Hey everyone,
This is Traci-Christina's team mate. It is with tremendous sadness to let the AR family know that Christina passed away last night after a long and hard fought battle. Please read below the blog by her friend, Kay. I will update y'all when funeral arrangments are made. Thank you to all of you who were her friend. She will be missed more than words can express.
If you would like to send donations to Relay for Life in memory of Christina the address is:
First Realty Company
2625 N Main Street
Suite 203
Crossville TN 38555
Donations made out to Relay for Life
Remembering Christina...
After battling Ovarian Cancer and three brain tumors, Christina past away last evening. Her battle was long and hard, and she never gave up living and smiling. The people who's lives she touched knows her determination and love for all that is with God's creation. Christina is a true inspiration to people as she always had a smile for everyone. When I first met Christina, I saw her here on Active Rain. It was Spring of 2007, and we were both on the Tennessee front page at 8,000 points. As I began to blog on Active Rain, I would read other's blogs and especially noticed hers. Her content was inspirational and quite informing about our area and interests. Then, after a few weeks, her company closed and remembering that my broker had mentioned wanting to open an office in our neighboring town, I called her...It went something like this..."Hey girl, I know you don't know me, but I know you from Active Rain." We both laughed and the friendship was on. I am so glad she came to work with us and we became friends. During her battle with Ovarian Cancer, she would tell me to spread the word. She wanted women to know that your regular yearly exam (pap smear) does not test for Ovarian Cancer, but only Cervical Cancer. As a fund raiser for her, I remembered her wishes and began to spread the word. I have never felt so good about a cause before. I know if we can reach at least one woman in time, our mission will not be wasted. Bringing together people in love and friendship is who she was as a person. She loved selling Real Estate for that very reason.
Some facts about Ovarian Cancer:
- Ovarian Cancer is the fourth leading cause of death among women
- A Pap Smear is used to detect Cervical Cancer, not Ovarian Cancer
- There is NO consistent and accurate screening test, however, a blood test to determine the level of a tumor called a CA-125 is available.
- Only 5-10 percent of Ovarian Cancer is the result of inherited susceptibility gene. Most Ovarian cancers are sporadic, meaning they occur in women who do not have a family history of Ovarian Cancer.
- Many people incur these symtoms: Abdominal pressure, bloating, discomfort, nausea, indigestion, or gas, constipation, diarrhea, or frequent urination, abnormal bleeding, unusual fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, and shortness of breath. While these symptoms are often acute or intense, they are not silent. Many of us experience these symptoms from time to time, do not be alarmed..It's when they persist or seem unusual that you should see your doctor.
- Early recognition is the best way to save lives. Without increased education about Ovarian Cancer, many women and their doctors will continue to ignore or misinterpret the symptoms. Remember, early detection can mean a 90% and over survival rate.
As she departs from this life, I will remember her as she would turn around and giggle, and as she walks away she gives a wink and a smile and says....Later tater....
I dedicate one of my favorite poems to Christina as this reminds me of her individualism and wisdom..
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN..
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.~ROBERT FROST
POSTED BY: Kay Bennett, Realtor®/Friend®
First Realty Company
116 S. Low Ave.
Cookeville, TN. 38501
Traci,
Thank you for posting this...She will be missed so much by so many as she truly touched everyone by her wonderful friendships, and through her writing...her blogs were awesome! ~Kay
There are no words to express how much Christina will be missed.
Traci, this is very sad about Christina. I loved her here at Active Rain. Such a young woman too. She will dearly be missed by those she touched which was many.
Traci, I am so sad to hear about the loss of a dear friend. Christina had become one of my first friends here in the rain when I joined. She was hesitant to blog openly about her illness and so we shared a few private emails. She had been so courageous and determined to fight her battle and I believe she did that with a smile and a sense of positiveness that could dismiss the concerns of everybody around her. I know people will remember her for her beautiful smile and wonderful attributes. I know I will.
Oh, I'm very sad to read this. I've enjoyed Christina's blogs very much.
Miss you Christina. See you in Heaven.
Actually, I think we only met face-to-face about 3 times while we were working on co-listings, but I feel like I know her much better through her blogging on Active Rain. She is the one who initially invited me to join Active Rain before she ever came to First Realty. At the time I had no idea who she was or what Active Rain was about, so I pretty much ignored it, but I kept her and Active Rain in the back of my mind (I was always so impressed by how pretty her hair was in that Active Rain picture). Then I got a floor-duty lead from someone who was looking in Crossville, so I
passed it on to her (again, before the Crossville First Realty office opened). So, once all of you came to First Realty it was just a natural fit that she and I would work together. I can remember the first co-list that we worked together - this was the first time that I met her in person. As I was about to leave to drive down the mountain, she reached through my window and patted me on the arm, just like we had been friends forever. She was a special person and I will truly miss her until I see her again in Heaven.
I am saddened by Christina's passing. My thoughts and prayers will remain for her family and friends that will so mourn her passing her.
Bo
I am so sorry for your loss. I was surprised by the news as I hadn't checked in on Christina's blog in a while. Pass along our best to her family and other friends.
