Pilot Nation
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Frenchie

+7
estplnr
A_Fan
KFTC
onetouchfutbol
FANatic
fozziewozzie
Geezaldinho
11 posters

Page 1 of 2 1, 2  Next

Go down

Frenchie Empty Frenchie

Post by Geezaldinho Sat Nov 08, 2008 12:17 am

I got some not very good news about Michelle French from the web spider today. It's posted at The Roughrider Soccer blog. I think it's important enough that I'll post the entry in its entirety.
thursday, november 6, 2008

Michelle French
Frenchie Pictur19
Hi Roughriders,

One of my teammates from ODP (when we were 13 and 14 years old!), the University of Portland, and the Seattle Sounders was diagnosed with cancer, specifically: "Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma and Schelorsis of the Mediastinum, a Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and she has a tumor the size of a lemon in her chest. Her doctor at Swedish hasn't seen a case like this in 6 years (her response was, "Go big or go home, right?!"). Frenchie would never ask for any assistance but she is certainly deserving of support on a grand scale.

Frenchie is not only a genuine, happy, enthusiastic, sarcastic, and competitive person but she is also a superb soccer player. Frenchie helped us get to three Final Fours in college as well as being a member of the US Olympic Team in Sydney 2000. Frenchie also played three years in the WUSA. She started feeling dizzy and short of breath a few weeks ago while training for the new Women's Professional Soccer League, which prompted her inquiry with her doctor.

Eastside FC has organized a fundraiser for Frenchie by way of bracelets that read, "Team Frenchie" and "Just Kickin' It". All of the donations (100%) will go directly to Frenchie's medical costs, as the bracelets were underwritten. If any of your are inclined, please order a bracelet to support Frenchie. She loves the Roughriders!

Here’s a partial description, in Frenchie’s words:

“. . . is a mass the size of a lemon, with the feeling of an eraser. . . The mass is wrapped around my Superior Vena Cava which pumps/drains blood from the upper part of my body... The doctor hasn't seen this type of case for about 6 years....I told him "go big, or go home right!?". It's always nice to be a rare case study.....

I'm totally, completely, absolutely ready to kill this bugger and get back to my amazing teams! As the saying goes: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!!!!". And that's just what I will do!!!!”

To support Frenchie in her fight against cancer, we are wearing red wristbands with “Team Frenchie” and “JUST KICKIN’ IT” printed on them! Minimum donation of $5.00 each.
Please see attached sheet for additional information to purchase your wristbands!

For questions or to place an order, please contact Linda Whatley @ ltwhatley@comcast.net or 206.328.1420.
posted by wynne at 10:51 pm

That's All I know for now. The Accompanying information mentioned wasn't included.
The poster appears to be Wynne McIntosh. When I find out exactly how to help, I'll post it.


Last edited by Geezaldinho on Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:58 pm; edited 2 times in total
Geezaldinho
Geezaldinho
Pilot Nation Legend
Pilot Nation Legend

Number of posts : 11794
Location : Hopefully, having a Malbec on the square in Cafayate, AR
Registration date : 2007-04-28

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by Geezaldinho Sat Nov 08, 2008 8:42 am

This was also on the website for the Crossfire Premier FC



Crossfire wishes Michelle French well
Fundraiser at US Club WA Cup
(November 7,2008) We are saddened to learn that Michelle French, coach at Eastside FC, US Olympian and Lady Sounder extraordinaire, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. We keep her in our thoughts and prayers as she undergoes treatment, and wish her a quick recovery. Eastside FC is doing a fundraiser at the US Club tournament this weekend at Starfire. They are selling wristbands. Please stop by and show your support for a member of our soccer family that needs our help.
Geezaldinho
Geezaldinho
Pilot Nation Legend
Pilot Nation Legend

Number of posts : 11794
Location : Hopefully, having a Malbec on the square in Cafayate, AR
Registration date : 2007-04-28

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by fozziewozzie Sat Nov 08, 2008 9:45 pm

what incredibly sad news to hear about one of my fav's forner pilots of lore!! godspeed to her. i was always happy to see her at pilot games after her graduation even though knowing she had returned to the seattle area. my heart is broken an an i truly hope that this, like a lot of non-hodgikins lyphoma's i've heard about have altimatily gone in to remission. an though i realize that this has been diagnosed as 'a rare form', i am hoping for the best for our friend 'frenchie'!! our best wishes an thoughts to you frenchie.
fozziewozzie
fozziewozzie
Pilot Nation Regular
Pilot Nation Regular

Number of posts : 376
Age : 63
Location : portland native
Registration date : 2007-11-04

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by FANatic Sun Nov 09, 2008 7:35 am

All of Pilots' community's hopes and prayers are with you, Michelle.

I met you a long time ago but I'm sure you've forgotten me. Just a chance meeting in the Pilots parking lot. You were a national team alternate at the time. I was very impressed with your very warm greeting to me and polite conversation.

