Barbara Gabel (Gabel)

Dennis: Thanks so much for posting everything about the Vegas trip on the Raider Rumblings. Since the majority of the planning was completed by Tom, we need only compile a list of events to choose from. How do you want to do this? Here? Private message or personal email? I’m very excited that we have some others interested in continuing the Class of ‘68 party spirit!

Brenda Drake (Anderson)

A special "Thank You" to all who made the reunion so great and memorable.  It was a wonderful time, and I know it took a lot of planning and effort.  I am grateful and glad I could come.  Thanks so much.

Robert Hurley

Vickie Yotter (Moore)

Happy Birthday Bob! Hope your recovery is swift and remember, you still have a lot to do out there in the wide, wide world.

Robert Hurley

Bill Boyd

It’s official. We will be leaving NC on Aug 30 and moving to Lake Alfred Florida. Our new address starting Sep 3d will be. 446 Gulf Stream Drive, Lake Alfred , FL 33850. I will keep you informed. I hope this will get to whoever is keeping track. I will make the changes as necessary on my profile after we move. If anybody wants to help us get settled, my phone number won’t change. Donavan Scmidt where are you?  Roger Topham when will you be home?

Nancy Cravens (Hillman)

Good luck!

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

URGENT - CLASSMATES

I need your help. Switlana Briar has leukemia and she has been going for treatments twice a week for a year. She started treatments one year ago this month.  She can't drive herself anymore. My cousin Carol Diaz had been taking her to her treatments. On Sunday, August 12th my cousin called me to tell me her son Paul Diaz had been killed in a motorcycle accident in New York close to where he lived. She wanted to know if I could take Switlana to her chemo while she was gone. I told her I could. 

However, when I took her that Monday, the doctor wanted her to come in every day that week because her platelettes were down. She also had to go to the hospital for blood on Saturday and Sunday. I was able to take her Monday this week. I took her just for bloodwork today, Tuesday, and when we got back to Hesston the doctor's called and they wanted her right back for a 5 hour infusion. Her brother was able to take her home later. Tomorrow she has to be back there at 11:45am for scans and bloodwork. Thursday I have to pick her up at 9:15am.

What I need to know is if any of you can help with taking Switlana to her appointments. My cousin Carol called me tonight and she said she will be gone another month. Unfortunately my husband Jerry had a drastic change in his health due to his Parkinsons. He requires someone with him 24 hours a day. One of my sons moved back home so he could help with his dad and expenses. We called in Heartland Hospice from Wichita. They have been a tremendous help with getting a hospital bed and other supplies we need for Jerry. He is very weak and can't use his walker anymore. He is having reigidity problems now. In the mornings I am able to help him from the bed to his wheelchair and support him when he needs to use the commode or urinal, but by the afternoon he is dead weight and my sons have to help me with him.

At the same time all of this was happening, my sister Peggy Alltum had to be admitted to the Asbury Park Memory Care Unit. Her auction was last Thursday.

So please pray for Switlana, she doesn't have family, other than her brother, and she lives alone with her little dog.

Thank you for your patience reading this long message. I appreciate all of you! God Bless all of you!

Marci Phillips

Oh Terry, what horrible news! Not only.Switlana so sick and in need of help you must be stretched pretty thin. I am so sorry for all your difficulties. The past four years in my life have been deaths, nursing home decisions for mom,broke my neck and had surgery, house fire etc.etc. That has nothing to do with your post!!! I have not driven for about 31/2 yrs since my car wreck so I can be of no help(the thing you need the most)there. I just feel so BAD. Switlana has always had a special place in my heart. We talked within the last two wks and her spirits were good. Things must have gone down hill since we talked. I wish I could help so badly. Is there anything or anyway I can help otherwise. Where does she doctor and go for treatments? I dont get on this website often but I will start checking frequently for ur response and updates. God  Bless All of You!!!

Veronica Camargo

Terry,

First of all, thank you for being a support to Switlana. I am sure that she is grateful for your help.

If I were living in the Newton area I would gladly help but since I do not, I am hoping that other local classmates will be able to give you a hand. Meanwhile, know that I will offer up my prayers for Switlana, you and your husband. 

I appreciate you!

Veronica

Aimee Koehn (Metzler)

Terri...I can help. Who coordinates her needs.? Should I contact her? Thanks for the heads up.

