Well, August 14th was the two-year anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis, so I guess that makes me a survivor, right?  I am still in treatment, and still need to raise funds for the substantial costs that are not covered by my health insurance, but I really feel like things are getting better.  Yay!  I am moving ahead and planning my wedding for the Fall.  I'm heading back to Reno for another week of treatment and fine-tuning on protocol at the end of August.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has donated so far.  I owe you my life.  Really.  I wouldn't be here without you.  My family and I are so bowled over by the support and love that everyone is sending our way...

Please feel free to share this page with others using the "Tell a Friend" box above. The response through Facebook postings has been incredible! There's also a widget (on the tab below) that you can add to your own webpage, if you choose.

With gratitude,

Meg

[scroll down for the whole story...]

On August 14th, 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The past two years have been a roller-coaster ride of fear and exhilaration. You see, I also got engaged in 2008, four months before my diagnosis… I’ve had two surgeries; one in NYC and one in Portland, Oregon; each followed by a recurrence within months. I am now at Stage IV, with metastasis to the bones, and a local recurrence in my right breast.

After much research, medical advice on both coasts, diagnostic testing, and soul-searching, I have decided to seek treatment at the Cancer Hope Center in Nevada. Dr. Forsythe is on the cutting edge of integrative cancer care. I was lucky enough to be able to meet with him for a consultation on March 10th, and feel confident that this treatment will save my life. (scroll down for more...)

With the help of my friends, I have already raised $23,500 towards the $30,000 I need for the initial three-week intensive IV treatment (which, in the world of cancer treatment is cheap!),which I began on April 20th.  The treatment went very well, my doctors say, and my cancer markers are going down!  I need to keep raising funds however to stay on the expensive supplement and  IV protocol that seems to be working to keep the tumors in chedk.  Then I will need another $10,000 to go back to the clinic in Reno for a week in August for fine tuning,,,

Please donate here online or send donations to the “Meg Patterson Cancer Treatment Fund”, c/o Clatsop Community Bank, 988 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103

If you would like to read my online journal and sign up for updates on my treatment, please go to .

Thank you so much for your help. Because of the recurrence, I have had to postpone my wedding, and also beginning graduate school. I have deferred enrollment to Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara where I will be studying for an MA in Humanities with an emphasis in Depth Psychology. When I am finished with my treatment and my cancer is in remission, I plan to continue directing plays (especially Shakespeare), continue teaching English as a second language to JobCorps kids, and get married!

If you have any questions about donating, or perhaps setting up a raffle or other creative fundraising idea, please contact my friend Bari George to brainstorm and get support and ideas. She's been spearheading the fundraising efforts and is very helpful.

And PLEASE, even if you can't give right now, forward this website link to all your friends and networks (facebook, schools, workgroups, churches) with a little note that says something like "I'm helping my friend Meg raise money for her breast cancer treatment. Will you please help?" Many people who don't even know me have given donations. It's easy to do with the "Tell a Friend" widget at the top of this page, above my picture. THANK YOU!

So, pay it forward, and be well.

All the best,

Meg

Here are the donors from the prior fundraiser -- bless them all !!!

donor: Maudene Nelson

give date: 2010-04-20

$15

hugs & more hugs and bigger hugs -- and tissues and lame jokes and everything else I can give you is going out from my heart to yours

donor: Geoffrey Kershner

give date: 2010-04-20

$25

Hang in there Meg!

donor: Diane Drey - home exchanger

give date: 2010-04-17

$118

Keep going... you have friends all over the world

donor: Alexandra Hopkins

give date: 2010-04-15

$10

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Anonymous

give date: 2010-04-14

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Jodi P. Molever

give date: 2010-04-14

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Barbara Sarah

give date: 2010-04-13

$25

Thinking of you, Meg, and sending loving wishes for your successful treatment!

