Help Carole Stites-Luka

The earth lost an Angel -God has received one.

2010-02-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

Carole Latch Stites-Luka, 68, of Glenolden, died Feb. 19 at home.Born in Darby, she lived most of her life in Delaware County, but also lived in Fairfield, Calif. She was a 1960 graduate of Collingdale High School and attended the Philadelphia College of Art.Mrs. Stites-Luka was a crossing guard for Glenolden Borough for 22 years, retiring in October 2008. She also was also a service worker and flea market dealer. An artist and painter, her most notable accomplishment was as an illustrator for a children’s novel, “Lost in Redskirt Forest.”

She loved children, telling stories, books, movies, flea markets and dancing. Among her many hobbies and interests were crafts, jewelry and traveling. An active volunteer, she was a member of the Delaware County Artists Guild and the American Legion in Norwood. She was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was the widow of Carl Stites Jr., who died in 1984 and the daughter of the late Howard R. Latch and Margaret Portman. Her brothers, Thomas and David Latch also predeceased her.Survivors: Husband, Daniel J. Luka; son, Carl Stites; daughter, Cynthia Stites; brothers, Howard and Gregory Latch; sisters, Dolores Rodino, Diane Mozier; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

Service: Noon, Wednesday at St. Gabriel’s Church, Mohawk and Seminole Avenues, Norwood.
Visitation: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at the James F. Knoetgen Funeral Home, 746 Kedron Ave., Morton.Burial: Edgewood Memorial Park, Concord.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, to the National Foundation for Transplants, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119.

Carole's Passing

2010-02-21T06:25:00.000-08:00

Very Sad news, thanks to all of you that have helped to make Carole's time on this earth just a little bit brighter.

My Mom passed away last night at 837pm in my & my stepfather's arms. Her battle with cancer & resulting cirrhosis is now over. I I want to thank each of you who were supportive during her time she battled this ugly disease. Your support & prayers have sustained us. She is suffering no more.~~Cindy
(carol's Daughter)

Thank you for spreading Awareness!

2009-03-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

Carole and her family are dealing with their sadness in a very positive manner. Our prayers are with them during this difficult time.

One thing that was accomplished by Liver4carole was that we have provided awareness for transplants and how they can help save a life. I personally have, because of Carole, become an organ donor. I intend to be cremated when I die, so I asked myself why not take the few minutes that it takes and sign-up as a donor. Why? Because when I die a life could be saved! As far as my thoughts are concerned, what a wonderful gift to give to someone, when I'm gone. If one person reads this and donates their organs then so much will have been accomplished.

The funds that have been donated to Carole via Transplants.org will be utilized for her trip to Mayo and all of the testing, etc. that was provided for her during the evaluation process. Thank you to everyone who has donated or have passed the word about her in blogs and other social messaging systems. According to her daughter Carole was amazed at the outpouring of love shown by complete strangers to her. Personally, as the creator of Liver4carole, my belief in mankind has been renewed. One day, as I arrived at the office and checked my computer was a donation sent to my personal paypal for $100.00 to benefit Carole...as I burst into tears my coworkers were concerned at what had upset me. They were, not tears of sadness, instead they were the most instense tears of joy that I have displayed in a long time! Who would suspect that random acts of kindness would be so great, so caring and so intense from people who do not know Carole, her daughter, or myself.

If you make a decision to donate your organs you can read about how to designate such:

http://www.organdonor.gov/donor/index.htm

DONORS NEEDED NOW
The Shortage (Overview)
Each day, about 77 people receive organ transplants. However, 19 people die each day

waiting for transplants that can't take place because of the shortage of donated organs.

On a lighter note, we have winners in the "Spring to Action" contest! Congratulations go out to Wonderfullymade729 & Painter Mommy. Thanks for spreading awareness for Carole.

The world has proven to me, it's brightest light, love.

Susan Rosen

Letter from Cindy

2009-03-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

All,
We received the news late last Friday my Mom has been turned down by Mayo for a liver transplant. The purpose of going there was for evaluation which is required pre-transplant. While there we received fluctuating reports that seemed promising to not. Then, the 'selection committee' comprising 14 doctors were going to meet last Weds to decide whether or not to proceed. Initially, she passed their strict MELD criteria; however, at this meeting, it was unanimously decided not to put her through this citing several factors. There was also great concern the necessary aggressive radiation would blow out her liver, instantly killing her, since her liver is so cirrhotic from the cancer. 4 people came forward who are the same blood type as her & were willing to be considered as living donors & undergo the evaluation process; but, still Mayo is saying no due to the fact she is stage 3 or 4 & just would not be able to bear the required radiation.

