FREE ovarian cancer screening at the
This program is open to asymptomatic women who are at least 50 years of age or women over 25 years of age who can document that a close family member had ovarian cancer. You need to call in the fall to be screened in the spring. It’s painless and only takes about 15 minutes. I’ve never had to wait to be seen. This is the best test for ovarian cancer and it’s FREE! (You just have to travel to
Please go to this website for more information: http://clik.to/ovary or call 1-800-766-8279.
A Tribute To
And she will be loved in her death as she was in her life.
If life was a lake then she was the dock,
If life was a lead mine then she was a rock.
For though she was sick, she stayed grounded and firm
With a will as tough as galena,
For the love she bestowed and the strength that she showed
We’ll never forget you,
With God as our strength we know we’ll get by
Though we’ll never get an answer to that big question…”why?”
Finding comfort in the arms of the Lord as we pray
We will seek to go forward in life everyday.
God’s plan is so vast we can’t really know it
But we know He is with us and some day He will show it.
Though we do not know of this great, unseen Plan
The minute she got there she saw it so clear
And she’s sending God’s peace to her loved ones so dear.
She’ll never go far from the ones that she’s loved
And she’ll stay with them and guide them from up above.
May the love that she had for Jim and the boys
Be the love that we feel—above all the noise.
May her strength be our strength as we go through the day
And she’ll always be in our heart as we live and we pray.
May God Bless Your Family. Love, Sally and Rob Rains
February 25, 2007
Dear Jim, Alec, and Eric, My sincerest sympathies on your tragic loss. It was wonderful to visit with you all and see all the great photos of Gina Sue and the family. Gina was a force of nature and a delight as a friend. Who will kick my butt now?
Nick Gonzalez (Tucson, AZ)
February 18, 2007
To Jim, Alec, Erik, family and friends, It was at one of those famous post-Christmas celebrations at Gus's where I first met Gina. She was standing in the dining room with Bridget and Nikki - all of them talking- at the same time. Imagine that! At first, I thought they were all talking about different topics, but somehow, the conversations melted back some strange call-and-response that only the Klein girls can pull off. It was truly amazing. It was also a night full of chili, and family and warmth. I smile when I think of Gina and that night, as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. I hope you all can, too. Thanks for keeping the blog, Bridget. It was very moving for you to share such intimate moments. And a special shout out to Fred. I know Gina was glad to have you with her. I am happy to have been part of so many celebrations.Peace and LoveAve and Geri
Averelle Talbott (Alexandria, VA)
February 18, 2007
To all the Klein family, but especially to Jim and the boys - I was sorry to hear of Gina's death. I know you've been through a lot in recent years with her illness. My prayers are with you all.
Pam Mertens (Springfield, VA)
February 16, 2007
In loving memory of Gina: It seems like only yesterday to me that Gina, Bridget, and I spent so many summer nights together working for the Louisville Redbirds. From Sections 109 through 112, we laughed and cheered. In fact, if it wasn't for Gina and Bridget, I would never have had the opportunity to have so much fun. I have thought and prayed for Gina often through the years, and I know now that she is watching over the ones she loved from a special place in Heaven. I hope that you all find comfort in remembering the joy you feel from knowing and loving someone as special as Gina. May God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Laura Weber (Fairfax, VA)
February 16, 2007
Dear Jim, Alec, Erik and family, I have often thought of the times we've spent together. It surprises me that Regina and I only taught together for 1 year at St. Joe's. The friendships made there lasted longer and the times were so fun. As I was talking to Dianne, it dawned on me how that time in my life and the people I shared it with are so vivid in my mind. It makes me laugh to think of the 1st time Regina met Rich. You had a halloween party. I was a rabbit and Rich was a carrot. He was painted orange. The next time Regina saw him, she was truly surprised. She said she always pictured him orange. She kept us going back then and someone said she's still keeping us going because we've talked to people we haven't talked to in ages. The one thing I knew was that it didn't matter how long it had been between visits. We would pick up right where we'd left off, just like it was yesterday. Although I'll miss her terribly, I choose to think that we'll pick up again right where we left off...someday.Love to you Jim.Rich, Julie, Gracie and Abbie Hahler
Julie Hahler (Omaha, NE)
February 16, 2007
The news about Gina's passing both shocked and saddened me. We unfortunately lost touch over the years, but I have many fond memories from our summer "engineering for high schoolers" class at U of L and our years at Bellarmine. To all of Gina's loved ones: you will be held close in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Please let me know if I can be of any help at all. Gina had a lovely spirit, I'm sure now even more lovely in heaven.
