by Andrea Goeglein
“The doctor said there was only a 2% chance I would survive with the type of brain cancer I have. I said to him, ‘Why can’t I be that 2%?’ and then I said, ‘I am that 2%!”
I sat up and took notice as Dawn Feusi spoke those words. I remember reading a version of that line in Dr. Norman Cousin’s book decades before. I had never heard someone with a supposed terminal diagnoses actually say those words.
Choice or Cancer
Dawn Feusi made a decision five years ago. Dawn decided there were only two C’s in life. Choice or cancer. Dawn decided to make a choice about how to live. Dawn was not denying the reality of the diagnoses. No, she was ready, willing and able to attempt every medical intervention possible. She had to live and she has to live. Dawn is a single Mom with a beautiful son with Down Syndrome.
So far, through repeated relapses and several surgeries, Dawn is defying the reality of her diagnoses. She is currently awaiting an ‘all clear’ message about her last set of treatments.
How The Brave Wait
How is Dawn investing her life today? I met Dawn at a week-long intensive meditation retreat at the Chopra Center. In my day-t0-day work I continually get pushback from the brightest, most able-bodied, successful, overwhelmed people who ‘don’t have time to meditate’. They are too busy. They are too important. They are too whatever!
Dawn Feusi is living what the research has supported. The quality of your life – no matter how long you live – is enhanced when you have a daily mediation or mindfulness practice.
Waiting to be brave is one thing. Waiting to develop a mediation or mindfulness practice is just a poor business and a poor life decision.
Here are some meditation resources to get you started:
Snowmass (Christian)
Chopra Center (based in Hindi and yoga traditions)
Blue Mountain Retreats (based in Hindi traditions)
Meet Dawn Feusi at about the 2.30 minute mark:
Dawn Feusi is a true example of Living The Spirit Today.