I have received constant requests to see how she is, what the status is, etc. It's been hard to keep up. I have admittedly held off replying because we just needed time to digest this & at times the so-called prolific me was at times incapable to even speak at all. Despite the fact I knew this was probably the reality & saw this forthcoming, it's like when you know something in the back of your mind but when you are finally told, you still need time to accept yielding to God's will. We also had to ensure all family received this news first as well contact National Foundation for Transplants who were the runs running her campaign as directed by Mayo. She will no longer be highlighted by them nor have a website.

Initially she was quite upset to get the news; however, her spirits are good. She stated she accepts this. Her treatment is now going to be taking chemo by pill form. The rest will be palliative. Just prior to Mayo's call, she had just bought luggage with wheels in hopeful anticipation she would return there as we were supposed to. When I asked her what she is going to do with that now, she smiled & said take a trip to the Grand Canyon because I always wanted to see it. She has a peace in knowing being finally turned down could have been the reality & states she is satisfied she went there to do all she can especially to get not only a 3rd but expert opinion. While she was there, she agreed to be part of a study that will hopefully pinpoint cholangiocarcinoma in the years to come since it is such a rare cancer. Mayo also told us they do NOT know how she got this. We were told life expectancy is 1 year, 2 tops with chemo. But, staying positive, who knows for I have seen people on the cholangiocarcinoma.org site I registered her on say they were diagnosed at some point but there are some there who have in their blogs they are now 6 yrs past the diagnosis, etc. It really is in God's hands & His will. She has acknowledged this.

Via National Foundation for Transplants, all current campaign & fundraising efforts will remain in place until they run their course which will cease on or approximately to the end of Feb. All funds that they have received were applied toward the transplant evaluation process [bills, prescriptions, expenses, etc.].

I can't thank you enough nor tell you how your display of love, support, care, friendship, encouraging words, notes, cards, & prayers that have been extended to my family, her, & me have meant the world to us & me personally. We are simple, modest, & private people, & it has not been easy to be thrust involuntarily into the public spotlight overnight like this; however, the continuous worldwide outpour has been astonishing. When we were at Mayo in between appointments or when she was not tired I would show her as much as I could all the messages of hope, prayers, emails, etc., bestowed to her on her Facebook, Myspace, & Twitter accounts that the Transplant Foundation said to set up. It's had us at times speechless & in tears. Thank you for touching us & for your kindness that has sustained us. It has meant the world.

There is good & reasons for all things & there definitely has been good to come out of this that has, I think, blessed all of us. I know I am personally more humbled & appreciative of all persons & life itself. People also have stepped forward saying they would now consider donating organs &/or have an expanded educated awareness of the importance of organ donation they never knew much about before. Things are not in vain & I have no doubt besides the child's life my mother once saved that through her life & this fluke rare cancer that others' lives will also be saved &/or improved.

Thank you so much for all you did. I am sending you this as a blanket message to everyone fully knowing what many have you have done &/or if I thought you also may have anonymously done something as well for which I have no way of knowing. I am extremely grateful, appreciative, forever touched, & changed for the better. If any of you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. I am doing OK & strong but wanted to be able to collect myself so I could better come to terms with this news as it has been an emotional week; however, God is good, so are you, & I am happy He is good to have brought me the goodness in you. Thank you so much again.
Love,
Cindy Stites & family

Good news so far from Mayo!!

2009-02-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

FANTASTIC Valentine's Day News so far for Carole!!

We received the news so far my Mom has passed all preliminary protocol stuff [heart, blood thinning, lungs, etc] SO FAR, There is nothing eliminating her right now from being a candidate. On Weds, the selection committee will decide once & for all as well as once they receive cytology biopsy results.

Her doctor will call her Thurs or Fri. If she is a candidate, she will be bumped to top of list due to the fact it is a tumor. Also, she will become a national figure because of the rare nature of the cancer!

We have our flight booked for Saturday, so we will be going home to await the results. Depending on what they reveal will determine how soon we return for her to begin aggressive radiation & chemo.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers, keep them coming!!

Cindy

Liver Transplant Awareness Info!