donor: Kathryn S. Jost

give date: 2010-04-13

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: JR Orlando

give date: 2010-04-12

$25

All my prayers to you, Meg, JR

donor: Kenneth A Eisner

give date: 2010-04-12

$100

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Peter Fiske

give date: 2010-04-11

$1000

Dear Meg, I am sending you love, energy, and strength as you approach this treatment. Much love, Peter

donor: ken and dianne perkins

give date: 2010-04-11

$50

we will be praying for you. god bless

donor: Nabil Ghachem

give date: 2010-04-11

$100

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Renee Colombo

give date: 2010-04-11

$100

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Kathleen Cunneen

give date: 2010-04-10

$100

My dear Meg - I think of you every minute and send love. If anyone can make a miracle, it is you, my beautiful, shining friend.

donor: DeGaetano

give date: 2010-04-10

$10

Heartfelt wishes for a full recovery.

donor: Stephanie Hunter

give date: 2010-04-10

$50

Friend of Bari - Best to you!

donor: Bruce Fairchild

give date: 2010-04-10

$50

Thoughts and Prayers Meg

donor: Gregory Mateja

give date: 2010-04-10

$20

No comment left by this donor.

donor: lee s cohn

give date: 2010-04-09

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: R. Bobby and Michael Ducharme

give date: 2010-04-09

$60

Love and hugs for a complete healing.

donor: Michelle Finocchi

give date: 2010-04-09

$30

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Susana Millman

give date: 2010-04-08

$25

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Cynthia Milenkovich

give date: 2010-04-08

$20

Be Blessed!

donor: Daniel Banks

give date: 2010-04-07

$75

Sending love and much healing!

donor: Sue Hudach

give date: 2010-04-07

$100

Meg - As you may remember, I am a friend and co-worker of your mom. I want to donate to your cause - and hope that this is your ticket.

donor: Priscilla Ratje

give date: 2010-04-07

$25

My prayers for you and your mom.

donor: Beth Sopko

give date: 2010-04-06

$10

Dear Meg: I don't know you, but I hope this helps you get the treatment you need.

donor: Anonymous

give date: 2010-04-06

$50

Sending all sorts of healing thoughts.

donor: Sheila Anderson

give date: 2010-04-06

$50

Meg, I wish you all the best. I wish I could give more, but I will defintely include you in my prayers when I chant. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for a speedy recovery

donor: Rebekah Walendzak

give date: 2010-04-06

$50

Sending you love and hope, Meg.

donor: John yoo

give date: 2010-04-05

$180

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Lynn Thorburn

give date: 2010-04-05

$50

My thoughts are with you, Meg.

donor: Shirley Kim

give date: 2010-04-05

$25

I pray that you have peace and strength during this time. I admire your courage and tenacity.

donor: Steve Susoyev

give date: 2010-04-05

$100

Wishing you well, Meg. What a friend we have in Thomas!

donor: THOMAS ESTLER

give date: 2010-04-05

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Rebecca Jarrett AMissah_Aidoo

give date: 2010-04-04

$50

holding good thoughts

donor: Thomas S. Burka

give date: 2010-04-04

$200

No comment left by this donor.

donor: On behalf of Brian and Eileen

give date: 2010-04-03

$25

Keep fighting the fight!

donor: Susan Parker Bodine

give date: 2010-04-03

$500

Stay strong.

donor: Anonymous

give date: 2010-04-02

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Brian & Eileen Jennings

give date: 2010-04-02

$100

I just wish I could give you more tangible support than $$. It's been too damn long, my friend.

donor: Dan Woolley

give date: 2010-04-02

$200

From one PU alumnus to another- good luck and God bless!

donor: Gay Erwin

give date: 2010-04-02

$100

Meg: I was lucky enough to work for your mom at Barnett and always felt like I knew you because of all the wonderful things she said about you. I'm so glad to be able to help if only just a little.

donor: Jaime Restrepo

give date: 2010-04-02

$100

From one of your Mom's old friends.. We share a special bond not of our choosing...Broken Hearts

donor: Ted & Veronica Kelley

give date: 2010-04-02

$53

We will continue to pray for your recovery!!

