Farewell to our dear friend Anita

[Denzie]

I’ve been sitting here staring at the blinking cursor and I’ve no idea for how long. Words don’t usually fail me but this weeks loss is devastating. You knew her here as Anita Figueras or SciFiKnitter. She was a blogger on this board when it was managed by Free to Breathe. If you have EGFR+ adenocarcinoma you may know her as one of the founding members of the EGFR Resisters. She was part of the driving force that put the EGFR Resisters into a partnership with the (then) Addario Lung Cancer Foundation.

Anita was a fierce advocate who fought for the benefit of many. She travelled across the country as a patient advocate, speaking to groups of researchers.

She was also my friend. We had corresponded for a while before we first met in person a Lungevity Hope Summit in 2015. The Lung Research Foundation interviewed us both for a publication and invited us to attend its release at the Lung Cancer Leadership Conference in Atlanta in 2018. We got to be roommates and we had a wonderful time together.

This picture is from the first Rally for Breath in November 2017. We went to DC to educate our lawmakers and demand parity in lung cancer research funding.

[Hopeful4dad]

I’m so sorry, Denzie. 🙏 *hugs*

[lovey100 in reply to Hopeful4dad]

I’m so sorry for your loss

[Feelingblessed2013]

I am so very sorry. 🙇‍♀️

[VerdeAzul]

I am so sorry, Denzie. Peace and God's comfort to you.

[anrean]

It is hard to lose a friend. So very sorry and please know I am praying for you and Anita. May God hold her in the palm of His hand

[SusieJo1948]

We will all remember Anita she was a wonderful woman. You were such close friends. I know your hurting. Will be here if you need us. Love susiejo

[ThePurplePlace]

I'm so very sad and stunned to hear this news. I think most of us know Anita or know of her. She was such a dear person who inspired and supported many. My heartfelt sympathy to you and all her family and friends.

RIP dear Anita....💔

[JeanE41]

My heart is broken. Though I did not know her as you did, Denzie, we connected on many levels on line. Her online handle SciFiKnitter struck a chord with me since I too am a sci fi fan and an avid knitter. We often talked about our various projects and our favorite sci fi shows and movies. The fact that she lived in New York also bonded us. She in upstate near the Adirondacks and me in Brooklyn, NY. Though I'm now a Midwesterner, you are always a New Yorker at heart. She guided me though the worst of my journey with lung cancer with much wisdom and gentle guidance. I will miss her terribly. She is with the angels.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to JeanE41]

So sorry for your loss, Jean. It’s difficult to lose someone who has been both a mentor and friend.

[JeanE41 in reply to Denzie]

Thank you Denzie. This is the second loss this week of a mentor and friend. I hope you find comfort in your memories of Anita.

[Jenniferroseolson]

This is loss to the community here and beyond. Anita was one of the first to reply to my first post, and it seems like yesterday that she was still actively writing to us with messages of hope and perseverance. Rest In Peace, Anita.

[thila1]

so sorry for your loss. i'm sure the whole community here will send prayers your way and to her family and friends. love, comfort and support can be magnified exponentially every day and moment that we think about our loved ones and those they'ved touched.

[Mytwins02]

Sorry the loss of your friend. This sucks 😞

[Ncpoet]

So sorry to hear this Denzie. We never want to lose anyone here, but it is harder to lose a friend.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judy

[PegD]

Ah Denise, I remember meeting both you and Anita at the LCRF Leadership Conference in Atlanta. For me, it was like meeting royalty as I had followed you both since receiving my diagnosis in 2016. My heart goes out to you and I know that Anita’s spirit lives on in those who loved her and the many who were touched by her advocacy and dedication.

Rest easy, dear Anita and thank you.

xo Peg

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to PegD]

That was an amazing couple of days. We had such a lovely time. It was super meeting you as well. I can’t remember if I had signed up for your blog before or after that.

[JanetteR57]

So sorry to read your sad news. thinking of you at this time - I have 'lost' and said farewell to 3 patient advocates in the Uk who I've had the privilege of knowing and working with since my involvement in lung research 4.5 years ago. They live on in our hearts, memories and most of all in continuing to share our experiences with others as that's what they would have wanted. It's at times like this, that you can actually feel the support of a true community. take care

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to JanetteR57]

Yes and with each loss we rededicate ourselves to advocacy because that’s who we are.

[JanetteR57 in reply to Denzie]

Too true. I was at a meeting yesterday at CRUK and one of the researchers asked why I was involved so I told them the story of Lyn Barrington, lung cancer patient advocate who encouraged me to get involved back in 2012 (although I didn't get deeply involved in research until 2014) and Stephen Sutton, an inspiration I met and all the others who are unable to advocate on their own behalf - we owe it to all to ensure the voice of lung cancer is heard by those researching, deciding policy, designing services and delivering healthcare. That way, they live on....and their legacy continues to spread the word....thinking of all those with, recovering from or missing somebody affected..

[Spainy]

Anita was a blessing to us all and this is sad news.

[MFH_Advocate]

Thank you Denzie for sharing your beautiful tribute. I find myself struggling to find the right words to express how much Anita meant to the advocate community. She will be missed.

[uplockman]

😢🙏🏻

[Kaylee20]

I'm so sorry Denzie for the loss of Anita. What a history you both have and not many get to have a close friend like you to. I hope this close friendship will help you in the months to come. If I remember correct I think Anita was also on our Inspire groups like 5 years ago. Take care Denzie and RIP Anita.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Kaylee20]

Thank you,Kaylee. She left behind an amazing legacy of lung cancer advocacy. She made a difference in our world and we're better for having known her. And, yes, she was a member of the Inspire community as well