2009-02-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

Cindy and Carole attended a class in Mayo, which will provide insight about Liver Transplants:

"While at Mayo, they sent us to an organ transplant class, specifically re: the liver. We learned there is no age limit in a transplant candidate. A 90 yo man can get one. As long as the criteria are met. Criteria includes ensuring everything else is healthy to withstand such a major surgery. For a transplant, it is HEIGHT that determines suitability. If a person is 5'4" & the height of the available organ donor is also the same, that organ is considered. If a person is 6', the donor would also have to be 6', & so on. CHILDREN are more priority than anyone else. Also the severity of the illness is also top priority. The person must have less than 2 years to surivive. The wait-time for an organ is about 1 year. The liver weighs about 3 lbs & is the size of a football.

Mayo has a team of doctors, clergy, social workers, psychologists, etc., who meet every Weds for a selection conference where they decide on a weekly basis who is & not suitable for an organ transplant based on their criteria. It is not easy to get a transplant. Their goal is that the patient will be successfully thrive post-transplant. Mayo's 1st liver transplant was in 1985.

For more extremely interesting data, go to UNOS on the web that provdes data, UNOS sites for transplants [there are only 11 centers in the U.S.] as well as their donor awareness directives.

Mayo requires 8-10 hours once called for an organ to get from home to their site for transplantation.'"

Update about Carole

2009-02-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

Just in from Cindy (Carole's daughter) Carole is getting more tests & procedures done, final tests tomorrow, returning home on Valentine's Day!

Thanks Cindy!

Carole arrives at Mayo!

2009-02-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

Cindy (Carole's daughter) has updates for everyone that is following Carole's progress, they have safely arrived in Mayo:

Cindy writes:

"My laptop crashed yesterday. my friend's brother lent me his so I will have limited access. I am on the guest pc at the hotel. unfortunately, i left the power cords home so i will not be able to use the laptops much at all nor reconfigure mine. it's been a long day. I will be keeping in touch providing updates via facebook because it's the easiest way."

"On the shuttle from the airport to here we met a guy 44 yrs old from boston who had cholangiocarcinoma & received a liver transplant but is coming here for checkups. he gave us very valuable information. His wife & I exchanged email addresses because they now are part of the 'fan club' of my mom's, but we all agree we probably will run into them throughout the week at Mayo."

~~Cindy

We should hear more once Carole's test results start to provide more insight into Carole's future prognosis in regards to a Liver Transplant.

Cows on skis?

I asked Cindy what she could tell us about visiting MN and Mayo and she responded with:

"I noticed people ski all over to get to locations. I can only imagine if we were home (outside of Philadelphia) what that would be like all of us skiiing to get to locations. We'd probably be put away! So, besides Mayo, which is a very huge place, a sort of city within a city that you can traverse underground, I didn't see anything but the twin cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul, grazing cows, & people on skis!"

I'm so glad that Carole and Cindy are able to keep their spirits high, sounds like they had some laughs together! I would love to see the cows skiing...oops I mean the people skiing to get around, that sounds much better then filling up at the gas tank in Philadelphia!

Sign up for Carole's Newsletter for continued updates on her progress and their trip to Mayo. You can help Carole's quest by entering the "Spring to Action" contest and help us spread awareness about Carole's need of a Liver Transplant. You could win your choice of 10 fantastic handmade items donated by various artisans.

Donations are appreciated, you can donate (using paypal or credit cards) in honor of"Carole Stites-Luka" at:

http://www.transplants.org/

Carole's blog featured on Transplant.org!

2009-02-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

Transplant patient using blog to raise awareness and fundsFeb. 5, 2009 – After visiting her doctor for a routine checkup in 2008, Carole Stites-Luka, of Glenolden, Pa.....

Wow, check it out!

http://www.transplants.org/

Donations are accepted "in honor of Carole Stitles-Luka"

Spring to Action contest!

2009-01-29T13:44:00.000-08:00

Win huge amount of gifts by bringing awareness to Carole's Liver Transplant
**It's easy***

No donations necessary to enter! But they are appreciated, you can donate in honor of Carole Stites-Luka at:
www.transplants.org/

Help us "Spring to Action" and
and here are just some of the items you could win:

20 Fantastic Prizes - TWO WINNERS!!!!!!!
Anyone can win, open to all entries!!!!!!!!!
CONTEST RUNS UNTIL 2/28/2009 -
One grand prize winner and one runner up!!
see "how to enter' below!