donor: Lizzie Berger

give date: 2010-04-01

$100

Keep living!

donor: Michael Ali

give date: 2010-04-01

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Jake Nunes

give date: 2010-04-01

$100

From another '83 theater type. Our paths only crossed a little, but I'm honored to be part of the large and loving group that is pulling for you.

donor: Mom

give date: 2010-04-01

$500

for Meg....in Memory of Randy with Luv, Mom

donor: Lori Mazan- friend of Nan Reed

give date: 2010-04-01

$100

I am so impressed with your ability to ask for what you need. I'm sure you will get it!

donor: Talvin Wilks

give date: 2010-04-01

$250

Dearest, I've been longing to support and today I can. We have all been on an incredible artistic journey and I am always inspired by those who remain in the struggle. Much love.

donor: Meryl Shaw

give date: 2010-03-31

$100

Dearest Meg, You are an inspiration. I send you all my best light and love. Meryl

donor: Sue and Rob in pdx

give date: 2010-03-31

$100

In honor of Dave and Lauren, who also recently reminded us of the power of love and friendship.

donor: Mark & Lynn Hofflund

give date: 2010-03-31

$100

Love, love, love to you Meg. You're a pioneer, a leader and an inspiration!

donor: Anonymous

give date: 2010-03-31

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Margaret & Seth at Dragonheart

give date: 2010-03-30

$50

Meg, bright, beautiful, and brave: Seth and I send you our support and love. "Be humble, as you are made of earth; be noble, as you are made of stars." (Traditional Polish saying)

donor: Mary Elizabeth G. Gallo

give date: 2010-03-30

$500

I always see you as my friend with … “a deeper sensibility” - joni mitchelle ;) You have always inspired me with the beauty and magic you see in everyday little things . . . keeping shining and know that your friends are lifting you up!

donor: Markley Boyer

give date: 2010-03-29

$200

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Steven Levy & family

give date: 2010-03-29

Blessings & Praise! - Thoughts & Prayers! - Butter & Jam! - Love & Peace! - Bricks & Roses!

donor: Elaine

give date: 2010-03-29

A Beautiful Spirit; a Beautiful Woman, a Dear Friend: Soar!! You are so loved, and held in vibrant Light!

donor: Linda Z

give date: 2010-03-29

$25

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

donor: Sabrina Klein

give date: 2010-03-29

$200

As in everything you do, you show courage, spirit and grace. My heart is with you in this journey. I think someone famous (that I'd never heard of) said, "Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway." I look forward to hearing that song someday.

donor: Ana Lucas

give date: 2010-03-29

$75

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Jacob

give date: 2010-03-29

$20

Meg - you're in my thoughts and prayers. much peace and blessings to you - jacob

donor: Barney Costello

give date: 2010-03-29

$250

my thoughts are with you

donor: Barbara C.

give date: 2010-03-29

$25

Meg, you're an inspiration to the rest of us. All the best from one bc fighter to another.

donor: Jane Steele

give date: 2010-03-29

$25

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Molly Hickok '82

give date: 2010-03-28

$250

Theater geeks of the world unite. Much love to you.

donor: Kimberly Ho schoelen '81

give date: 2010-03-28

$50

Meg - One can never have enough prayer... I am praying for you!

donor: -Lauren Keating, LCT Directors

give date: 2010-03-28

$10

Sending you prayers and well wishes!

donor: Keller Easterling

give date: 2010-03-28

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: John Palmer Edwards

give date: 2010-03-28

$200

We send love and prayers for your healing and comfort -- John, Gigi, Olivia & Martha

donor: Rog %Patterson

give date: 2010-03-28

$50

from one of your biggest fans, Meg Lighting lots of candles! Rog

donor: Broke Marilou Brewer

give date: 2010-03-28

$20

Had cancer at 26, Meg. Cured it fasting 30 days on water. It's why I am a Naturopath now. Good luck, my dear. Your doing the right thing now!!!

