whip that cancer’s, uh – since you’re only six, we’ll say “butt.”
Thanks everyone. Please keep the well wishes going. As you know, cancer treatments are a marathon, not a sprint, and those of us still in the race need support the entire course.
And Lily, I love you back, sweetheart.
Lily, you are precious and I’m praying to God to help you through this. He will take care of you. You are in good hands, and I’m so glad that Jen wrote about you, so we can all know you, and hear your story. We are loving you in Minnesota, beautiful girl. God bless your family too, and how wonderful you are to support others during this race. God bless you.
Mary Ann
GO, Lily! You’re a super-princess-rockstar & my hero.
Lily, I finished chemo 3 years ago. My best friend’s son had leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant from his sister. My next door neighbor finished chemo for leukemia 3 years ago. I know a lot of tough people who have had cancer and I can tell that you are one of them. Keep smiling, darling, and look forward to the day when this will be behind you… know how much all of us are cheering you on.
Lisa
Hi I am lily’s cousin and i just wanted to say a few words and about her Lily is very sweet and kind she’s like an angel born with happiness Lily lives so far away like 1,0000 miles away i live in one of the hottest states it Texas and i barley get to see so cheers to lily and remember I love u so much well bye!
love makenzie
p.s also known as kenzie
Lily,
You are a beautiful little girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I admire your courage so much, and your lovely smile. I knew your daddy when he was in college, now I’m a Nana with 2 little granddaughters of my own. Stay strong and God Bless.
Brenda McLain in Tyler, TX
the compliments that all of you wrote ( and Gina ) were very nice!!! I love the way you support me!!! And that blog you wrote was really Really REALLY N-I-C-E – NICE!!!
I love you all!!! ( ESPECIALLY YOU,JEN!!!
Love,Lily
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
I am Lily’s aunt and can’t express how heart warming it is to read all these comments. It is unfortunate that we live in Texas so far away from her and her parents. She is a very smart and strong little girl that I am so very proud of! My daughter Makenzie adores her little cousin and wishes she could be there with her every day. We went to visit this past Christmas and was so shocked at how grown up she has become mainly from what all she has had to endure. No child should have to experience this and breaks my heart to know all she has had to give up during this time. The fact that she is so happy and sweet day after day is such an inspiration that everyone should take a lesson from. Great job baby girl we are so proud of you and miss you dearly! Aunt Gina:)
Lily was sitting right behind my table with her family. What an amazing little girl. Both of your stories plus millions of others are why I ran the 1/2 marathon. Yes I ran 13.1 miles but my journey ended after 3 hours. Keep on keeping on.
I was one of those runner’s and was extremely touched by seeing Lily and Jen together on stage. The courage they both display is just amazing. I ran the race in honor of my Dad who will be 75 in June. He was diagnosed last year with T-cell large granular lymphoma. While his disease is chronic and at present not life threatening, I decided to run as my birthday present to him.
Standing in awe of the smiles, the courage, and the pearls! Yay Lily! Yay to all cancer warriors!!!!
Congratulations for never giving up and for giving back. Lily will never forget your efforts. You are both in my prayers!
Lily – you are an amazing person!! Keep that beautiful smile!!
Go Lilly Go! You are beautiful and tough. I’m over here in Salt Lake City cheering you on!
The Adirondacks are ringing with the sound of applause for Lily.
Yay for Lily! Got get ‘em, girl!
Lily – you are a beautiful girl. Hugs to you and everyone in your family. I’m over here in Ohio, standing and cheering you on.
Lily! Stay strong! You are an amazing girl! You will go places! My family will be praying for you and your family!
Lily, you are a superstar and I truly admire you. You’ll be in my prayers. I know you’re going to beat this! xoxoxo
Lily – I am sending you my love and prayers little angel! My whole family is rooting for you!! BIG HUGS!!!!
Lots of love to you, Lily! You sound like a very smart girl, and I know you’re going to beat this.
Lily- I am rooting for you from all the way up here in Boston! I know a little bit about Leukemia because my mom had it. And I know that the more people she had to support her, the better she felt. So, I want to join the Lily Team! I am cheering for you and you family! I can see how strong you are. You go girl!
Hi, Lily. I have a daughter at home with your same name. So, I’m sending you some special prayers today and big hugs from my Lily straight to you. Hang in there, beautiful. You can do it.
(And big Mom-hugs to your Mom and Dad, too!)
I am giving you a standing ovation too, Lily! Lots of love to you.
Three cheers for Lily!
Very touching story. I hope Lily feels like a celebrity and the warm wishes help carry her through chemo. I will be thinking of Lily and her family…
Lily! You, lady, are a rock star. Jen Singer is one of my absolute favorite people in the whole world and any person she supports has my backing, too. So even though I don’t know you, please know that I’m out here cheering you on from the sidelines–just like you did for the runners.
Jenna
Lily, you are awesome! Cancer doesn’t stand a chance with a fighter like you!
I think you both are amazing, and Lily girl, you rock! I wish I knew you..my girls would adore you. you’re a brave young lady!
Lily, you’re beautiful. I’ll say a prayer for you. You deserved that standing O. God Bless.