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Thanks Aimee! It would probably be best if you called Switlana. Her number is 620-217-5950. I know she would enjoy hearing from you. Thanks again!

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Thank you Marci and Veronica! I know phone calls and prayers will help a lot! Her doctor is Dr. Nanny out at the Cancer Care Center behind Newton Medical Hospital. When I took her today they kept her again for more IV's and her brother was able to take her home. He works so if they keep her past the time he gets off work he can take her home. He has health issuses too so he doesn't always feel good enough to drive her.

This is something new for Switlana since August 13th. She has had platelettes every day since last Tuesday. I know she would appreciate phone calls since she isn't able to get out much.

I knew our classmates would come through for her. I always enoyed Switlana and Stan at our reunions. It is a shame it took so long for them to get together and get married. 

So glad I am a member of the Class of 68. 

Take care Marci. You have been through a lot and sometimes it helps to share with other people what you are going through. God Bless all of you! You are in my prayers also.

Nancy Cravens (Hillman)

So sorry to hear of all the troubles.  You all are in our prayers.

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Thank you Nancy. I always looked forward to seeing you and Will.

Vicki Daily (Chambers)

So sorry to hear of Switlana's illness.  Thank you Terry for all you do and to Aimee for stepping in to help.  Prayers for Switlana as she continues her treatment!  Terry, you and your husband will also be in my prayers. 

Bob, hope you are getting better each day and you will also be in my prayers.

Vicki

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Thank you so much Vicki!

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

I have some sad news to report.

Switlana's niece contacted me about 9:30pm this evening to let me know she passed away about 7:15pm. She needs to know who was scheduled to take her to her appointment tomorrow, Monday. 

She also wanted to know if anyone would be able to take her dog. Her niece already has pets and they don't know what they will do with her dog. I am not sure what type of dog she is but I do know she is a small dog. Switlana was talking about her dog on Friday when I took her to her appointment. She said the day before her dog kept licking her and cuddling up to her because she thought her dog knew she wasn't feeling good. Then Friday she said she must doing okay because her dog was keeping her distance from her and she laughed.

Her niece said Petersons Funeral Home is where the arrangements are being made. As soon as I know anything I will let you all know.

Thank you all so much for your kindness toward Switlana. She didn't think anybody would care or want to help her. I told her there were more people who cared about her than she realized and if they knew what she was going through they would want to help. I am glad you all proved me right! We truly do have a great Class!

God Bless all of you!

Aimee Koehn (Metzler)

This news is heartbreaking. Thank you  for the update, Terry. I was scheduled to take her to her appts. this week. Please tell the niece not to worry about notifiying anyone regarding her transportation, Rest in peace, Switlana.

Marci Phillips

Terry thanks for the saddening update of Switlana. I received a text this morning that she had passed away. Thbx for being such a dear friend. and all you have done for her. You always find out who your truest friends are in bad times and crisis. You definitely have that with Switlana. Please. find out what kind of dog  she has in case  I hear of someone who wants a dog. My grandson and wife are great rescuers of animals. They live in Lawrence. I could call them and see if they are interested. Just a thought. Thank you for keeping us posted.

Brenda Drake (Anderson)

I am so very sorry to hear this. We were such good friends in High School.  I spoke with her when I was home for the reunion.  I am shocked and saddened.

Becky Barker (Davis)

I'm sure all classmates have a heavy heart today.  Just spoke with Switlana Sat. evening and yes she seemed

to be doing okay that day. Such a shock. Will miss her dearly.  Thoughts and Prayers for her brother and family.

Thank You Terry for all you did to help Switlana.

Robert Hurley

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Thank you everyone for your comments about Switlana. She cried and thanked me on the phone for letting people know about her condition. It really touched her heart to realize she didn't need to try to fight this on her own. She never even told her family how bad she was or they would have helped her. 

A friend of Switlana's that worked with her at NMC, Shanna Quiring, said she would like to take Woody, her Lhasa Apso. She said Switlana always talked talked about Woody and was really glad she had her little doggie to get through losing Stan. I passed Shanna's info on to her niece.

Thank you all for your kind words and support. I will keep you posted if I find out anything about her services.

God Bless you all!

Bob Hurley, I am so glad to hear you are doing well. My prayers are with you. I miss seeing you occasionaly at the Blood Drives.

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Thank you Marci. If Shanna is unable to keep Woody or he doesn't adapt well with her, I will let you know. She may need someone who knows how to care for dogs like Woody.