Organizing for America | Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog: Thoughts and Prayers for Elizabeth Edwards

Thoughts and Prayers for Elizabeth Edwards

By Sam Graham-Felsen - Mar 22nd, 2007 at 3:59 pm EDT

Comments | Mail to a Friend | Report Objectionable Content

Barack Obama:

"Today, Michelle and I join every American in sending our thoughts and prayers to Elizabeth and John and the entire Edwards family. We all admire Elizabeth’s strength and determination and the deep love they so obviously share."

Reader Comments	Comments RSS
Comments are closed for this post.

Best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards | Report to Admin

By Jay Varkey Mar 22nd 2007 at 4:32 pm EDT

I am not an oncologist but as a physician, I care for many patients who have breast cancer. A bony lesion means that her breast cancer has reached Stage IV disease--this is bad. The data is not good:

Only 5-10% of patients with Stage IV disease survive five or more years. That is why, as the Edwards' stated today, Stage IV disease is generally not considered 'curable.'

HOWEVER, 2-5% of women diagnosed with bony metastatic breast cancer become 'long-term survivors.' Fortunately, Elizabeth's relatively young age, active lifestyle, and singular metastatic focus are all well-recognized as excellent prognostic factors.

In summary, the news is not good. However, despite the grim statistics, nobody (despite what you may see in the mainstream media, 'medical experts', bloggers) can accurately predict her individual prognosis.

I echo Barack and Michelle's well-written statement. Best wishes and prayers to Elizabeth Edwards--very impressive woman.

Best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards | Report to Admin

By John Cavanaugh Mar 22nd 2007 at 4:39 pm EDT

As we work to create a new and better kind of politics by means of our grassroots efforts on behalf of Senator Obama, I also hope we all will pause a moment to offer our prayers and encouragement for Mrs. Edwards. Our modern campaign process is burdensome enough on candidates and their immediate families. Having to face a health crisis at the same time is almost too much to endure. Let's show the real power of our hope and positive politics by lending whatever thoughtful support we can to Senator Edwards and his wife Elizabeth during this most difficult time.

Reply from Senator Edwards | Report to Admin

By John Cavanaugh Mar 23rd 2007 at 4:44 pm EDT

Dear John,

Elizabeth and I are so grateful for your prayers and wishes. Your support means a great deal to us during this difficult time.

As you may have heard, Wednesday we found out that Elizabeth's breast cancer is back, but confined mainly to her bones. Although this isn't the news we wanted to hear, we are very optimistic. Having been through many struggles together in the past, we know that the key is to keep your head up, keep moving and be strong. And that's exactly what we intend to do.

Elizabeth and I have been married for nearly 30 years and we will be in this every step of the way together. We will keep a positive attitude and always look for the silver lining—that's what we do.

Although the cancer is no longer curable, it is treatable, and many patients in similar circumstances have lived full, energetic lives. We expect nothing less for Elizabeth. She expects to do all the things next week that she did last week.

Our campaign goes on and it goes on strongly. We are so proud of the campaign we are running—a campaign based on ideas and reaching out to people. This campaign is not about me or Elizabeth—it's about all the people we have met these past few years and people like them all across America and the world—people worried about feeding and clothing their kids; people without health care; people facing hardships overseas.

Both of us are committed to this campaign. We're committed to this cause and we're committed to changing this country we love so much.

Thank you again for your support and for standing with us.

John Edwards

Re: Best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards | Report to Admin

By wonkie Mar 22nd 2007 at 4:40 pm EDT

I kind of suspected that they were putting a brave face on bad news.

Well i sure hope thhat she is n the lucky 5%.

Good luck, Elizabeth.

Re: Best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards | Report to Admin

By Jay Varkey Mar 22nd 2007 at 5:01 pm EDT

I just re-read my own post and realize I should clarify the following:

The 5-10% statistic includes ALL women with Stage IV breast cancer. In other words, it includes some women who, unlike Elizabeth Edwards, have cancer that has spread widely to multiple bones, brain, etc.

The fact that Edwards has been diagnosed with a singular bony focus (on the rib) is very encouraging news. Wonkie is right--let's pray that she will be a long-term survivor.

Elizabeth Edwards | Report to Admin

By wheelbarrow Mar 22nd 2007 at 5:02 pm EDT

She's a very good woman. I really respect her. God's strength be with her and her family.

Empathy and kindness | Report to Admin

By swimshade Mar 22nd 2007 at 5:13 pm EDT

This is the kind of campaign and candidate that I am proud to be affiliated with. Thank you for making the focus of the day one of empathy and kindness for a family that is dealing with bad news and a tough struggle.

Let's all hope real hard for the best for the Edwards family. Hope is our thing, you know....

