Important news…..
Hello K.A.S.T. Family ( and any of my other friends who are now visiting this site).
I have a bit of news for you.. some good, some bad, all surprising. As we say in the amusement park industry ” sit upright, hold on tight” ( But I’ll leave out the part about enjoy your ride).
The first bit of news is pretty exciting. As many of you know, Fuat and I had been trying to get a visa for him to come to the U.S. for almost two years now. In September ’09 we applied for a fiance visa ( our third attempt at a visa) and in February we went for our interview in Ankara, Turkey. This time the U.S. government decided to cooperate. Fuat arrived in the U.S. on March 20th!
Now for the really exciting part. We recently got married :)Â I hope this makes everyone smile as much as it does me.. and I apologize to my family members who may be surprised and reading this here. We had planned to have a small, family wedding in May.. but fate had something else in store for us.
A few days ago I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Later this week I will be meeting with the oncologist and we’ll prepare for the necessary surgeries and chemo. Mom will join Fuat and I at the doctor’s appointment.
Sorry to drop such a bomb on everyone, and again.. sorry to my family who may be reading this here.. but there are just too many friends and family to call personally.
Mom and I talked about the use of the KAST site and we’ve decided that we will continue to use the site to update everyone on what is happening with me. I think Kerrie would want it that way. She and I did this site together and we will continue to use it now for me.
Kerrie will be with me on this journey, every step of the way, so Mom, Dad and I feel it’s fitting to use the site now.
As I am able, I will update on the site, and mom will fill in when she can.. though she will never be as GREAT as me when I was my sister’s voice 🙂
OK.. now… take a drink.. smoke a cigarette.. do some yoga…do whatever you need to do to relax… this is a lot of news to take in all at one time 🙂
And get ready for the new rollercoaster ride the KAST family is about to take.
Love you all
Jenn ( and Fuat too 🙂 )
33 Comments
Jan
Jenn, I don’t think I have been so happy and sad for you at the same time. I hope that you and Fuat are very happy….for a very long time! My prayers are with all of you as you begin this journey. Love ya!
Jason
It is a lot to digest, but dear god hang in there! I’m so happy for you, I think it’s been painful with the two of you apart.. so glad that he’s here to lend you love and support when you might need it most! And so are we… please keep us posted on things! Stay Strong!
James
Wow … the first part I expected, but I never dreamed we’d be right back here talking about another illness. You will be in all of our prayers for sure and I’m sure we’ll all follow along just as intently as we do for our other favorite Andree girl!
Much love and happiness in your new life together with Fuat!
Michelle
Jenn-I am so happy for you and wish you the biggest congratulations on your wedding! The cancer is very hard to swallow. You will be in my thoughts through this process. Be strong and know that we are all here to support you and your family through this!
Texas Pam
Jenn, I don’t even know what to say. Please know you are like family to me and if you need ANYTHING, please call me. I am glad that you and Fuat got married, I guess it was all meant to be. (((hugs)))
Zlatko
Dear Jenn (and Fuat),
Just letting you know that I am with you both every step of the way. Now making a little joke: I want baklava served at the official wedding (which is now going to be held in July, after I come over there). As for the cancer, I say cancer-shmancer – the poor thing is just holding up the many good thing which are coming your way soon (and which you truly deserve).
Love,
Zlatko
Aunt MJ
First, WELCOME FUAT! Jenn is a honey and I am sure you know that! Congratulations on your marriage: Live long and prosper! I suspect you both opted to get married privately to avoid the sometimes strange Andree welcome? We will have to think of something even more special for the two of you now!
Jenn, the elephant is on the table and I feel myself avoiding it. God knows why, we can’t. But you are strong and you are loved dearly. We will be here on this ride with you as we are for Kerrie. This is the K.A.S.T. family! Even though I don’t post, I visit occassionally and remember always.
We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts constantly.
Love,
Aunt Mary Jo, Uncle Jack and Jno
Wendy Andree
Dear Jenn~
Congratulations to you and Faut! I’m so happy for you. I second the baklava:)
I will be thinking of you during this new journey. One positive thing about this is looking at all you have learned through Kerrie’s experience. You will be so much more prepared and will be the best advocate for yourself…you know the ropes of dealing with Doctors, hospitals etc. You have our love, prayers and support always!
Love,
Wendy, Mike & Marissa
Sr. Louise Marie Andree
Dear Jenn,
Congratulations on your marriage and a big WELCOME to Juat! I am so happy for you…….I know he will be your support on this health journey. Thanks for sharing it with us. Know that many prayers will be said for you. May God’s love and strength be with you in the coming days. Remember, we never receive more than we can carry….you are not alone!
Love and prayers,
Aunt Louise
Aunt Roise
Jenn and Fuat,
I already sent you an email but want to join the KAST family in welcoming Fuat and letting you know that he still has to “meet the family.” Having a quiet Wedding was a good idea Jenn, you have been to enough to know what the Andree family does to enhance the Wedding celebration. How about a picture of you two?
Now, to the serious business–your health. Thank you, Faut, for making her go to the Doctor.That shows what a caring, concern man you are. This cancer has been discovered early and is treatable. You have a special Angel in heaven that will do all she can for her big Sister. I will get my prayer warriors storming heaven with prayers.