A SAMPLING OF WHAT YOU COULD WIN AND MORE PRIZES LISTED BELOW!

Please visit our amazing SPRING TO ACTION GIVEAWAY SPONSORS!

LOOK AT ALL THE GREAT PRIZES!!! 2 WINNERS!

First prize winner, gets choice of 10!!

2nd prize winner gets remaining 10 items!!

SO SPRING TO ACTION and helps us build awareness about Carole's desperate need for a Liver Transplant!

hemplady4u.etsy.com - Her own Design for a Carole Bracelet - thanks Hemplady!!

laacesplaace.etsy.com Laacesplaace's popular cupcake pin cushion and Flower Pin! The lovely Cupcake pin cushion will be a Yellow cupcake with Pink icing.

nyblaque.etsy.com
Generously donated these items:

SPRING TO ACTION

MaryRichmondDesign.etsy.com
Thanks to a talented artist from Cape Cod, for donating this whimsical, original ACEO!

Beadingshop.etsy.com
A Gorgeous Necklace, Earring and Bracelet set, value $80.00!:

Deborahspencer.etsy.com
Thanks for the donation of 3 slices of Goats milk soap Counts as 3 prizes!
1)Java Mocha 2)Tropical Indulgence 3)Strawberries & Cream
(pic is just an example, slice soap only)

Badmsmsgiftorama
Donated this lovely African Necklace:

seastardreams.artfire.com - Thanks for the donations from this new Artfire shop!

Indiesmiles
Two free advertising spots from the newest Indie Coupon Portal!!

HOW TO WIN THE "SPRING TO ACTION" CONTEST GOODIES !

Giveaway Rules: (Be sure to follow the rules or you risk being disqualified)

Rule #1 - Read about Carole's Story here:
Carole's Story

Rule #2 - Comment here!! Make mention of something in Carole's story that struck a nerve in your life. EARN 1 ENTRY

Rule #3 - After you have done the above, you can also gain additional entries by doing one of the following (just remember you must complete rule #2 first!)

___________________________________________________________________________________
Here are several ways that you can earn extra entries, Leave a separate comment here for each one of these that you do!!

1. Add this button to your sidebar or website (for contest duration) EARN 2 Entries:
Copy and paste to use - link to http://liver4carole.blogspot.com

(button donated by: Falcondraco Thank you!

2. Add this Button to your sidebar or website (for contest duration)EARN 2 ENTRIES.
Copy and paste to use - link to http://liver4carole.blogspot.com

3. Blog about this giveaway (and not just a link in a giveaway list - it needs to be a full blog post about the giveaway (counts as 5 ENTRIES!!!!!)(note, using sites like Myspace, I love Etsy, etc. and putting a full segment in about Carole and this giveaway counts as a blog post.

4. Twitter about this giveaway (copy & paste) - @liver4carole Huge "Spring to Action Giveaway" Bash on Liver4Carole http://tinyurl.com/639c3e Enter to win!

(RT (counts as 2 ENTRIES) We can count the amount of these tweets you post, just make sure to twitter the exact wording as above. :)

5.Sign-up for Carole's newsletter (see side panel) learn how to earn extra entries by forwarding the Contest Newsletter when it arrives in your inbox!

***Winners will be notified by email, url or Twitter ID, so make certain to include one of those in your comments!!*****

1st Prize winner gets CHOICE of 10 items, 2nd Prize winner gets the remaining 10 entries
Entries WILL BE closed AT 2/28/09 at Midnight E.S.T.:
Winner(s) drawn using online randomizer

Thanks for entering and helping us build awareness for Carole! A special thank you to all of the Artisans that have donated their handmade items to this contest!

:)

Liver4carole - One of the top 10 best!

2009-01-23T17:16:00.001-08:00

Not too much to say, except that Liver4carole is very popular, creative?
Maybe..we saw a need for the word to get out and Twitter helps to fulfill that need!

10 Examples of Creative Twitter uses

Pretty cool since Carole's Twitter Account is up there with Amazon and TV Guide!

Angel Flights Cancelled - Mayo Clinic Rescheduled

2009-01-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

I received an Email from Cindy, Carole's daughter. Things were looking grim for transportation to the Mayo Clinic. Two seperate Angel flights were cancelled due to inclement weather and icy conditions on the landing strip(s).