This is a great batch of Democratic Candidates | Report to Admin

By Duane Hill Mar 22nd 2007 at 5:27 pm EDT

This is a great batch of Democratic candidates and I wish John and Elizabeth Edwards the best and many years of good health.

response | Report to Admin

By Bosnian Sniper Fox Mar 22nd 2007 at 5:26 pm EDT

.She is included in my Prayers....coming from an atheist, because everyone prays, regardless of religion.

Elizabeth Edwards | Report to Admin

By Deana Mar 22nd 2007 at 8:04 pm EDT

Elizabeth Edwards seems like a very kind and geniune person. Of all the characters involved in the '04 show, I viewed her to be the most trustworthy.

All the best to the Edwards family.

Re: Elizabeth Edwards | Report to Admin

By Pagoda-V Mar 22nd 2007 at 8:20 pm EDT

Mrs. Edwards is a strong, wonderful woman, wife and a great American. It was touching to hear John talk about how when they were in the midst of their difficult day yesterday, and when alone Elizabeth's focus was on their children, John, and this country. What I read into that is that John was probably devastated by the news (understandably so) and wanted to postpone or cancel his campaign. Elizabeth gave him "permission" (eased any guilt that he may have felt) by insisting that they put America first, as they negotiate the difficulties of her circumstances. Elizabeth is a great woman.

Re: Elizabeth Edwards | Report to Admin

By Deana Mar 23rd 2007 at 6:01 pm EDT

Agreed. She is truly a lovely person.

And this thread goes to prove the character of Obama and his supporters: having such kind words for the competition at this time.

Nonetheless this situation does not change the fact the John Edwards will not get my vote.

A brave woman | Report to Admin

By Ashe Mar 22nd 2007 at 8:30 pm EDT

I echo Barack in wishing all the best to the Edwardses. They have had to deal with tragedy in their lives, and have handled it with dignity and grace. I enjoyed listening to Ms. Edwards during the '04 campaign...and I found her to be charismatic, intelligent, insightful and genuine. She has all the qualifications to run for public office but chose not to. I think HRC can learn a lot from Ms. Edwards'genuine character

Re: A brave woman | Report to Admin

By Connie Mar 22nd 2007 at 11:14 pm EDT

I'm a little off topic here, but I want to comment on being engaged in Obama's campaign. On March 31, I was at huge rally in Oakland (it was quite an experience seeing Barack person). On March 24, I'm attending a private fundraiser at a stranger's house. On March 31, I will be in Berkeley, again with folks I've never met, to watch Obama in Iowa. I can't believe it! The next weekend, I'll take off for the Easter holiday.

I have always voted because people in Selma died so that I'd have that right. But I've never been involved, nor have I ever donated time or money. I'm really having fun; hope is a good thing.

P.S. John and Liz Edwards are both strong, ambitious people, just like Barack and Michelle. I admire them all.

Putting it all in perspective | Report to Admin

By Ali from Beverly Hills, CA Mar 22nd 2007 at 11:02 pm EDT

This puts everything in perspective. The presidential campaigns, politics, competition, debates, all of this is trivial when you face tragedy. I join the others here in admiring Elizabeth's courage and to wish her all the best.

Re: Putting it all in perspective | Report to Admin

By Phil In the Cuse Mar 22nd 2007 at 11:44 pm EDT

I completely agree with all of the above comments. A big reason why I signed on to this campaign from the start was the positive and uplifting tone it has set from the outset. In these few moments, and in the days and months ahead, everyone here should take a little time to pray for Elizabeth in her brave fight.
I had a cousin who lost a battle to bone cancer before he was 15, and that still hurts. Barack lost his mother to cancer. Cancer seems to hit every family at one point or another. So let's be united and strong in saying that Elizabeth, we're with you and never give up!

Best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards | Report to Admin

By Flow Mar 22nd 2007 at 11:54 pm EDT

My thoughts and prayers go out to Elizabeth and her family.May God bless and keep them strong.

ELIZABETH EDWARDS | Report to Admin

By Nancy from Mansfield, MA Mar 23rd 2007 at 2:20 am EDT

Thank you for your kind words about Elizabeth Edwards. This must be a very hard time for her and her family. I hope to see both Elizabeth and John Edwards out campaigning. The more voices the better.

My prayers to Mrs. Edwards, | Report to Admin

By Drew in SC Mar 23rd 2007 at 2:26 am EDT

For all of those who have expressed good will to The Edwards family I say this.
Yes I support Obama ( and Gore), but take time to go to John Edwards blog and offer your thoughts. Elizabeth Edwards is well known to read the blog comments and she would do well to read of our concern and best wishes.
~D