"Shine On Girl..."

Tonight on my way to bed I began thinking about Lynne. As I looked out my window I was drawn to this bright, individual star. The more I thought about her I began to cry. As I stared at this star I noticed the star slowly disappear and then come back, like a blink of an eye. Deep down inside I felt Lynne's strong presence. As if she heard my thoughts and was talking to me through this star.

As I cried some more the star got brighter. I was transfixed on this star...so bright and beautiful; all on it's own in a sky full of stars. Yet, again it began to fade. Sometimes the star would be gone for a long time and sometimes not so long.

I think life works in a similar way. Sometimes we are with things for a long time and sometimes a short time. And we learn to love every minute we have; whether it's meant to last forever or just be cherished for that small moment.

I wish that Lynne's life on earth wasn't so short. It isn't fair that a disease of such magnitude and speed be given to such a loving, fun, and thoughtful woman. Yet, I think of her tonight as a bright, beautiful star watching over us saying it's alright, I'm fine. So, shine on girl and let us know where you are.... you will always have a special place in our hearts.

-Sara F.

"A Clean Bill of Health is Well Worth the Peace of Mind."

I recently chose to get a colonoscopy after hearing about the tragic death of your friend Lynne of colon cancer. I have been ignoring some occasional bleeding after the birth of my third child. Although this minor bleeding was diagnosed as nothing more than the presence of hemorrhoids, I chose not to take it for granted and got tested. The test is a bit humiliating but having a clean bill of health is well worth the peace of mind. I would recommend anyone with related symptoms take the time to get tested to prevent any symptoms for potentially developing and becoming much more harmful. The only good that can come from losing someone as special as Lynne is having others educate themselves and remember how we must constantly pay attention to our health so we can share our lives with the loved ones around us. God Bless.

Christine

Silent Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Below are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer. These can be masked. Know your body.

• unexplained change in bowel habits
• chronic diarrhea or constipation
• blood in the stool
• persistent abdominal pain
• unexpected or sudden weight loss
• chronic tiredness or unexplained fatigue

Remember if you have ANY one of these symptoms talk to your doctor.

Commonly asked Questions:

Q: If I have hemmorhoids is frequent bleeding common?

A: If you have ANY bleeding let your physician know. You should ask for a colonoscopy.

Q: If I am younger than 50 with no family history of colon cancer can I get a colonoscopy?

A: Absolutely! Ask your doctor for a colonoscopy if you have ANY concerns or even 1 of the above symptoms. They will give you a referral if you insist on it.

Q: Does a colonoscopy hurt?

A: From what I have heard ( mine is scheduled for the Fall) most people don't even remember it. The worst part is the stuff they make you drink to clean you out the night before.

Q: I have no family history. There is no way I can have colon cancer, is there??

A: Lynne was the first known member of her extended family to have this disease.

Q: Isn't Breast Cancer the #1 killer of all the cancers?

A: No! Colon Cancer kills more people in the USA each year than Breast Cancer and Aids combined.

Q: Is there a cure for Colon Cancer?

A: Yes!!Early detection is KEY as it is a very treatable cancer if found in time. Colorectal Cancer develops slowly over a long period of time, usually starting out as a small grape-size growth called a polyp on the inner wall of the large intestine, colon and/or rectum. Not all polyps turn into cancer. Screening tests can be used to detect the polyps, allowing their removal during the colonoscopy before cancer ever develops. It is the only disease that THE TEST CAN BE THE CURE.

I Still Want to Contribute to The Lynne Smith Fund...What do I do?

Friends,

I have gotten a lot of questions about contributing to Lynne's Fund. Any contributions that come in from here on out I will still forward directly to Mike Smith and the children. I will still keep a tally.

This Fund is not closed. The short term goal has just been fulfilled in a very short time. I know of people who were meaning to send a donation and just didn't get to it yet. When I receive a donation, I will post the new amount on the website and post the donors names. Thanks so much for your generosity.

