First, a brief recap of my story:  I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in September 2009.  I had it surgically removed in October.  Yesterday morning I ingested a pill containing radioactive iodine to complete the treatment.  I have to be in isolation for 72 hours.

During the denial period of my cancer prognosis, I fell deeper into my addiction to World of Warcraft.   I could not control what was happening to me in the physical world, so I hid an alternate one.  One in which I had much greater control, and cancer did not exist.  One day, I was playing the game and working on a task that is so time consuming that only the most dedicated players did it.  I was talking to a person I had met in game and was part of the guild I was in.  We played together and had a common bond of friendship.  We were spread all across the country.  All different ages and phases of life.

I had asked that friend if she needed anything.  I was bored with what I was doing and wanted some company.  Her reply broke my heart.  She replied she needed a gun.  I knew it was not a joke.  I knew little about her.  Same age as me.  Took care of an infirm mother.  Was on disability for something.  Did not have very much money.

She had reached out to me.  I could let it pass.  It wasn’t my problem.  I had cancer and two small children.  My wife loves me so.  I needed to get better, not focus on a stranger.  I talked her.  She listened.  Her problems were far greater than mine.  I had no way to help her other than to be a friend.

I am teaching her HTML.  She proofreads my blogs.  She helps me post things when I’m away from the computer.  She enlightened me to the plight of many.  I had ignored it all before.  Now I saw the donation boxes.  I saw the homeless.  I looked at the day laborers on the corner and smile at them.  I look them in the eye.  They are people.  This blog is my way of trying to help them all.  It cost me $9.99 a year plus as many hours as I can dedicate to it.

The other day, she informed me that the electric company was going to turn off her power on December 22, 2009.

I have my own business.  I do not have any paying clients.  I am working on getting some.  I cannot afford to give anything other than my time.

If anyone of our readers would like to make a contribution to pay her electric bill, it would be appreciated more than you could ever imagine.

Thank you very much.

Scott Farbman on behalf of Susan Lewis.