Your Thoughts and Prayers for the Garritans...

[ptrickf]

Although a newcomer here and just getting to know about you and your fantastic work I wish you and your wife all the best. You are both in my thoughts.

Patrick.

[Chalfant]

Gary,

I've been in Sydney the past three months and just got word today.
I am so, so sorry to hear the news.

Take care of Marianne as I know you will and take care of yourself too.

With respect,
Charles

[germancomponist]

Marianne & Gary,

you both are often in my thoughts.

All my best!

Gunther

[efiebke]

Gary -

How is your wife doing? It's been 3+ months since any update on her progress. Your last activity on this bulletin board is noted to be 2+ weeks ago (March 3, 2010). To be very honest, this worries me!!

I can only begin to imagine the physical and emotional whirlwind that Marianne and you are facing. The aggressive cancer that you mention in your original post is worrisome to say the least. The treatments can be just as worrisome.

I wish to re-affirm to Marianne and you that you are dearly held in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that you are amongst caring friends and that you are not alone. A source of strength and solace can be found here.

Please know that thoughts and prayers for healing and peace of heart, mind, body and soul continue for Marianne and you.

Ted

[DPDAN]

Gary and Marianne,
both my Mom and Dad want to make sure that you know that they too are praying for you daily.

Dan

[joojoo1234]

My Friends,

Some of you have been wondering where I have been recently. This is not the kind of update I wish to write, and I do wish I had happier news to report. But there is something very important I need to share with you.

Recently my wife, Marianne, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Many of you know Marianne as the warm, cheerful voice you hear when you call us; and she is a partner and part of the very backbone of our company.

Cancer strikes almost every family, and I know that many of you, your families or loved ones have been directly affected by this disease. Although there are more cancer survivors every day, it's uncertain ground and a terrifying diagnosis to face. One never fully knows the outcome or consequences, even after surgery and often lengthy treatment.

But cancer can be beaten -- and we need to do everything in our power to fight this disease. You don't take halfway measures with this, because there's often no second chance; and we will be devoting every effort over the forthcoming months to that end.

Marianne is receiving excellent medical attention, of course. But we also need your support, the prayers and strength and positive thoughts of our friends and family in this community. We truly believe caring thoughts and prayers help.

The next several months are going to be very difficult, and I must devote substantially all of my time toward helping Marianne have the best chances of beating this; so if you post or email and don't receive an answer from me, please understand. My fulltime job right now is helping Marianne get well.

Usually at this time of year we have a holiday sale, a newsletter, announcements, NAMM plans, and so on -- but they may have to wait this time. Things will not be operating normal for a short time and much of daily operations will be on hold.

Dan is taking care of the Christmas album. Tony, Jeff, the moderators and others will pick up much of the slack. What we have in this forum is something special, and one of the best things you can do for us is keep the community thriving and at its best during this time. Be kind. Take care of each other. This is a family.

We don't know what the outcome will be. But with Marianne's strength and attitude, the best doctors, proper treatment, good care, and providence -- together with your healing thoughts and prayers -- there is a chance at beating this.

I'll be here when I can. And when things are back to normal, we'll be stronger than ever.

Please keep the Garritan family in your thoughts and prayers.

Wishing you and yours all the best,


Gary

I had NO IDEA about this.... my best hope for you and yours...

[Bob De Celle]

Dear Gary,

I'm still in shock and I shouldn't be as this thing happens all the time. But when it happens to such a warm and generous person as Marianne is, it's difficult to write words that sufficiently express the deep sorrow I'm feeling right now.
I'm not much of a praying person, but I will do my best, now.

Love

Bob De Celle