donor: Susan West

give date: 2010-03-28

$25

Wishing good health

donor: Ed Tuck

give date: 2010-03-27

$100

Wishing you good health

donor: Cesar E. Flores

give date: 2010-03-27

$25

Meg You are in our prayers!

donor: Shelley and Spence

give date: 2010-03-26

$25

I wish we could give more. Forwarded your link to most of my email address book. All our love to you and mark.

donor: Mr. Flynn

give date: 2010-03-26

$50

We're all in this together...

donor: Anonymous

give date: 2010-03-26

$30

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Lesley and Bob Currier

give date: 2010-03-26

$100

We love you!

donor: Joseph H Marshall

give date: 2010-03-26

$250

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Daniel Baxter & Carole Rankin

give date: 2010-03-25

$100

Because we love Bari and Kristen and they love you and I am sure we would love you too

donor: Kristin White

give date: 2010-03-25

$50

Your eyes are as beautiful as I remember!

donor: Vilma Silva

give date: 2010-03-25

$100

Hey Pal. Wishing you all the best in your journey back to health done your way! Much love.

donor: Mark Haworth-Booth

give date: 2010-03-25

$50

Tender thoughts

donor: Claire Beckman

give date: 2010-03-25

$50

You can do this Meg! Never give up! Much love, support and positive thoughts going your way xoxox

donor: Laura Gold

give date: 2010-03-24

$50

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Meg.

donor: Joy G.

give date: 2010-03-24

$75

Meg - I don't know you but this list of people supporting you is so moving, I want to be part of it. "As therefore the bell that rings a sermon calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come, so this bell calls us all..." I wish you hope and healing.

donor: Dan A. Woolley

give date: 2010-03-24

$300

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Nan Reed Twiss

give date: 2010-03-24

$700

Meg, Dear Meg...I am thinking of you many times a day, sending my love. Here's a thought from George Santayana I've been thinking about: “The world is not respectable; it is mortal, tormented, confused, deluded forever; but it is shot through with beauty, with love, with glints of courage and laughter; and in these, the spirit blooms timidly, and struggles to the light amid the thorns.” Keep focusing on the light!

donor: j S Urbsaitis

give date: 2010-03-24

$50

Dear Meg, You do the healing. We'll do the helping. Love, strength and peace being sent your way on this journey.

donor: Anonymous

give date: 2010-03-24

$50

keep sharing your joy!

donor: Paul G Steinhauser

give date: 2010-03-24

$100

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Sasha Alpert

give date: 2010-03-24

$500

Meg - My thoughts are with you and your family. Much love, Sasha

donor: Ad

give date: 2010-03-24

$100

love you, Meggie

donor: Anni Long and Jarion Monroe

give date: 2010-03-24

$100

With love; and admiration for your courage, compassion for your struggle, and hope for your recovery!

donor: Annie Terrasas

give date: 2010-03-24

$50

"positive things can happen with a positive attitude". God is in your corner !

donor: Belinda Taylor

give date: 2010-03-24

$50

Loving thoughts to you.

donor: David Holtzman

give date: 2010-03-24

$200

May the good drugs win.

donor: Robert Vivens

give date: 2010-03-23

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Anonymous

give date: 2010-03-23

$100

Its an honor to help. I worked with your Mother many many years ago, she is a beautiful lady.

donor: Amy Resnick

give date: 2010-03-23

$50

Oh darling, sending you love. Miss your shining face!

donor: 2 strangers who care

give date: 2010-03-23

$100

Sending love and light...

donor: Anonymous

give date: 2010-03-23

Meg, may the force of '83 be with you....

donor: Elise Wright

give date: 2010-03-23

$583

Dear Meg-- Please know your '83 (and '82) family stands with you in solidarity and offers abundant strength and hope.

donor: Billie Shepard

give date: 2010-03-23

$25

Supporting your sweet face in all ways.

donor: Judy Benedict

give date: 2010-03-23

$200

I am happy to help Meg and her mother Betty in this quest.