Cindy was now forced to find new transportation for her Mom as time keeps ticking away!

So this is what Cindy had to say:
"We now will be staying in Penna. until 2/8 & my Mom's Mayo appt had to be rescheduled until Mayo's next avail appt which is the next day. We will not be flying on Angel Flights but have confirmed roundtrip tickets sponsored by Mercy Airlift, American Cancer Society, United Airlines, & Natl Patient Transportation. We hope to return on 2/14 but if she needs to be kept at Mayo are able to change the return flight without penalty. I need a chance to catch up so will be in touch with you further, & thanks again to you & everyone for continuous help."

Our prayers are with you both, I'm sure that this trip will leave on schedule and Carole will get to Mayo and have the necessary tests and chemo that is required for her treatment.

Forgotten Heroes!

2009-01-23T13:08:00.000-08:00

While tweeting for Carole, I met the producer and director of this film,
Mr Jack Marino:

How exciting!! Looks like a great film!!
ForgottenHeroesMovie

Mr Marino is going to place Carole's link on his film page!
In my eyes, she is our Forgotten Hero!

We have a Contest Winner!!!

2009-01-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

The winner is:
Lisa Davis
from Pennsylvania

Lisa owns the Etsy shop:
hemplady4u

Lisa is the creator of the "Carole Bracelet" and will be donating one of the bracelets for our next contest, "Spring into Action". The next contest will not require donations, so anyone can play, see our upcoming contest rules for details!

Congratulations Lisa!!

Item Donations needed for next contest!!

2009-01-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

So much is happening to help Carole!

The present contest will end at midnight E.S.T. on 1/19/2009, we are gearing up for a new contest "Spring into Action" that will feature a giveaway of Spring items. If you have an item that you would like to donate please contact:
Sue at liver4carole.blogspot.com

Sign-up for updates concerning Carole's progress and future contests/fund raisers. See the top right of this blog to subscribe to the newsletters.

Mary Richmond has donated this original ACEO to the next contest "Spring into Action":
Thank you Mary, a fellow Twitter friend! Vist Mary's shop!
MaryRichmonddesign

Contest Extended until 1/19/2009!!

2009-01-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

Great news, the contest below has been extended for a few more days, the new deadline is 1/19/2009 at Midnight E.S.T. The winner will be announced on 1/20/2009.

Reason? The Transplants.org/ website was down for a few days for scheduled maintenance, there were several people that wanted to donate and enter the contest, but were unable to access the site, so we are answering the call!

See all the homemade goodies/vintage items, free advertising, and gift certificates that one grand prize winner will receive here:contest blog main post

Win a Huge Gift Basket full of handmade goodies!

2008-12-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

This Gift *Basket filled with Handmade (and vintage) goodies (value of approx $250.00)is to Benefit Carole Stites-Luka who is in desperate need of a Liver Transplant. See all the goodies you could win below!!

Each entry only $1.00 and will benefit Carole, it's paid directly to:
http://transplants.org/
You can make the donation via paypal to ID:
cleedham@mail.transplants.org

ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER!!!!!
OPEN TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES!!!
WIN ALL OF THE ITEMS SHOWN BELOW, including free advertising and gift certificates!!

Visit the Etsy Thread!
WHO? Anyone located in the United States can participate (except where prohibited by law)

WHEN? Drawing to be held Jan 15, 2008 This is when Carole should just be getting settled in at the Mayo clinic!

HOW?
1)For every $1.00 donation made using Paypal that is made in Carole's honor, you will be entered into a random drawing to win the Grand Prize. So if you donate $1.00 you will receive 1 entry, if you donate $10.00 you will receive 10 entries, if you donate $20.00 you will receive 20 entries, and so forth. 2)Donations are to be submitted here via paypal for this contest;
Transplants.org/
MAKE CERTAIN to indicate that the donations are in honor of Carole Stites-Luka!
3)Each donation that you make to transplants.org/, copy and paste the paypal transaction details showing the amount of your transaction into an email and send to:

liver4carole@gmail.com with your shop name or full name.

Use the phrase: I WANT TO WIN, in the subject line of the email.
4)The grand prize drawing will be held on 1/15/09. Winners will be notified by email, and your names will be posted here.

(please note, Transplants.org/ does accept credit cards, feel free to donate via that route, we apologize but we cannot accept that donation for the contest - the receipt does not provide the amount of the donation.)