Beth Brumleve Olliges (Louisville, KY)
February 15, 2007
Dear Jim, So sorry to hear about Regina's passing. My condolences to you and the boys. So sorry we didn't make the wake, just heard about it. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Mike & Kathy Murphy (Festus, MO)
February 15, 2007
Dear Jimmy, We were so profoundly sorry to hear of Regina’s passing. Although we never had the pleasure to know her it is so sad that someone so young should be taken from you and your children. I know there is little consolation at a time like this in words and prayers, but I hope you know that your loss is sincerely felt and you and your family are in our hearts. We have thought of you so many times over the years since our many trips to Keystone and ski trips with your folks. Fondly and sincerely, Joan & Bill Speckin
Joan & Bill Speckin (Ladera Ranch, CA)
February 15, 2007
Jim, I'm so sorry to hear of Regina's passing. My thoughts are with you and your boys.
Mark (Ice) Matthews (Attleboro, MA)
February 15, 2007
ERIK, ALEX, AND JIM Know that your mother and wife will always be with you. She will help open those doors that need to be opened to your life.Love to each of you.
Joyce Beisler Lavelle (Louisville, KY)
February 15, 2007
Jimmy and Family: We were so very sorry to hear of Regina's passing. You are all in our prayers.
Kris (Loesche) Winterbauer (Freeburg, IL)
February 15, 2007
Jim, You may not remember me, I'm one of Terry and Ice's friends. I met you several times when the 3 of you lived together years ago. I was very saddened to learn of your wife's passing. I'll keep you and your boys in my prayers. May God give you comfort and strength during this time, and at all times.
J. Bill Sosh (London, KY)
February 15, 2007
Gina, I cannot begin to express the grief over losing you. You will always be my dearest friend, Reg.Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love always,Lina
Lina Guerrero (Louisville)
February 15, 2007
Jim, Words cannot express the deep sorrow that Darlene and I feel for the loss of your beloved Gina. Seems only yesterday that we were taking that open air train ride from your wedding to the reception. Always know that we will have you, Alec and Erik in our prayers to go forth without your dear wife and mother. Please don't hesitate to call anytime you need to talk to a friend. May God be with you and the boys and may Gina now rest in peace after her long battle.
Terry and Darlene Settles (Louisville, KY)
February 15, 2007
Gina, what am I going to do without you? You were the consummate big sister.Love you always,Bridget
Bridget Klein (Louisville, KY)
February 14, 2007
Jim, on behalf of the DiMercurio family our prayers and well wishes go out to you and the boys. Words cannot help fill the empty hole in your hearts. Regina was a fighter a woman of great courage, love of her family, and great devotion and love for Jesus Christ. I know that you cannot ever get over the lost of your soulmate, but we are here for you and will always remember her as a beautiful mother, wife, and friend. Whatever we can do please let us know. Sincere respect: The DiMercurio's John, DeAnn, Alex, and Ryan.
John Dimercurio (St. Louis, MO)
February 14, 2007
Jim and Family, We are deeply saddened by Regina's passing and remember fondly our times together at Keystone Resort. We wish you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the the midst of pain.
Dave, Heidi, Dillon and Ben Dinter (Gurnee, IL)
February 14, 2007
Jim & family, So sorry to hear of your loss of Regina. May God comfort you and your family thru this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Jackie & Ray StufflebeanSt. Joseph, Missouri
February 14, 2007
Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am to hear about Regina's passing. She was a very special person and holds a very special place in my heart and memory. She was such a good friend. Some of my best and favorite memories are those I spent with Regina in our early days as "SAHMs". We had some good times with the kids. I will miss her deeply.
Shelly Manning (Eden Prairie, MN)
February 14, 2007
Jim and Family-Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Jenniffer & Tom Sheldon (O'Fallon)
February 14, 2007
Dear Jim & Family-We were sad to hear about the loss of Regina. Our hearts go out to you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time.
