She Inspires Me

Everything has a purpose.

Small things or huge one must be appreciated.

But have you ever think how can some person still appreciates life, flash smiles, and show to to the world that I CAN.

Last Friday almost all of my time in front of the net was spend in reading and browsing anything about her.

I was able to know her through my multiply sibling ...thanks Abhie :)

At first I don't know who is she on the photos I am viewing until as I go on...

I can't help my tears to fall down...not because I pity her but because she inspired me.

From then on I keep following her on different site and even emailed her personally.

I know she didn't only inspired me but helped to change a part of me.

I owe you dear... Thank you

And what's the most I am excited for is to meet her personally.

I'm looking forward to the day that I can talk to her personally and hug her while extending how grateful I am that I meet her and inspired me.

"Some people awaken us

to new and deeper realizations...
for we gain insight

from the passing whisper of their wisdom.

Throughout our lives we are sent

precious souls...

meant to share our journey

however brief or lasting their stay

they remind us why we are here.

To learn...to teach...to nurture...to love. "

A lady who inspired  me and will continue to inspire me and many people...

A lady who lives in her HOPE, FAITH and LOVE with GOD...

A lady who is tough to face the challenges that life brings...

A lady who knows the essence of SHARING & GIVING...

A lady who changes a part of me

A lady who believes that  all things are possible in GOD

 

Give thanks everyday to the life you have -- to whatever you have

 

God is fair

 

Whatever situation we are, never ask God "why"

 

TRUST & REMAIN in HIM

 

He knows the best for us.

 

Happy Monday!

 

God Bless

 

 

Thank you Kcat

Guys, this is the first column she wrote in Manila Bulletin. I am sure you will be inspire also.

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An examined life

KCAT CAN
By MA. KATHRINA YARZA
July 4, 2010, 10:58am

Kcat and a patient during her annual birthday project where she donates supplies to various pediatric wards of the Philippine General Hospital.
I can’t walk, can’t move my left arm and hand, can’t smile, can’t hear — but there are a lot more things that I can do!

Life is tough, there are pains, struggles and hardships, but life is beautiful no matter what... and I am claiming it!

I am Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza, 27 years old, and everyone calls me Kcat. I am inflicted with a very rare disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) or tumor of the nerves. I have benign tumors in my brain, spine, and scattered around my body. These have caused a lot of complications like partial paralysis on the left extremities, difficulty in swallowing, facial numbness, deafness and more.

I can’t walk, can’t move my left arm and hand, can’t smile, can’t hear and the list goes on. There are a lot of things I can’t do, but there are a lot more things that I can do. I can’t but I CAN!

I was living a normal life just like everyone else until I was diagnosed with NF2 in 2004. My world turned upside down, and everything changed. The world seemed to be moving so fast just because I was moving slow. I wanted time to stop and wait for me, but it wouldn’t. I needed to move with the world. Just because I’m sick doesn’t mean I need to continue being sick and just lie on my bed and stay at home. Life must go on.

I can’t hear, but I can talk; and I am very talkative!

I can’t walk, but I have a wheelchair and I can still go out and hang-out with my family and friends.

I can’t smile, but I can make others smile and I’m happy about that.

I can’t paint and draw anymore since I’m left-handed and I cannot move it, but I can still use my creativity through doing graphic designs with my right hand.

But despite my condition, I am still Kcat. I can still do what I used to do and I am still me, nothing has changed.

HOPEFUL

My condition was never a hindrance from doing the things I want to do. As long as I can, I would do it. Besides, life is never hopeless.

I never lose hope and I know I will recover and be able to regain my strength again soon. As of now, there is no cure for NF2, hopefully someday there would be. NF2 is in me, I have already accepted that, and I must live with it happily.

Being able to accept it doesn’t mean I’ll just let it be and do nothing about it. I am still doing my best to get better and fully recover. I still have therapies for rehabilitation and regular check-ups to monitor my condition. I strongly believe that it is through our faith that we are healed. God is the greatest healer!

While I was browsing through the internet, I found a device that could help me hear the world again. I was so excited and a bit sad at the same time because it was so expensive and we couldn’t afford it. But I didn’t let that matter disappoint me, instead I kept thinking of ways on how I could raise money for it. I kept thinking and praying until I thought of a great idea!

HEAR IT!

I went in front of my computer and made my hEAR design. I started selling shirts and set-up an online store. I was able to catch media’s attention and was featured in some TV programs. I use my craft as an artist, I personally design every item and each one has a meaning to me. Through the generous help of many people, I was able to raise funds for my implant and hear the world again.

Having this kind of disease is so expensive.

My regular twice a year cranial MRI/CT scan to monitor my brain tumors, physical therapies, maintenance medicines for my eyes and anti-seizure, and possible surgeries for some tumors that are causing me harm are all expensive. I started raising money for my cochlear implant in 2007 and I am continuously doing my fund drive to sustain my medical needs.

I never question God “WHY?” because I knew from the start that everything has a reason. We are all given a life, but that doesn’t mean we live just by breathing. I am so grateful that I have my family and friends on this journey. They are my blessings!

I need them; and just the same, I know they need me too. That is why I have never thought of giving up.

Life goes on. I believe that every day is a miracle; every hour, every minute, every second and every breath. I have been given the chance to live, so I am choosing to live life to the fullest with all that I am and everything that I have. I always tell everyone that I CAN despite and in spite of everything that I’m going through. I did and I’m doing it now, and so can you? You can! Trust GOD.

(The author is suffering from a rare genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). She maintains an online store (www.kcatyarza.com) that sells products she personally designed to benefit her hEAR Fund Raising Project. If you have any questions, you can reach the author through kcatyarza@yahoo.com)