Post comments here if you would like, but to participate in the drawing you MUST email (to liver4carole@gmail.com) the paypal receipt to win!! We will send you a confirmation of your raffle entry!

CHECK OUT ALL THE GOODIES THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE - SEE BELOW!

Read about Carole's Story here:
Carole's story

Paper Craft Kits YEAR SUBSCRIPTION
(value $75.00!!)
Donated by Wunderkrafts

....and all these goodies

The list of shops that have donated these items are listed below!
luckyfinddesigns(apron)
deborahspencer(bath products)
tackyhandmade(2 necklaces and green bag)
christiecottage(neckwarmer)
oodlesofpoodles(crocheted poodle)
Lolalynn(5 aceos)
lilbeansboutique(crocheted cap)
kimnettiedesigns(earrings and necklace)
laacesplaace(6 ice cream potholders)
elephantdance(3 thank you cards)
collectiblecachet(tea cup & saucer)
kittyanydots(hatch a plan - print)

WOW!! FREE ADVERTISING for your Indie Shop or your Blog!! Front page of:
Indiesmiles.com for a 2 week run. Donated by Sue and El owners of Indiesmiles!

You can have your choice of a Showboat Feature or the Big Smiles 125x125 graphic.
Value up to $25.00!!

See:
Indiesmiles

PLUS 2 Gift Certificates for $20.00...each to these great shops
merilsart
sunnfox

(the pics are only examples from each shop, winner will receive the Gift Certificates)

VOID where prohibited by law!!
A winner will be drawn on 1/15/2009 using an online randomizer. The winner will be notified by email.

Once we have a winner, the items will be mailed from the individual Artisans, Vintage and Supply shops.

Any questions? Contact us at liver4carole@gmail.com

Spread the word, by linking to this post. Also Twitter this blog for Carole!

Help Carole have a second chance!!

*all items are included, gift basket is not included.

Updates & Links for Carole

2008-12-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

Cindy (Carole's daughter) has provided some links and updates. The links are all the current blogs (and websites) that are helping us get the word out about Carole.

But first, a recap of how to donate funds for Carole:
NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR TRANSPLANTS--
Tax-deductible donation to:
NFT Pennsylvania Liver Fund
5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430
Memphis, TN 38119

Write "in honor of Carole Stites-Luka" on memo line
www.transplants.org
(they take paypal and credit cards)to make a secure online donation.
Click on Patients We Help; search for Carole Stites-Luka.
Call NFT for any questions: 800-489-3863

BACKPAGE--Los Angeles/Advertising Buy an Item Save a Life http://posting.losangeles.backpage.com/gyrobase/classifieds/VerifyAd.html/3108929/23a8529dCAREPAGES--Venue to send Carole messages/Her bio:
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/CaroleStites-Luka
THE CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA FOUNDATION:
http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/
CINDY'S HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI--Announcement/Call for help: http://prendie.ning.com/profiles/blog/list FACES OF CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA (Via the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation--Look for Stites-Luka,Carole): http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/faces.htm ETSY Shop--Shop owners donating their profits: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=18343408 http://wrappednwarmth.
blogspot.com/2008/12/liver-for-carole.html http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5957745 http://mattscraftywife.blogspot.com/
ETSY Treasury link--Shop listings with products for sales; some items custom-made for Carole's liver fundraising cause: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=27089
FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Carole-Stites-Luka/1026317530
LIVER4CAROLE BLOGSPOT:
http://liver4carole.blogspot.com/
MISS MALAPRO:
http://www.missmalaprop.com/2008/12/give-for-good/
MYSPACE:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=437167072 or www.myspace.com/liver4carole
NORWOOD, PA, ONLINE CROCHET SHOP: http://www.norwoodcrochetgroup.blogspot.com/
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/liver4carole
WILDPRESS: http://www.thewildwildpress.com/2008/12/liver-transplant-needed.html
NYBLAQUE:
http://nyblaque.blogspot.com/

Carole responds to outpouring of LOVE!

2008-12-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

We've decided to post this as a promotion, you can find the list of shops that are donating items here:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5958863

Please feel free to Twitter about Carole and post any donations you have or a link to this blog which will have a list of all donations.