Nikki, Dave & Danielle Powell (Westminster, CO)
February 14, 2007
Dear Jim And Family-My prayers and thoughts go out to you at this difficult time!May God Bless you all and offer you comfort.
Jennifer Knapp (St. Louis, MO)
February 14, 2007
My sympathy goes to the Herzog family, Whitey, Mary Lou, Jim and all in your family. My prayers are with you all, Dorothy Hacker, New Athens
Dorothy Hacker (New Athens, IL)
February 14, 2007
Sorry to hear of the death of Regina. Damian and I send our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Damian/Joanne Snow (Independence, MO)
February 14, 2007
You were such a unique person. Always had a smile on your face and a kind word to say. I will miss you very much.
Lisa Koester (St. Louis, MO)
February 14, 2007
Dear Jim and Family, I just got your phone call and can't tell you how saddened I am about your loss of Regina. We have been praying for her since we met and am glad to hear you and the boys are hanging in there as there is no easy way to deal with a loss. We love you Jim and will continue praying for you and your boys in this tough time.
Mark Gerling (Palm Coast, FL)
February 14, 2007
My sympathy and prayers go out to you and your entire family. May God grant you the peace that only He can give.In His Love,
Cathy (Sinn) Flowers (Annandale, VA)
Funeral Liturgy of
1
I ask your patience for a moment.
Here’s the scenario:
imagine a children’s sandbox.
A young Dad is driving home from work.
In the backyard, in the sandbox,
are his little daughter, her younger brother,
(who, incidentally, didn’t get nap today),
…and there’s a borrowed toy truck,
a toddler’s shouting,
angry and hurt feelings,
soon a fistful of sand about to be hurled
when Daddy pulls into the driveway.
He puts down his attaché case,
quickly slips off his shoes and socks,
as he rolls up pants legs, and steps into the sandbox,
to the glee and transformation of two little ones.
Last night, gazing into the casket
we could still see tenderness and beauty of Gina…
I was captured by the Valentine from Jim,
sacred messages from Alec and Eric
stories in photographs and flowers
.
2
As we celebrate Gina’s life…,
these symbols of love remind us of our incarnate God —
a God who, in Jesus, rolls up His pants, takes off shoes/socks,
and enters our messy world,
a world of war and hatred,
scandal & cynicism,
broken promises and broken dreams.
I don’t know the reason Philip and Serena chose the name
(the name means queen, of course),
…but I do know that Jesus, son of Mary,
Queen of Heaven and Earth,
reveals a God of unconditional LOVE.
Our God of love is believable because of the words and actions
of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is believable because of the words and actions
of Gina Herzog
We try to embrace that love this morning,
with all its agony and ecstasy.
Gina’s death diminishes us all.
We are all the poorer for her passing.
Grace has truly been taken from our midst.
For several days now we’ve been feeling
an overwhelming sense of separation,
and the futility of irreversible loss.
The death of a loved one,
especially someone as young and vibrant as Gina,
drives us to the brink of irrationality
since no adequate reason can be given
why someone so young and so good
should die and be taken from among us.
If we judge and value someone’s life by its length or yield,
then for someone like Gina,
her life can barely be called the beginning of success.
Like anyone in their early 40’s, she was just moving into the time of confidence and productivity.
In the cross of Jesus, however,
we learn that it is not in the length
nor in the accomplishments of life…
(though hers were many…her family, sacred marriage, teaching career, 2 beautiful boys, revered friendships)
that makes it valuable,
but in the intensity in which it is lived,
the intensity in which one faces life’s challenges.
3
This morning’s Gospel
when Jesus stands with Martha at Lazarus’ tomb.
“Lord, if you had been here
our brother would not have died.”
Where were you when we needed you?
Where were you when life was slowly taken, stolen from her?
When she was touching the flower of her life—
the threshold of new adventures,
surrounded by family and friends who loved her deeply.
There is no answer that will satisfy the philosopher.
In the face of innocent suffering and tragedy,
human wisdom is bankrupt.
Peace will come not from logic but from trust —
trust that stems from love,
love of a God who, John’s Gospel tells us,
“so loved us that He gave His only Son”
to an excruciating cross.
Peace will come only when, as with Job in the Hebrew Testament,
God shows His face to us —
not for us to experience explanation,
only to experience love.