Lynne's family is very moved by your kindness. Lynne's mom thanked me personally for keeping Lynne's memory alive.

In case you don't know the address yet or you want to let someone else know, please send contributions to:

"The Lynne Smith Fund"
56 Lily Pond Lane
Chester Springs, PA 19425

"The Sparkle in Lynne's Eyes is Still Shining"

The sparkle in Lynne's eyes is still shining through her family and friends.

Lynne was one of the brightest lights in my life. The fact that we reached such a HUGE goal in a couple of months does not surprise me one bit.

Lynne has touched so many people in her short life. Her smile went straight to your soul and warmed you up inside.

Thank you to Stacey and Susan for initiating this generous and thoughtful gesture. You have given many of us an avenue to feel like we have made some type of difference in such a difficult situation.

Lynne Marie will live on in our hearts:

She will be that shining star that you see on a warm night, that beautiful flower blooming in the spring, that first snow that puts the joy of winter in all of our hearts.

We will keep strong and happy for her babies that need to know the strong, loving, FUN, and beautiful mother that cherished them each day. She was a women that knew what she wanted and made sure she got it - her family was her heart and soul.

I LOVE YOU LYNNE.

As devestated as I am to have lost you in my life I know you are happy and safe. The rest of us will be fine, we will keep each other strong and will take care of each other as you would have wanted us to.

When one door closes - another opens.

I look forward to that kick in the xoxox when I am not doing right, or that special sign on an unexpected day when I really need it.

You are in our hearts, you always have been. That one day in study hall, 9th grade, is one of the best days of my life. All it took was one conversation, best friends forever.

Shine On Lynne Marie - I'm not letting you go!

--Posted by Anonymous to Lynne Smith Fund at 6/26/2006 09:16:22 PM

Beautifully Said Anonymous... S

You are Amazing!

(Lynne at my 1997 wedding surrounded by some high school friends)

Dear Friends and Family of Lynne:

$20,000.00 !!!

Mike will be receiving your contributions today. What a fantastic gift you have given to Lynne’s family. This represents so much more than just money to me. If you peruse the list of donors below, you will notice that many, many people gave of themselves to reach this goal.

You have given me so much in the past few months:

• You renewed my faith in people.

• You have given away money that you earned - kindly with zest, determination and pleasure.

• You showed me that people want to make a difference.

• You wrote letters from your heart that encouraged me to keep going!

• You led me to my next phase: Colon Cancer Awareness and Earlier Screening.

CHECK IN TO THIS SITE - FORWARD IT ON - SPREAD THE WORD -

EVERY CLICK COUNTS

It is time to take this mission onto another phase. I hope you will join me in continuing to give to Lynne and her legacy by passing on information about Colon Cancer to others.

This is the only cancer that can be CURED by a simple test. Early screening is the key.

We are not done, you and I. Lynne should not be the “face" of colon cancer. I will continue to fight in her name for others. I hope you will join me. S

A Poem For Lynne

Lynne,

Your natural beauty should have made the girls jealous,
but instead all wanted to emulate you with zealous.
Your zest for life was so sweet and so true,
Many had fun because of you.

Each time we think of you, your face is smiling bright,
even in the hard times, through your difficult fight.
Your head would bounce as you chatted full of fun,
and made each person feel like the special one.

Mike is the one who saw your incredible strength,
He knew for sure, you were heaven sent.
Three gifts to this world you have made a better place,
Three darling earth angels full of your grace.

Benjamin a wise and wonderful boy,
an old soul for sure, he brings such joy.
Riely so funny so determined and true,
she gives the most laughs as you always knew.
Shelby, sweet Shelby you knew you must bring into this life,
For your goal was to be a mother of three and a loving wife.

Your Mother's rose, your Dad's biggest bonus,
You have left us behind with an onus...

Thanks for taking us on this path with you,
we know we have much work still left to do.
We will listen to our hearts and follow your lead,
to prove we were worthy of your visit indeed.

Rest now and enjoy your children from above,
we can do the rest because of your love.