
My Keepers....Audrey and Emily!
This weekend is the release of the much anticipated movie, “My Sister’s Keeper”. The movie is based on the very popular book, “My Sister’s Keeper” written by Jodi Picoult. This story is very close to my story, the only difference; mine is TRUE! If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if “My Sister’s Keeper” was based on my family’s story I’d be a millionaire by now!! “My Sister’s Keeper” is practicaly IDENTICAL to our story :
- The main character and I were both terminally ill at a young age. We both suffered from renal failure and blood disaeases.
- We were both lucky enough to have parents that would do anything to keep us alive!
- We both had countless surgeries.
BUT the biggest difference is that my sister Emily was not genetically designed , she was a miracle. She was born a complete match, not by science but by pure chance. She never complained or even hesitated to help, and thats what makes her a true hero! She was destined to be my keeper, and when I count my blessings I count her twice! Both stories have one huge underlying theme: family. Without a strong, close and loving family, I wouldn’t be here today!
“My Sisters courage”, my “Mothers strength” and “my Fathers hope” are the words that run across the screen during the previews for the film. Every time I see this, I feel a tug at my heart strings. I can’t help but feel very emotional! It is a very bittersweet feeling: I feel happy that more people will be educated on these issues, while at the same time ,I feel a little disappointment that more people won’t realize how real this is.
There will be THINGS in life that’ll make you happy, TIMES in life you will never forget, but it’s the PEOPLE in your life that will ALWAYS matter the most!
Together We CAN Help Save Lives,
Natalie Curry
Natalie…..YOU wrote the blog that was in my thoughts when I hear the advertisements for My Sister’s Keeper. It reminds me of discussions of a movie about our journey to save you and the agent ask if they could alter our story?~! Of course, that was not an option…..the true story was/is the beauty and nothing needed to be changed. I am so proud of our TRUE, MEDICAL BREAK-THRU HISTORY of our story. Nothing needed to be added or changed. It was/is the beauty of life and the never ending dedication of your family that made/makes our story beautiful. I sincerely think this movie will help bring awareness to the public and can only help you with accomplishing your dream of writing a book about our true story. People need to know that real stories do exist about love, dedication, and pain…with a successful ending:)
LOVE,
MOM
Wow.
I think that was one of the most uplifting things in life that I will EVER hear.
Thank you.
I applaud your sister for her “heroic” acts, BUT all you required was cord blood. That’s NOT what all the character in the movie required. You say that your sister gave willingly, but I’m sure if you required more advanced treatment, she would have been “nudged” into giving you what YOU needed. My friend suffered from congenital toxoplasmosis as a child, and her brother (who was a perfect genetic match) indicated he would like to help in any way possible. My friend emphatically said “NO, NO, NO, NO!!!” The bottom line is children do not/cannot fully comprehend the consequences of something the likes of which Anna Fitzgerald SUFFERED through.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for your opiniions, but I want to clarify a few things. I didn’t just require cord blood, Three years ago when Emily (my sister) was 18 years old she OFFERED to donate to me a kidney. I of course in no way expected or urged her to. She did it out of LOVE, she choose to be hero and was not forced! I would do anything for my sisters and feel very blessed to know they would do the same for me. While I agree that young children may not comprehend things such as these matters, my point is that my parents loved all of there children equally. I want to ask you, have you ever experienced a dying relative? If so, is there anything you wouldn’t do if you could, to help them?
Brian,
WOW, I am shocked that someone would voice an opinion about a blog without at least reading the details first? Obliviously, you speak first without thinking and/or being educated. Even after Natalie gave you the facts regarding her/our story ….what kind of “TRUE” life experience do you have to pass judgment? I would only hope that it would be people like YOU that might learn from REAL families like ours.
I do hope you or anyone that you love never has to face these type of decisions. Only then you might find that you DO have a heart or need someone that does!
Blessings,
Lea Ann Stiller (Natalie, Audrey and Emily’s Mom)
Brian,
I guess I should thank you for your input as well; however, YOU cannot pretend to know or understand the circumstances therefore making your opinion and invalid overarching statement that is based on one friends experience and is a complete generalization in regards to what people would WILLINGLY do for the ones they love. PLEASE do not PRETEND to know what I CAN and CANNOT do on my own free will and out of the love and graciousness of my HEART….HAVE YOU EVER been given the chance to save someone’s life? Most likely not…well I HAVE, as a matter of fact more than once, which you would know if you had actually done your research, and I consider it a PRIVILIGE and a gift…not an OBLIGATION or something I was coerced into. I grew up my entire life with a suffering sibling wanting to do anything I could for her—and the summer before I left for college I was given the opportunity to. Unfortunately, YOU cannot comprehend for one second what it feels like to be able to save someone’s life, but I DO, and I WOULD REALLY appreciate if you could recognize that as a noble act from one person to another instead of ASSUMING that I was coerced into it. Some people are innately good. Many people go through life wondering what their destiny is or what their purpose in life is…well I know what mine is I HAVE LIVED mine—and it would be nice if you could step back and respect that—not place jusgement!
Natalie, Emily, and Lea Ann,
First of all, I must say how much more I respect you ALL. Natalie, I knew part of your story, but these blogs have truly opened my eyes to what really happened. You all are truly amazing women! I love you all so much! (Audrey too!)
So the reason I’m writing is to say this: You all are also so brave. To Brian, who I would call an asshole for saying those things, I can’t believe how tall and grown-up you, especially Emily, had responded to him. I can only say I would not have been as nice or understanding.
So I just wanted to let you know I found your site Natalie, and I’m completely touched by your whole story and cannot wait until I have money to donate! I can’t wait to read your book!
I love you all so much! God Bless.
Katie
Katie
I adore you! Thank you so much for all of your support! I appreciate all of your kind, thoughtful words!
Natalie
How long are you here for?
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hm.. informative thoughts ))
any news coming ?
now I among your readers
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How you find ideas for articles, I am always lack of new ideas for articles. Some tips would be great
My Sister’s Keeper is one of my favorite books, I cried the entire time I read it basically. I’m a friend of your sister Audrey. I never got to meet you & I think I met Emily once. Audrey & I had a lot of art classes together at Floyd Central. I hope the best for you sweetie.
– Missie Brierly
Thank you for the kind words and for visiting my website!
My Best,
Natalie
One again, your articles is very good.thank you!very much.
I agree with most of your points, however a few need to be discussed further, I will hold a small talk with my partners and maybe I will ask you some suggestion soon.
– Henry