And so I plead with you now
to touch your experience of love for Gina;
don’t run from it because it hurts so.
The only peace you will find comes from that love.
Where were you, Lord, during these years of cancer struggle?
Closer to Gina, perhaps, than ever before.
Because every Gethsemane is your garden,
and every
Thank you for being with Gina as she shared your agony;
thank you for being near her as she died your death,
and now lives your ever-more-abundant life.
4
Finally,we come this morning in variety of different ways…
Some are energized, some exhausted
some feeling close to God, even fervent or holy…
others miles away & guilt-ridden or shamefaced
… distant from God, others, self.
For some of us, peaceful time of life,
others, time of turmoil, anxiety.
No matter how we come, we’re here because we’re trying,
and because we love —
as Thomas Merton said, “that in itself must please you, Lord.”
Gina, thanks for teaching us your love for LIFE.
… got to thinking
a wonderful kind of biography of the artist, Vincent Van Gogh entitled Lust for Life
author Irving Stone speaks of passion of this 19th c. Dutch artist
even though criticized or ignored,
Van Gogh poured himself into canvas
Colleague, another post impressionist Paul Gaugin,
Van Gosh’s dream artists colony So.
bitter argument
Gaugin shouts:
“All I see in your paintings is you paint too fast.”
Van Gogh:
“Perhaps it’s you who look too fast.”
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of
The doctor says your loved one is dying. Though you knew the end of life would come eventually, you might not feel prepared to let your loved one go. But you can be prepared to help make your loved one's last days of life as comfortable as possible. And understanding what to expect can reduce the anxiety you feel as the end of life draws near.
You can begin by learning about the common signs and symptoms of impending death. Though some signs at the end of life, such as irregular breathing and confusion, can be distressing, know that these are normal parts of the dying process.
Predicting exactly when someone will die is very difficult. Doctors can estimate the end of life in terms of months, weeks or days. But some terminally ill people who seem near death will suddenly get better. Others will progress quicker than expected toward death.
In general, several signs can indicate that your loved one is at the end of life and is beginning the dying process. This is called the pre-active phase of dying, and it generally begins about two weeks before death, but this can vary. Signs that your loved one has entered this phase of the end of life include:
Sometimes your loved one might feel as if death is near. This may be another sign that your loved one is in the pre-active phase.
Talk with your loved one about his or her wishes for the last phase of life. These conversations can be uncomfortable and difficult, but they provide your loved one with the ability to maintain control and help in planning. Ask your doctor or your loved one's doctor for suggestions on how to start such a conversation.
If your loved one has had a chronic illness for some time, you might have already discussed his or her wishes about end-of-life care. If not, you might have an idea, based on your knowledge of the person, where he or she would like to be in the last days of life. Most people say they'd prefer to die at home, but it isn't always possible. Consult your loved one on his or her preferences for care, including:
Also consider costs for each type of service. Medicare or Medicaid may cover some of the costs, depending on your loved one's situation. Discuss your options with your loved one's health care team or with a social worker.
Many terminally ill people seek religious or spiritual guidance at the end of their lives. Spirituality is the search for the sacred and the pursuit of meaning and purpose in life. It might be described as a dynamic process of turning inward to reflect on life, but at the same time turning outward to seek that which is beyond daily experience. For many people, spirituality is found in religion. Others find spirituality in nature, art, music or life in general.
As your loved one feels the end of life approaching, he or she may talk more often about spirituality. Your loved one may talk about the meaning of life or his or her relationship with a higher power. Talk with your loved one about spirituality if he or she wants to. Ask open-ended questions about his or her beliefs, such as, "What do you think your purpose in life has been?" or, "What is it that you still hope to do or accomplish in your life?" Depending on your loved one's wishes, customs and beliefs, you may want to invite a spiritual leader — be it a pastor, rabbi, imam or community elder — to visit.
Do what's appropriate for your loved one's situation. If your family normally doesn't speak of spirituality openly, don't force the subject. But discuss spirituality if your loved one brings it up.
