Authored by Justin Yuen on Dec 18th 2010, 19:18
Last night, I ventured out to an art auction event my friends organized. Outside, it was cold. Hailing a taxi going downtown proved to be unusually challenging, and the time waiting sent shivers throughout my thinly shielded bones.
Luckily, the event was the polar opposite. In the gallery space, a golden wooden floor and white walls were adorned by a kaleidoscopic arrangement of unique artwork, illuminated not just by the radiant lighting above, but by all the people meeting, smiling, laughing, and dancing as the jazz band played. Friends I hadn't seen for years, friends I'd lost in touch with, caring people whom I met for the first time that night all came to say hello. Needless to say, when it came time to say goodbye, I was exhausted (still lacking in the stamina department), though I would hardly characterize my departure as lethargic. I left happily humming Blue Monk (a jazz standard the band had done a phenomenal job playing) as I thought of all my friends, and friends of friends I got the chance to meet that night. Since this challenging, but positively life-changing journey began, I have been constantly overwhelmed by kindness. I owe a belated, immense special thanks to my friends who supported me by organizing events in Hong Kong and San Francisco, which not only helped me get this far, but also brought joy to all those who attended. It is truly heartening to know how much positivity has sprung from this initially seemingly negative situation. My friends, family, and of you at Hartford Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering, you've all saved my life twofold; I'm breathing and living, but more importantly, I understand what true kindness is, and that it is really the most important thing in life. I can't do enough to thank all of you right now. The best I can do is to amplify the immense kindness you've poured into supporting me. With my renewed energy, I've started work on a web application (I'm a designer / computer programmer) aimed at helping patients, families, and friends stick together through long-term illnesses. I'm dedicating this effort to all of you. Hopefully, with a little work, I'll be able to pass your kindness and inspiration on to people everywhere. Thank you everybody!
Justin-How wonderful to hear that you have been able to attend the NY auction your friends organized for you. And how comforting for you to be able to meet so many of them and to enjoy some young companionship after so many months "isolated" from your usual world.Your physical and spirittual courage will surely have positive effects. Uncle Selwyn and I send our good wishes and love for Christmas (with your Mother and Courtney) and a much Brighter and Healthier New Year! A Ellie
Once again am deeply moved by your words and the actions of your many friends. May your gift of what brings out the best in the human spirit keep on spreading. This is a link to another message worth hearing:Here's wishing you, your mum and Courtney a very blessed Christmas.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHNNPM7pJA
Hi Justin, I am so touched by your kind and positive action and I wish you every success."Roman 8:28 All things work together for good....." came to my mind when reading your new posting. wishing you Peace and Joy this Christmas!Love, auntie Fei
Hi Justin, It's so great to hear that you were able to attend the event! I wish I could have been there. You are truly a survivor! I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Stay warm! :)-Liz Zunon
Many Congratulations!!!! Glad to know you were able to go out even for just one evening - hey, it's a start and it means that you're gettig your strength back...... Who knows, next time, you'll be dancing away!!!!! Have Faith and be patient......Wised I could be there to give you a hug! Have a wonderful Merry Christmas and love to Courtney, your mom and Kaori.Keep up with getting welll. Talk soon.Laura
It was an amazing night, made all the more wonderful by your presence! We're all grateful to have such a person to gather for. Congrats on being the toughest dude in the room.
Justin, you are the hero of the family with the fighting spirit and positivity, and are truly the mentor for the youth today. In Hong Kong, there are so many friends who prayed for you during your operation and are still praying for you today have shown so much care and love. They have called to see how you are doing. You are loved and have inspired so many people in different corners of the world. You are truly the survivor. God will always be with you and keep you.Please convey our love to Courtney, your Mom and Kaori.Much Love,Gu Ma Betty
Justin, you are inspiration to many at HH, those of us in CTScan particularly so. Please know that we think of you often, and have kept you in our thoughts and prayers. We read your blog faithfully and share your overwhelming joy with the progress you have made! I hope that you, and your Mom have a wonderful holiday. Power of positive thoughts!
Justin. Wish you a warm merry christmas and happy new year! (from Donald, Charley ,auntie Lily) Pls say hi to Courtney, your Mom and Kaori
Dearest Justin,Merry Christmas to you, your Mom, Courtney and Kaori. We miss you very much especially at this holiday season. May the joy, peace and hope of Christmas abide with you, and may the New Year bring you new strength, health and God's bountiful blessings.Jesus came to this world to save us from sins and plant hope in our hearts. Remember, a beacon of love is shining, and the Light of the world invites us to leave the darkness behind. He is coming to you in love and grace. With much love,Gu Ma Betty, Uncle Moses, Vena and Edlyn