Christmas Greetings‏ from Kathy

Merry Christmas and Happy 2012 to all my MPE sisters!

It was wonderful seeing so many of you this summer and
I almost made it back for the Christmas party at Jane's this
year--but I'll miss it by a week.  We'll be back in Atlanta
Dec. 12-16, and I'm sure more times in the future
to keep up with our grandbaby.
Happy Holidays to all!
Kathy

DECEMBER LUNCHEON--MPE ALUMS‏

Season's greetings to Mu Rho Sigma Alums and Friends--yes, it's that time again--December and time for our Holiday Luncheon. Jane Yelton is hosting again this year and has set Saturday, December 10th as the date. Gathering time is 10 AM. Jane says she will have coffee available, maybe tea is that's your choice.

Jane will prepare turkey, dressing and gravy and we will complete the menu with salads, veggies, desserts and bread. When you call Jane to let her know to expect you, you might mention what you plan to bring so that we will have a balanced menu. Jane's phone number is 770.427.0533; her email is djyelton@comcast.net. Jane is the one who needs hear from you, so please follow through on that request.

The Yeltons live at 433 Westlake Drive, Marietta. The subdivision is off Burnt Hickory Rd., and is on the left but the sign is on the right, so watch for it. If you have a GPS, use that aid or go to Map-Quest. Since we have been there several times, you may remember where the location is and not need any help.

Jane has requested that we discontinue the gift exchange and direct our funds toward our scholarship. OR, just be more generous with our contributions to the Woman's Day Shelter, where the need is so great. If there is dissent, we will vote on this matter. The Shelter has been our philanthropy for many years now and our gifts are given in memory of our "angel" Anna Chambers, who was passionate about the shelter. Again, Anne Larcom will collect checks at the meeting or you can mail them to her at 244 Riverview Trail, Roswell, GA 30075. Please do this by Dec. 17, so that Anne can mail them to arrive at the Shelter before Christmas. Even if you can't attend our festive Holiday Luncheon, you are encouraged to take part in this gift.

Our business meeting will include planning for 2012; arriving by 10 AM will give us time to catch up on happenings, and have the business/planning meeting before lunch. Jane continues to be willing to make plans for meetings and wants to hear your ideas, though she is very clear that if you suggest a plan or destination, you are expected to attend! (Husbands and guests are always invited.)

Let's make merry at The Yelton's FESTIVE CHRISTMAS HOUSE. We send love to all.

Kathy's Grandson

Here is a picture of Gabriel.
Sent today by Kathy.

CAROLINE WILSON'S GRANDSON; Update‏ from Anne

Some details about the death of Caroline Wilson's grandson, Hollis (did not think to get the family name, but parents are Elizabeth and John.) Hollis died peacefully on the morning of October 24, 2011, at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX, where he had been in treatment for several weeks. MPE alums were especially saddened because we thought that he had experienced a miraculous healing and, indeed, it appeared that way for a brief period of time. But that healing was for the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma--and they still had to treat the secondary cancer, leukemia. This treatment was very difficult--triple chemo, five days, 3 on and 2 off. Then they performed a double stem cell transplant (his sister Aria was a perfect match). This left his immune system very low and he developed a strain of pneumonia, which the doctors could not identify or successfully treat. His kidneys began to fail; dialysis was begun but by then his whole system was slowing down and Hollis died.

October was Hollis' favorite month (according to his grandmother); and on October 3rd, Hollis celebrated his 31st birthday. Almost two years had passed since he was first diagnosed with N-H lymphoma, January, 2010. Hollis' remains were returned to the family home in Ft. Collins, CO., where a series of life-celebrations and visitations began. Halloween was his favorite holiday so the family thought it fitting to suggest that friends and relatives be encouraged to wear costumes relating to Halloween for visitations. The service, with full military honors (he had spent seven years in the US Marine Corps) was held on Nov.1; with burial in a cemetery in Ft. Collins, near where he had grown up. Hollis was a highly intelligent young man of many gifts--he played piano, composed music, was a singer and a recording artist. He will be missed because of his friendly and compassionate ways as well as a fantastic sense of humor. According to his grandmother, "He had lived life to the fullest." There will be one more visitation on November 11 when family and friends gather in Sylvania, GA to give thanks and to remember a remarkable young man. Our hearts go out to this grieving family. We have all heard and maybe spoken the axiom, 'offspring are not supposed to die before their parents (die)' and that includes grandparents as well. We send love and a reminder of deep friendship to our sister, Caroline.

Update from Kathy White

Skip & I have now joined the ranks of doting grandparents!

Brandon & Ellen were surprised to welcome
Gabriel Joshua White this morning(November 1) at 4:15am.
He was about 4 weeks early but, other than being in shock,
all are doing well.He was 7lbs. 2oz. and 20" long,
so pretty well-done.

We'll travel to Athens when we can be of most help.

Caroline Wilson

Sadly, I report that Caroline Wilson's Grandson passed away. Details at a later date. Caroline, we love you.

Update from Deirdre

Thank you all so much for your prayers for Richard. He is in Stage 4 of Prostate Cancer.

We have just come from his doctor today where he received the first of his injection treatments. He will receive Trelstar every three months and will continue the bicalutamide which he started two weeks ago. These are both hormonal treatments which are supposed to arrest the cancer that predominates the prostate and has spread into his lower spine and lungs. In 90% of the cases where this treatment is used, it is effective.

He will have a PSA test on December 20th, which should answer a lot of questions for us. This test will show if the PSA has decreased as a result of the hormonal treatments or not. If it has, that will be absolutely great. This is the result we are looking for. If it has not, it could indicate more spreading of the cancer. In no case is surgery indicated and chemo and radiation are NOT anticipated.

His life is continuing totally normally. Hasn't lost a beat in his activities. He is convinced, as am I, that God holds the reins to his life. His constitution is strong and his belief in God stronger!

So we continue the waiting game! So very much appreciate your continued prayers.

Ann Welton

Deirdre Russell

Financial Aid Assistant

Emory University