Your loved one may begin to show other signs when death is imminent. This is called the active phase of dying and usually begins about three days before death. How people die varies greatly, but you can expect some of the common signs, including:
| If your loved one: | Try these comfort measures: |
|---|---|
| Has arms and legs that feel cold to the touch, but the trunk feels warm | Use a blanket or sheet to keep him or her warm. |
| Is no longer eating or drinking | Resist the urge to force your loved one to eat or drink. Have water on hand with a straw, since lifting a cup may become difficult. Keep your loved one's mouth moist with a sponge, swab or a spray bottle. Use lip balm or petroleum jelly on the lips. |
| Has congested breathing or a rattling sound when breathing | Keep the head of the bed raised and reposition your loved one every few hours. Ask your loved one's doctor for medications to help this. |
| Has labored breathing | Direct a fan toward your loved one's cheek, try opening a window to let in fresh air, or try other sitting positions that may ease labored breathing. Medications from your loved one's doctor can ease labored breathing. |
| Has incontinence | Keep your loved one clean and dry using incontinence pads or a catheter. Reposition him or her every few hours. |
| Has reduced or blurry vision | Use soft lighting. Stand near the head of the bed so that your loved one can see you better. |
| Has an overactive sense of hearing | Avoid loud noises and television. Try soft music. |
| Is no longer able to speak | Your loved one may still hear and feel. Talk in a soothing voice and hold his or her hand. |
| Shows disorientation, confusion | Speak in short phrases. Repeat the names of people in the room often and remind your loved one of the date and time. |
| Is agitated | Create a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Have a minimal number of people in the room. |
Work with your loved one's doctors and nurses to make death as symptom-free as possible. Many signs and symptoms of imminent death can be treated, such as pain, anxiety, shortness of breath and delirium. While these treatments won't stop your loved one from dying, they can make the process easier for both of you. Report any signs and symptoms that you are unsure of and don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure of what's going on.
Even in a coma, your loved one may still hear you. Though he or she might be unable to speak or might seem asleep, continue talking in a soothing voice. Reassure your loved one that you'll stay nearby. Hold or massage your loved one's hands or feet, or stroke his or her hair.
In the last few days of life, consider what your loved one would want. Was he or she someone who enjoyed having lots of friends and family around? Perhaps you could invite family over to sit with your loved one to share stories and reminisce. If your loved one was a solitary person who enjoyed quiet time alone, perhaps that would make him or her most comfortable.
Often when people are dying, they will reach a period of time when it seems they're getting better. Your loved one may wake up and may be able to communicate with you. These surges can last for a few hours to a few days. Though it can be confusing for you to see your loved one with renewed vitality, keep in mind that this is a normal part of the dying process, and your loved one may not actually be getting better. The final surge of energy is often a good time to gather your family and close friends to say final goodbyes.
For many families, keeping vigil near the dying loved one's bed is an important show of support and love for the dying person. Whether you do this depends on your own customs and beliefs. If you decide to keep vigil, continue speaking to your loved one. Express your love for him or her, but also let your loved one know that it's all right to let go. When keeping vigil, understand that some people prefer to die alone. People who were independent or private in life may choose the same in death. Don't hesitate to step away from your loved one's bedside from time to time to allow for this.
Imagine for a moment that you've been diagnosed with cancer. It's a reality that 15 million Americans are struggling with and it's the second leading cause of death in this country, leaving over half-a-million families each and every year without mothers, fathers and children. But there is some good news: a Canadian research team has come up with something called "DCA" -- a drug they believe might be able to kill almost all forms of cancers.
Sounds great, right? Well the Real Story is that you can't have it yet because there's no money to be made on it.
You and I both know there is normally big money at stake when pharmaceutical companies develop new, life-saving drugs. But that gravy train doesn't last for long. After investing millions of dollars into the research and development of a new drug, companies only have a few years to make it all back --plus a profit-- before their patent expires and competing companies can make a "generic" form of the same drug.
Which brings us back to this Canadian team and DCA. Working out of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, scientists tested DCA on human cells cultured outside the body and found that it killed lung, breast and brain cancer cells, but not healthy cells. That's revolutionary...bordering on a miracle. Tumors in lab rats that were deliberately infected with human cancer also shrank drastically when they were given DACE.
So what's the problem? Since DCA has no patent, it can be made "generically" from day-one and no exclusivity equals no value. You know I'm the biggest capitalist around, but every once in a while, maybe capitalism needs to be reminded about the value of human life.