Now, you will love this. Cindy went to visit her Mom this morning to get her ready for the Mayo Clinic. She then began to show her all of the donations, links, twitters, blogs, etc. in her honor. This is the email that Cindy sent me and I have her approval to place it here:

I came here this morning to my Mom's where I type this & pulled up a chair beside me, sat her down, & said I have something to show you--it's a surprise. I then navigated thru all the lists of links I sent you earlier. She was shocked & speechless. The 1st thing she said was 'Oh my God' & sat there w/wide eyes & her jaw dropped. I went thru each 1 & it took us hours to read every single message which I read to her aloud.

I was going thru your blogs, Susan, & she was welled up & shocked when she saw all those artisans donating, the blogs they have written, & posts on top of their pages. After a while, she said, 'But, I don't even know everyone...I can't believe this' but she was practically whispering this as if to say this to herself & because she was astonished.

I got thru her Facebook & Myspace accounts & by the time I got nearly thru her Myspace page that you set up, Dottie, my Mom was crying & so was I & neither of us ever cry because we're both naturally stoic. We did have some laughs, too. Peggy, when I showed her the bands' adds, she would say, 'Even rock bands?!' & I would say yes. We saw drummers & band members. Beth, I showed her your email distribution & said, "Mom, this is only 1 distribution." She is just awe-struck. She says thank you so much & so do I.

I think she is overcome. I know she is profoundly touched & inspired. All throughout this she kept saying 'This is something else. This is something else,' & she choked up as I read her messages & what people wrote. She saw what you did, Susan & Linda, & said 'This is Kenny's cousin?' I said yes. She said, 'But I...never met her. I cannot believe what she has done & what Linda has done too.' She said this also about the rest of you & kept saying it all throughout: 'I cannot believe what has been done.' I took a picture of her reaction but it is not uploading. I will try to keep working on that. Thank you! Cindy

Cindy=Carole's Daughter
Susan=Tackyhandmade & Tackybackintime
Linda=Laacesplaace (Susan's Cousin and Cindy's Sister-in-law)
Kenny=Linda's brother
Dottie=Cindy's aunt

I will be posting a list of all the links again. In the mean time, look at the list of artisans that have donated their wares. Make a purchase, the proceeds go directly to the website for the transplant.

Follow Carole on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/liver4carole

You can twitter the link to items that are donated, or this blog. Twitter until you fingers are sore!

Etsy Artisans Donate Items for Carole

2008-12-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

You have to love the Etsy community! When they hear about a cause they jump to action! So far we've had several Etsy Artisans donate lovely handmade and vintage items from their shops.

Wait until you see this beautiful treasury of the items donated to beneift Carole:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=27089

9 sales so far. AWESOME!!

Thank you for helping Carole with her liver transplant!
The funds will be directly paid to:http://www.transplants.org/
"In honor of Carole Stites-Luka"They accept paypal!You can read about her as a patient on that website as well.Donate an item from your shop or purchase one of the great items already designated!
Donation List:
Laacesplaace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11888060
http://laacesplaace.etsy.com/ (all items donated)
Tackyhandmade:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16245109
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16450600
Tackybackintime:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17491695
ChristieCottage:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9215736 (SOLD)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14592322
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17789646
DeborahSpencer
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17906344
hemplady4u: ( 1 SOLD 9 MORE TO SELL )
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18675187
Krishenka
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17439698
Wunderkrafts
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17130366
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18661595
****** Carole Jewelry ********
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18685120
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18699423
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18732499 (SOLD)
wrappedNwarmth
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18343408
paratu ( SOLD )
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18315037
rachelherzog(SOLD)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15361004
Scrapsnstamps
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14733082
kamlampcompany
(if someone wants something else, I will donate 100% of the proceeds.)http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15076713
AMomentAMemory28
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18064689
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17680538
Twodogsandafox
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18731617
Miascloset
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18198939
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18676513
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18676305
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6984077
Enyaeire
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10771600
Bizzielizzie((Shipping is on me!! 100% proceeds will be sent to fund!)SOLDhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13187804
LolaLynn (I'll donate 50% of any item from LolaLynn's Holiday Gift section until the end of Dec)
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5096416&section_id=5718262
lilbeansboutique
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13707472
whatshername
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14844679 (SOLD)

Read what one Etsier said in this post about Carole:

wunderkrafts says:
This is kind of a long story - so bear with me!!My son who just turned 2 in October almost died when he was 3 months and was subsequently hospitalized 8 times thereafter. So many people helped me out at this time.I have been thinking after I read this story and I have come up with an idea how I could "Pay Something Forward".I am going to make 5 pieces of jewelry and put them in my shop in the afternoon over the next 5 days -- All the proceeds will go to the foundation. I will post the first piece later this afternoon. It is going to be a Owl bracelet. I picked the Owl for wisdom - in hopes that Caroles doctors will have some!! Unlike some of my son's doctors.I hope people will look in and like them well enough to buy the pieces!!I am going to name it the "Carol Liver Fund Jewelry".If this offends anyone - please convo me and I will not do it.Thanks for reading!!

