Welcome to the Lynne Smith Fund Blog

Many new visitors are joining us daily from within the USA and all over the world. This could be attributed to our coverage on reknowned organization's websites such as The Cancer Blog.

http://www.thecancerblog.com/category/colon-and-rectal-cancer/

If you are new to the site we would like you to spend a little while getting to know Lynne Marie Smith, a wonderful, 37 year old mother of 3 who passed away after a 2 month battle with colon cancer. We have no doubt you will be touched by her spirit.

Originally, this site was set up as a forum to update family and friends on a private fundraising drive to help her family. We were hugely sucessful in that goal, raising over $20,000 for her children's college fund.

As she began to realize the seriousness of her condition, Lynne appealed to friends to get tested.

And so as time and circumstance evolves, we are all committed to raising people's awareness of colon cancer, armed with the knowledge that with early screening this is the one cancer for which there is already a cure. We have already heard of people being spared from colon cancer because they took action as a direct result of Lynne's story.

If you have a story to share pertaining to colon cancer and/or early screening please leave a comment.

Here is some shocking news as you read this..

If you are female YOU, are more likely to die of colon cancer than breast cancer - yet you will be routinely checked for breast cancer 10 years before colon cancer.

If you are male YOU, are more likely to die of colon cancer than prostrate cancer - yet you are checked at every annual physical for prostrate cancer - many years before your 50th birthday (when you will be expected to get your first colonoscopy).

There does not need to be any family history. Lynne was the first known member in her extended family to have colon cancer.

This is the ONE cancer that the test (colonoscopy) could be the cure. The procedure could remove any suspicious polyps in your colon (bumps that can develop into cancer).

Please read other posts on this site. If you think you have symptoms don't waste time . Please talk to your doctor. Get screened as soon as you can.

Please share this site with your loved ones. Start a dialogue.

Thank you so much for your visit.

Lynne Smith

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.

Lynne Smith Fund

Friends!!!

Short Term Goal Achieved:

$20,000.00

New Contributions:

$1,975.00

Running Total:

$21,925.00





Thanks for so generously contributing to the Lynne Smith Fund. I am humbled by your kindness.

Please keep spreading the word!

Just in case you are new to this, the Lynne Smith Fund was created when
Lynne was newly diagnosed with Colon Cancer. Friends felt the need to help but
how?? We started the fund. It started as a nanny/help "slush"
fund. When Lynne passed it became a fund for her three
beautiful children.

Contributions can be sent to:


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

About Lynne

Reprinted from the Times Tribune, April 24, 2006


Lynne Marie (Rafalko) Smith April 21, 2006

Lynne Marie (Rafalko) Smith, 37, of Glenmoore, formerly of Malvern, died Friday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after a two-month battle with colon cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Michael D. Smith. Born May 29, 1968, in Charlottesville, Va., she was the daughter of Arline and Gervus Rafalko, of Malvern, and the daughter-in-law of Rodney and Yvonne Smith, of West Chester. She graduated in 1986 from Great Valley High School and from the University of Delaware in 1991. She was a former biology teacher at Downingtown High School. Lynne dedicated herself to her husband and and children and expressed her devotion through her many family-centered activities, holiday celebrations and day-to-day loving and caring. She could frequently be seen in her yard, running and playing with her children and the sound of their laughter echoed in and around the home. Her zest for life added a spark not only to her everyday home life, but to extended family gatherings and time spent with neighbors and friendsShe died peacefully in the presence of her family.Also surviving are a son, Benjamin Michael, at home; two daughters, Riley Lynne and Shelby Catherine, both at home; a brother, Leonard Rafalko (Alison); two sisters, Karen Griffith (Gary); and Laureen Romer (Jeff); 10 nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Tristie Junier (Ed); a brother-in-law, Ryan Smith,; and additional relatives in the Scranton area.The funeral will be Wednesday, with Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Elizabeth’s Church, Fellowship Road and Route 100, Upper Uwchlan. Friends may call Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. until Mass time in the church. Interment, St. Agnes Cemetery, West Chester.

posted by FriendofLynne @ 8:37 AM 0 comments links to this post
Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Lynne's Eulogy: April 26, 2006