Oh no! I'm so sorry. I didn't even know. Her posts haven't been frequent lately, but she was always so positive. And I didn't know her personally, (obviously) but in her photo, she's so beautiful. What I learned of her through her blogs, depicted a beautiful person both inside and out.
Traci,
I am sitting here with tears in my eyes, wishing that I hadn't been so busy that I missed your post about her being readmitted to Vandi earlier. My heart is so heavy for you and her family--I know you'll miss her terribly. She was such a special, beautiful and positive person here in the Rain so, I KNOW how she must have been as a partner. Thank you so much for always keeping us updated and know that you'll be in my prayers as I can't imagine losing a partner--on our team, we're like brothers and sisters.
Tracy: It is a sad day hearing about the passing of Christina. I only knew her here in the rain.
I can't believe what I am reading. Can this be true? I can barely see through my tears to complete this comment. Though I had never met Christina, or even spoke to her on the phone, she was one of the kindest and most gentle souls I had ever met. She was one of the first people to reach out to me in the Rain and her sweet and loving nature will be missed.
Rest in Peace Christina...Until we meet...
Traci: I am so so sorry to hear about Christina. I knew her only through her blog, but her goodness, warmth, and positive spirit shone through her words.
You have my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear friend, and I hope you will extend my sympathies to her family.
Take care.
Kim
I miss her personality, so much. I loved blogging with her. You should ensure all her blogs are saved, the ones she wrote. I cannot believe she's gone. I'm so sick of people dying of cancer, it makes me angry.
A tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. It shows that you have lost a true friend. May God watch over you in your time of loss.
Thank you for sharing this. It is such a loss that Christina has passed away. I knew her here at the Rain and knew she was a very positive person. My thoughts and prayers and with her family during this time.
Christina was such a beautiful person and I am so saddened by this news. She touched so many lives and will continue to live on in our memories. Thoughts and prayers.
Absolutely sad. I wish everyone that was close to her all the best. I found her through Greg Nino's crazy Wednesday antics and she was not only a sweet woman, but she was pretty dang funny, too.
Traci--I hope you are okay. Take care.
I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't read her blogs in a while, and I had no idea that she wasn't well. Thank you so much for posting the symptoms of ovarian cancer, as it can help so many other women.
Traci, I am so sad to learn about Christina. I knew she was battling her illness. Such a beautiful young woman, makes you stop and realize how precious life is. Stay strong all of you will be in my prayers.
As the tears roll down my face I am saddened, life just isn't fair. I hope you find peace in your own heart, and her family as well......I have no words, just sorrow for another fallen colleague.
I am sad and tear fill my eyes as I think of the battle she fought to the end with a smile on her face . I know the smile was the smile of knowing GOD is waiting for her with open arms and she is continueing her work on the other side of helping and cheering all her loved ones here on.
Please add this post to our Honoring our deceased members group so we can remember Christina.
Hi Traci,
Oh my, I'm sooooo sorry to hear about Christina's passing. Cancer (of all types) has taken too many too young. Just today we got word of a little friend age 11 who just lost her battle. God Bless them all.
Thank you for sharing this with us. I found this post via the link love from Rebecca L.
Hello Traci, My deepest condolences on Christina's passing. Thank you for sharing with us.
I just stumbled on the post...it touched me..I am sorry to say I never had the opportunity to meet her....God bless her family and all who knew and loved her
I just stumbled on the post...it touched me..I am sorry to say I never had the opportunity to meet her....God bless her family and all who knew and loved her
My God, I am sorry. I wish that I had known her. My heart cries with sorrow and anquish. I would have loved her. A cure must be found. Now.
-David-
Just wanted to bump this post to the top again.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. This is a tragic loss.
I don't know if anyone monitors Christina's blog anymore - I just reread the last few posts - and once again was moved and touched......Christina left us too soon.....
I miss you sister! Love you always!
We still miss you, Christina!....Say 'Hi!" to Jesus for me!...
I can't believe its been almost a year.... We haven't forgotten you!!!
Ran across one of Christina's biz cards this week, and thought I would stop by and see if this was still here. I was so happy I took the time to get to know this wonderful person on AR and through letters and cards. Hug someone today in honor of Christina.
I've been away from my AR blog for way too long. I have thought of Christina often and had no idea she had passed. I considered her to be my AR buddy...with such a kind spirit. I had no idea she was even battling this until today. She was such a beautiful woman, so kind and vibrant. I appreciate you posting this and had no idea ovarian cancer could not be detected through a pap. Coming back to AR, it felt as if something were different and I know it's because I'm so used to seeing her picture, reading her posts but due to her blog being at the bottom of my list (due to the last blog date)...I just caught this post. My prayer goes out to her family and even though it's been over a year since she has left us, I will think of her (as I always do) when I get on AR. She is missed.
Your post and tribute to your friend is touching, I think the message that speaking volumes is to be proactive about ones health male or female.
The postings by Christina were awesome with her historical references, her upbeat attitude, and her outstanding pictures.Will someone be continuing the work she began and is there a way to make some of her photos- especially the historical ones- available for further enjoyment?