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Rand H. Wintermute's avatar

John.

You were born to enlighten all of us in how precious Life is , through your heartwarming stories of “never giving up “ and to Fight on ; never stop telling your wonderful stories, as they provide inspiration ( and sorrow 🥲!) to all of us in these sad times of reading about gifted people who refuse to give up. Thank you. She was truly “a Gift” to all of her friends .

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John Canzano's avatar

Thank you. Mia had something to teach us.

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Al Van Houten's avatar

John, your article about Mia i can definitely relate to her story and how she embraced that journey she was on. In 2010 i was in so much pain that I went with my wife to the ER, after some CT scans they told me I needed to check into the hospital that night! I asked why and they told me that i had 3 tumors in my abdominal area, I told them that it would only happen if I could find a safe place for her. My wife was in the final stages of Alzheimers. It took until mo day afternoon to give me a definitive diagnosis. When that Dr. came his head was done and walking slow, 🚶‍♂️ I said you don't have good news for me do you and said I'm sorry and I said you have nothing to be sorry about. I asked him what of cancer do I have he Non Hodgins large B cell Lymphoma Csncer, which is very aggressive. I said what are my chances he said 50/50 and responded by saying let's go to work. I had 2 rounds of Chemo in the hospital to be she i wasn't going to have any adverse reactions to the Chemo. I was on Chemo for 6 months every 3 weeks. It would take six hours to get all that poison in me. I too had a friend of mine shave my head after they saved the good hair for Wigs for Kids. January 3rd i was informed that PET SCAN came back clean and cancer ♋️ free. I was truly blessed to have great Medical Dr's addressing my treatment. Prayers are going out for Mia and family. Sa well as her teammates. John, I to have 3 daughters and admire the way you follow them ❤️ in their sporting activities. God bless you my friend and thank you so much for your article's.

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John Canzano's avatar

Bless you...

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Steve Rees's avatar

John,

Thanks for the story. This really hits home for me - my daughter celebrates the 25th anniversary of her so successful kidney transplant next May.

Love to Mia's family and teammates.

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John Canzano's avatar

so powerful. thank you steve

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Michael Morrow's avatar

John, you continue to break my heart.

Thank you, for the regular reminders that I have one still capable of breaking.

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John Canzano's avatar

thank you MM

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Skip Rochefort's avatar

John - I read about Mia this week. Another "warrior" to remember on this Veteran's Day. In the midst of everything going on in the world that is crazy and sometimes unthinkable, the kindness of people (working in the Food Banks) and the strength of individuals like Mia and her teammates, remind us that there are still good people in the world.

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John Canzano's avatar

thanks Skip

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Scott's avatar

Another heartfelt story of a warrior who looked death in the eye with fierce determination “I will fight you.”

In spite of being a lifelong Duck fan, Mia has won my heart and respect.

Valhalla! Beware for a warrior is coming home.

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John Canzano's avatar

thanks for this.

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Ken M's avatar

You have a talent for finding sad, yet uplifting events in life. Never heard of Mia. Don’t follow U of W soccer either. But this story reminds us of how fleeting life can be. Carpe Diem, it could be our last.

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John Canzano's avatar

thank you Ken.

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Josh Hanna's avatar

A thoughtful tribute John. My daughter played with Mia from age 9 and I can tell you she was always one of the good ones—soccer yes, but more as a young girl/woman. She tore her ACL just before starting her first year at UW. No problem, that was Mia. Heartbreaking for her family and friends. She lived her last 7 months like she lived all of her years. I will be cheering for the Huskies this year like I suspect all of Marin County will be.

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John Canzano's avatar

Thanks for this Josh. So good that you posted.

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Ken Woody's avatar

well done, riveting-- the kind of story that needs to be told, especially in times like these--thanks for a helping of humanity--Ken Woody

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John Canzano's avatar

thank you ken. be well.

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CB's avatar

John, you rose to the occasion again. I never root for the Huskies, but I will be for this soccer team.

One more for Mia!

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John Canzano's avatar

thank you CB

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Lynn Personius's avatar

Oh my. What a tragedy.

Thank you for reminding us of how precious life is.

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John Canzano's avatar

thank you my friend

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Kevin Gillette's avatar

Courage and love!

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John Canzano's avatar

for sure

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Bill's avatar

The essence of life is how you handle the inevitable adversities it brings. Well done Mia!

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John Canzano's avatar

truth.

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Michael P's avatar

Thanks for this article John. What a symbol of grace and reminder of our blessings.

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John Canzano's avatar

so much to teach us

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Dan Ohlson's avatar

A moving piece...a gift to all.

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John Canzano's avatar

Truth

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Ray Webb's avatar

Nothing more to say except sad to lose the potential of what Mia could have brought to the world.

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John Canzano's avatar

thanks ray

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