God is with you both. I am looking forward to a great visit and celebration once you have recovered from you surgery.
Love,
Rosie
Cousin M'Lou Whitney-Schroeder
Jenn and Fuat, My heart soars and weeps for you. I know this is something you have been setting your sights on for a long time, but not with the shocking reality of starting your united lives in such a drastic way. Jenn, you are one of the most determined and strong people I know. You will do well in this, especially when you have the Love of your Life by your side. You know how important that is. The Lord’s Blessings to the both of you, today and always. XOXO Marian XOXO
Gaye
Jenn,
I am THRILLED for you–and feel very positive, as you to, that you will overcome the health challenge that confronts you now. I truly believe that if you focus your attention on the joy and delight of finally marrying and having with you the love of your heart, that it will allow your body to accept all of the assistance being offered for its healing.
How lovely you found a young man that so touched your heart that you strove for so long to realize this dream. That’s it as far as I’m concerned–your former concerns aren’t any of mine!
Be happy in love and trusting in the powers of good and your own body to bring about the healing you desire in order to spend many, many happy years together with your precious new husband.
All the best,
your ever-lovin’ cousin, Gaye oxoxo
Aunt Michelle
Jenn & Fuat ~
Congratulations and Welcome to the Family Fuat! As we all are trying to express ~ we are torn between cheers and tears over you happy and sad news! Know that we love you and together we can do anything ~ BELIEVE ! The gates of heaven are being stormed and our love is being sent. Just wish we were closer so I could give you a hug !
Love you Lots ~
Aunt Michelle & Uncle Greg
Jeffrey Taylor
Even though we sometimes go for long periods without talking, you are one of my best friends because I know I can tell you anything. I think thats what true friends are….those who can just pick up again as though we just saw each other yesterday. You have brought so much fun to my life and I want you know that your fun is just beginning. My thoughts are with you. Love ya, sweetie!
Your friend always,
Wink 😉
Noelle and Nate
Jenn
Me and Nate are here for you and your family.
Bill Whitney
Jenn,
Holy molely, if marriage wasn’t big enough news. Our prayers are with you. I’m meeting Aunt Nancy and Uncle Chuck as they migrate through the mid-west. We’ll meet up for dinner and I’m sure you and Fuat will occupy much of our conversation.
Take Care
Bill
Bill Whitney
so do we change the website to Jaywalks.com (Jenn Andree Yildiz We All Love Kerrys Sister)
Bill Whitney
Oops Kerrie
Ron
well First off congrats on getting married!!!!! i have been busy with my own family issues and havent been on the site lately or checked my email in a few days….and second……….. i never would have imagined being back here with another diagnosis of cancer for you as well jenn…… they say god doesnt gove you anything you cant handle .. and you should never ask why but sometimes….. you just have to scratch your head and wonder…. how much does one family have to go through…… i cant even imagine what your going through right now …. will be saying a few extra prayers for you and the family….. stay strong and hang in there……many and prayers
Ron
Joan
Just a hint for you newcomers. you can go to the gallery to post a comment. Don’t go to the Board, it has not been used much……..you can comment on the Blog at the end of the entry. you will be able to see many entries and comment easily on the Gallery. You can even put pictures there.
Joan
Cousin Kathy
I am so very happy for you both! Fuat, welcome to the family! We are a crazy bunch, but we love eachother very much. Jenn, you will be in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I am only a couple hours away and will be there if you need me. Mandy, Sarah and I were saying the other day that we wanted to get over there to visit the park..and you of course……but that can wait.
Love you,
Kathy
Cousin Mandy
Jenn & Fuat,
First of all congrats on the marriage…. When Mom told me I was so excited. I was sadden to hear what you are fighting right now… But I know Kerrie is there with you all the way… I think of you guys often and you are now in my prayers constantly… I love you and miss you… If you need anything we are only a drive away and we definitely need to get up to visit you… Fuat, welcome to our crazy family as you can see from alot of the comments we are a huge family…
Again Me and Harry are very happy for you…. love you guys and can’t wait to see you….
Mandy
Erik
Wow! First off, I’m so happy for your marriage! I know how long you’ve waited for the government to finally get its act together and you deserve so much all the happiness in the world. As for the bad news, please know that you have my support whenever you need it. It seems like just yesterday, we were all here hoping that Keri would lean on us and find strength and now we’re still here for you. Try to keep a smile on your face (your new hubby should be able to help with that) and keep your chin up. If there is ANYTHING at all I can do, please just ask.
Love you Jenn!
–Erik
Megan
Jenn–My heart is exploding with emotions right now. I am so thrilled and happy for you and Fuat, what awesome news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, hang tough, stay strong and have faith. It will get you through this ordeal. You have so much love around you and being sent out to you!
heather
Jenn,
Congrats on the marriage it is so awesome!!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. WE love you!
Shane
SHAME ON ME for not keeping up with the K.A.S.T. website for quite some time. I had read (in haste) about the marriage and thought that was great news, but shamefully, I didn’t “read on”. Needless to say, I am shocked, worried, sad, but CERTAINLY hopeful! Make no mistake, I WILL be keeping only good thoughts about this ordeal, Jenn.