donor: David Maisel

give date: 2010-03-23

$200

Meg, We send you love, strength, and hope! xxxx David and Lynn

donor: Irwin Appel

give date: 2010-03-23

$100

I love you honey

donor: Judith A. Hunter

give date: 2010-03-23

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Cynthia Penney

give date: 2010-03-23

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: wendy vanden Heuvel

give date: 2010-03-23

$500

No comment left by this donor.

donor: John Warren

give date: 2010-03-23

$100

Sending you hopeful thoughts in this difficult time.

donor: Jerome Potozkin

give date: 2010-03-23

$50

Our thoughts and healing prayers are with you-from the family of Jerome Potozkin (brother of Amy)

donor: Stona J. Fitch

give date: 2010-03-23

$100

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Jon Spear

give date: 2010-03-22

$183

Good wishes, Meg

donor: Patti Steele

give date: 2010-03-22

$50

Meg, I worked with Betty at Key Bank. She is a wonderful woman and I know she is very proud of you. My best wishes for a speedy recovery.

donor: Wendy Radford

give date: 2010-03-22

$50

Meg - so sorry to hear you are going thru all this - you are in my thoughts

donor: maura p. flynn

give date: 2010-03-22

$100

I hope that this can help.

donor: ann tracy

give date: 2010-03-22

$100

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Jennifer Maisel (David's sis)

give date: 2010-03-22

$30

Meg - sending you good wishes.

donor: Max Mayer

give date: 2010-03-22

$500

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Carter

give date: 2010-03-22

$40.

"You are neither free nor bound, but ever-present."

donor: Karen

give date: 2010-03-22

I met Mark in Astoria and my sister just told me today of your illness. I want you to know you both are in my prayers. I'm looking forward to meeting you in Astoria!

donor: Benjamin B Yalom

give date: 2010-03-22

$20

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Astrid M. Wander

give date: 2010-03-22

$50

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Lorri Holt

give date: 2010-03-22

$50

Dear Meg, I am sending you love and light.....Blessed Be, brave lady! ~ Lorri

donor: Adam Beckman

give date: 2010-03-22

$100

Stay strong Meg, my thoughts are with you!

donor: Lars

give date: 2010-03-22

$25

Try to stay positive. I beat cancer, you can too. xxoo

donor: Cheryl L. Davis

give date: 2010-03-22

$100

No comment left by this donor.

donor: Betsy Stein (Bari's sister)

give date: 2010-03-22

$180

Sending best wishes for a speedy recovery.

donor: Patricia Silver

give date: 2010-03-22

$200

I thought of you 2 days ago, probably just around the time.... Happy to be of help.

donor: LeeAnn Kendall

give date: 2010-03-22

$20

Calling on the Infinite Wisdom within you to heal your body now. Sending you love and strength.

donor: Julie B. and Amy P.

give date: 2010-03-22

$50

Be well.

donor: Bari Jacob Lydia & Cybil xoxox

give date: 2010-03-22

$180

180 is a Jewish tradition I've always liked :) Life and 18 are the same characters in Hebrew ×—×™. Soak up the love and power, Meg! We're all there with you.

donor: Renee and Aldo Billingslea

give date: 2010-03-22

$25

Renee and I are sending you lots of positive energy!

donor: Amy Potozkin

give date: 2010-03-22

$50

Meg...may you embrace your healing journey with an open heart, courage and conviction. Thinking of you, sending love.

donor: Robert, Kelsey and Meria

give date: 2010-03-21

$30

Meg - we're taking extra breaths for you each day. Be strong, lady friend.

donor: a family friend

give date: 2010-03-21

$1000

sent with Love and Hope

donor: Andrew Dolan

give date: 2010-03-21

$20

Meg- (Do you remember me??? San Jose. 1991?) I read your journals. Very moved. Sorry this contribution is not more. My very best to you to stay strong, fight hard, love harder, and live with grace and hope.