You can find Wunderkrafts shop at:
http://wunderkrafts.etsy.com/

Special mention for Tiffanysdesigns:
http://tiffanysdesigns.etsy.com/
for donating the blog banner and twitter background for Carole

Also, to two shops that assisted in putting out the call for Carole in Etsy:
http://christiecottage.etsy.com/ a special friend
and she was assisted by
http://hemplady4u.etsy.com/

I wish I could mention everyone that has helped so far, and in time I should be able to.

Please visit the link(s) and purchase an item to help Carole!
Spread the word in Twitter!
http://www.twitter.com/liver4carole

About Carole

2008-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Carole's Story

NOTE: This is created in honor of Carole for awareness & a plea for assistance toward her fight that necessitates a liver transplant.

To say this is a sweet, gentle, caring lady is a giver is an understatement; in the past she has demonstrated this many times over, e.g., participating in annual Multiple Sclerosis walks, running benefits, donating her time & energies toward numerous charitable causes: American Heart Association, American Legion, other various veterans-related orgs, & now American Cancer Society which this devastating diagnosis has now inducted her as a member recipient--these are just samples of her magnanimous & generous heart & nature. As a crossing guard, she had to painfully give up crossing kids where she once threw herself onto an oncoming car, saving a boy's life. There was never a time a child crossed her street who went without hats & gloves for she would go to stores & buy these herself--managers would hear of this & provide her discounts to buy in bulk.

Though she is a modest person, receiving this devastating news now forces her to fight for her life & be recipient of that 'pay it forward' philosophy she so instilled in her children & others. Please allow her to be the on the receiving end of this philosophy by providing her the gift of life. It is now her turn.

Thank you.

2008-12-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

Carole Stites-Luka

Raising Hope, Changing Lives Loving wife, mother and grandmother Fall 2008

Dear Friend, What if you were living on borrowed time?

Carole Stites-Luka is.
This devoted wife, mother and grandmother went to the doctor in June 2008 for a routine check-up. Blood work revealed abnormal liver functions. After undergoing further tests, Carole was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts. There is no cure for her disease, and doctors say her only hope is a liver transplant.

Carole's life has undergone drastic changes in the short time since her diagnosis. Her health has rapidly declined, forcing her to retire from her job as a school crossing guard, a position she held for 22 years. She has also spent the past 30 years working at a flea market, and she's had to give that up too.

Despite her illness, Carole has high hopes for the future. She looks forward to the lifesaving transplant that will give her the energy to fully enjoy life again. But she needs your help. Unfortunately, Carole's hope for a new life comes at a very high price. A liver transplant costs approximately $500,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health insurance, Carole will face significant medical expenses. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month—and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. It is estimated that in the short term, Carole will need at least $50,000 to cover her medical expenses.

To make matters worse, her husband, Daniel, was recently laid off from his job. He has postponed his job search until after her transplant, so he can accompany her to the many doctors' appointments she requires. The family will have to temporarily relocate to Minnesota to be near the transplant center, further adding to their financial burdens.

What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others? The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the growing burden of expenses for Carole and her family. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with advocacy and fundraising support for more than 25 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable NFT to provide Carole with the financial support she desperately needs.

You can help in the following ways: Send a tax-deductible donation in the self-addressed envelope using the enclosed donation form, via check or credit card. Please make your check payable to NFT Pennsylvania Liver Fund. Remember to write "in honor of Carole Stites-Luka" on the memo line. Visit http://www.transplants.org/ to make a secure online donation. Click on Patients We Help and search for Carole Stites-Luka. If you have any questions about NFT, their services or volunteering, feel free to contact the NFT staff at 800-489-3863.

Many Thanks,

P.S. What if Carole were your sister? Your mother? Your wife? Please send your gift today!