Thursday, June 14, 2012

Migraine Awareness Month #14: "Live Long, and Prosper."


Come up with a short, simple phrase or sentence that could be used when saying "Hello" or "Good-bye" to express your wishes for fellow Migraineurs.

I didn't come up with my phrase. I borrowed it from a very inspirational story.

Andy Whitfield was an actor from New Zealand. He got the lead role to play Spartacus on the Starz network hit TV show "Spartacus". (For those of you who haven't seen it, it's VERY gruesome & contains sexually explicit material.) Andy was in impeccable physical shape. I suppose the cast had to be to portray Gladiators! Anyway, at the young age of 38 he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He underwent treatment back in New Zealand, so he could be with his wife & young children. He had a brief period of remission, but then the cancer returned. He ultimately had to leave the show to focus on his health. Then only after 18 months after his diagnosis, he succumbed to his illness on September 11th 2011 at the young age of 39.

My Husband found an awesome documentary trailer on YouTube about his journey. Mr. Whitfield had a camera crew film his life with non-Hodgkin lymphoma for over a year. The last 2 minutes of the trailer really struck me. He shows the camera a tattoo on his arm & it reads, "Be here now". Andy then says,
"Be here now is all about being in the present, & not fearing what you don't know".


I think that quote speaks volumes!! We can all take something from that being Migraineurs. I don't know about you, but I completely fear the unknown. "What will tomorrow bring?", "What's going to happen at this doctors appointment?", "Am I going to feel ok to do this?" (add in activity here) I just think living for the present & not worrying about anything else will all help us IMMENSELY!! Why get yourself all worked up over something you can't control. Focus on today & live today to its fullest!!

"Be here now" my friends <3
K8 =]


Here is the link to watch the almost 7 minute trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE_Y5brW-ZE


National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love that!

Jamie said...

Love this! My husband LOVES the show, Spartacus. It's so sad about Andy, but I'm so glad he shared his philosophy of "Be here now" - words that we all need to be reminded of.

Ellen Schnakenberg said...

This was amazing - thank you for sharing it! I love the message of this post <3

Kate "Katetastrophe" Chappell said...

Your very welcome Ellen! I love it too. So sad, but has a very powerful meaning <3

Kate "Katetastrophe" Chappell said...

Jamie- My Husband is in love w/ Andy Whitfield. Kind of like a "bromance"?! LOL! He didn't even want to watch it when they brought in the new "Sparty". But in the end we watched it all... I can't believe something tragic happened to someone & he has the determination to record his lowest lows. I'm in awe of his strength. We can all take something from this... <3

Kate "Katetastrophe" Chappell said...

Dawn- Thank You! I appreciate you reading & taking the time to comment. I'm overjoyed you all liked this post!!

I try my best to write what I feel & not censor myself. (Besides swearing) But in all honesty I write about what makes me feel something & what's on my mind. When I saw this on YouTube 3 days ago, I knew this was going to be used for this post. THANK YOU ALL!! FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY <3 YOU'VE ALL MADE ME SMILE!! & I sooo needed that today!

andrea said...

I love Andy's quote and his strength in what had to be some very tough moments in his too short life. Be here now" I shall remember that one.