Lynne's Eulogy

Written & Read by Susan Hunt, Kathy Deanna & Stacey Bonnell
(Susan Hunt)
Lynne was a very close and dear friend to so many of us here today. On Saturday night, some of
Lynne's oldest friends got together to help each other through this difficult time. Some of us had
not seen each other in years. Immediately, there was laughter and reminiscing. Reflecting on
our years of friendship, it occurs to us that special friends, friends you've shared your childhood
with, through adulthood, sharing milestones like marriage and children, life's joys and losses -
they become more than a friend, they become a part of who you are, part of your soul.
Today, each of us feels the terrible loss of Lynne in our lives, but we are also here to celebrate
the gift of her beautiful spirit that has touched and enriched each of us and will forever fill our
souls. So, we thank God for giving us Lynne, and for allowing us to grow up with her. I
remember in Jr. High hanging around In Lynne's bedroom dreaming of kissing our boyfriends
(which we didn't have yet) in Bloomingdales entryway - we thought it was romantic. Don't ask
me why... We all loved the person she was, and the people we became when we were with her.
(Stacey Bonnell)
Lynne was pure, angelic, ethereal, soft and sweet but with just the right amount of spice. As
teenagers living in Malvern, we weren't inundated with exciting things to do. But Lynne had a
way of making the ordinary, extraordinary. Lynne organized Formal dinners and a big yellow
bus to take us to Prom. Lynne was creative and spontaneous which we desperately needed.
Lynne never, ever forgot a birthday. You could always call Lynne when you needed an address
or a phone number. When all else failed, Lynne would never hesitate to call your parents to find
you. Lynne made her friendships a priority and we all felt valued as a result. Lynne was a leader
who never left any one out. She was the glue that kept our circle of friends together. When I had
moved three times and fell out of touch, Lynne made sure she let me know when something
important happened at home. Lynne had a list of "50 Things to Do" in her life. One was:"Move
Away". Although she never moved far, she learned that everything she needed was right here
all along.
It has been said that we are all born with a purpose. Once that purpose is fulfilled, we go. I
know, all of us here, can think of a reason why Lynne came into our lives. I also know, all of us,
wish that her 'purpose' hadn't been fulfilled....so soon.
(Kathy Deanna)
Lynne was a Wonderful Mother. She always put family first. She adored her children. Around
them she was playful and magical. She cherished her relationship with her husband. He was the
love of her life. Lynne will always be a role model for us as we continue to develop our own
families.


(Stacey) Today, we make a commitment, on behalf of Lynne’s oldest friends, to continue to
nurture our friendships as Lynne would have wanted for us.


(Susan) Today, we make a commitment to embrace you, Mike and support you in every way
we can.


(Kathy) Today, we make a commitment to keep Lynne's beautiful spirit alive for her children,
always.
posted by FriendofLynne @ 8:17 AM 0 comments links to this post

Plea Hits National Headlines

Today we were honored by a visitor from a national blogsite that is designed to assist people dignosed with cancer. As a result of visiting this blog they have published Lynne's story and we are delighted to report that many people are being touched by Lynne's story and will now be made aware of the need to get screened early for colon cancer. Please visit their website and let them know we appreciate the exposure. Hopefully someone will read the article and be moved to get screened. Keep spreading the word, we can save lives. Also if you think you can get Lynne's story featured anywhere please contact us.

www.thecancerblog.com/category/colon-and-rectal-cancer

or Google: www.thecancerblog.com/

click on "Colon Cancer". Lynne's Picture is featured along with her story.

Remember the key symptoms for Colon Cancer are;

1. Most common symptom - no symtom at all
2. Change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools)
3. Unexplained weight loss, vomitting, lack of energy, unexplained anemia
4. Blood (often not visible) in the stool (poop) or from rectum (bum)
5. Abdominal pain/discomfort (gas, bloating, cramps, feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely)

Lynne thought her symptoms were common related to pregnancy/childbirth.

Lynne Smith

Even before she had children of her own....she was "magic" with babies!

Thank You - From Michael Smith and the Children

I've written and rewritten many thank you notes over the past few months. As with most things that have to do with Lynne, nothing seems adequate. I'm always afraid my lack of eloquence will not do her justice. She was everything that you could imagine. Her interactions with the children was nothing short of magic, day in and day out. With her constant optimism and enthusiasm, she was inspiring to be around. The smile thats present in every picture was there with or without the camera. For nine years I was greeted with pleasant words and that smile. The kids and I were lucky to have had her for the short time she was here. Lynne Marie was truely a special person. The support from family and friends has been overwhelming, a testiment to the kind of person Lynne was. To everyone who has sent thoughts or prayers, cards, donated time or money, sent positive energy our way, the kids and I thank you.

The words seem to fall short, but thank you.

Michael, Benjamin, Riley, Shelby