You will never be alone. Peace and love.
FANatic
FANatic
Playmaker
Playmaker

Number of posts : 1238
Age : 83
Location : Portland
Registration date : 2007-09-14

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by onetouchfutbol Sun Nov 09, 2008 9:30 am

Wow, thats tough news. Frenchie had the best smile when she played...hopefully she still does. Just contagious.

Count me in for one of the wristbands...

Peace and prayers...
onetouchfutbol
onetouchfutbol
All-American
All-American

Number of posts : 2203
Age : 53
Location : Seattle, WA
Registration date : 2008-10-05

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by KFTC Sun Nov 09, 2008 11:52 am

FYI:

"Thank you so much for your support! The response has been overwhelming. YES, we are taking donations in addition to the $5 per bracelet. Please make the check payable to:
EFC G94 Frenchie
You can send it to my attention:
Linda Whatley
615 Hillside Drive East
Seattle, WA 98112

The bracelets were underwritten so everything that is donated for the bracelets or otherwise goes directly to Frenchie. Please wear your bracelets as I know it brings a smile to her face every time she sees one!

Best regards,
Linda"
KFTC
KFTC
Bench Warmer
Bench Warmer

Number of posts : 247
Registration date : 2007-10-19

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by onetouchfutbol Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:38 pm

I found this article about Michelle from the Seattle PI from last Summer. I thought people might like it here:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/othersports/175987_where02.html
onetouchfutbol
onetouchfutbol
All-American
All-American

Number of posts : 2203
Age : 53
Location : Seattle, WA
Registration date : 2008-10-05

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by A_Fan Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:34 am

Frenchie has always been one of my all time favorite Pilots. I remember when she first came to UP my friends in Seattle said she had a bit of a reputation in Seattle because she played "too rough". She fit in just fine at the collegiate level and was a lot of fun to watch over her career at Merlo. She played like Meagan R. with that all out, take no prisoners mentality.

I ran into her several years ago at the farewell concert for the Crazy 8's at the Crystal Ballroom. She was in training with the National team at the time. I teased her about being out late and having a beer when she was supposed to be in training. She laughed and said it was all part of her training plan.

I wish her well.
A_Fan
A_Fan
All-WCC
All-WCC

Number of posts : 1538
Location : The country east of Hillsboro.
Registration date : 2007-09-10

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by fozziewozzie Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:11 pm

a thought for frenchie braclets an the u of p womens soccer team's fund raising for ronald mcdonald house room. the women's soccer team orders several, hundred braclets for frenchie an sells them for double. i'd pay double for one, but lazily, would not mail order for one. so, half the money would go for our friend frenchie, an the other half would go to ronald mcdonald room sponsered by u of p womens soccer. anyone out there that can make this the both of best worlds??
fozziewozzie
fozziewozzie
Pilot Nation Regular
Pilot Nation Regular

Number of posts : 376
Age : 63
Location : portland native
Registration date : 2007-11-04

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by Geezaldinho Sat Nov 15, 2008 1:18 am

In addition to the wrist bands, you can help Frenchie by buying raffle tickets for a trip for two to see Manchester United in England!


The prize includes a trip to England, food, lodging, and tickets to the game. Feb 19-23rd


Details here.
Geezaldinho
Geezaldinho
Pilot Nation Legend
Pilot Nation Legend

Number of posts : 11794
Location : Hopefully, having a Malbec on the square in Cafayate, AR
Registration date : 2007-04-28

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by Geezaldinho Sat Nov 15, 2008 1:23 am

Frenchie is still Frenchie, meeting things head on, so to speak. Here's an update on how she's doing that shows how she is approaching things.


why I outta'
Geezaldinho
Geezaldinho
Pilot Nation Legend
Pilot Nation Legend

Number of posts : 11794
Location : Hopefully, having a Malbec on the square in Cafayate, AR
Registration date : 2007-04-28

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by onetouchfutbol Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:47 pm

Thanks for the update, Geezaldinho!
onetouchfutbol
onetouchfutbol
All-American
All-American

Number of posts : 2203
Age : 53
Location : Seattle, WA
Registration date : 2008-10-05

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Frenchie

Post by estplnr Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:28 am

I will have a table at the Fan Fest tomorrow evening with 'Team Frenchie' wrist bands......minimum expected donation is $5.00 each to help defray some of her medical expenses.

estplnr
Recruit
Recruit

Number of posts : 54
Registration date : 2008-11-21

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by A_Fan Fri Nov 21, 2008 4:27 pm

Excellent, I'll be by to pick one up.
A_Fan
A_Fan
All-WCC
All-WCC

Number of posts : 1538
Location : The country east of Hillsboro.
Registration date : 2007-09-10

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by fozziewozzie Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:29 pm

i'll show up as well, an i won't pay $5 for the wrist band either. but i still think that we, as pilot nation, can do a greater good if someone in our family can figure out how to benefit both frenchie an ronald mcdonald house. we as a whole, are very giving, l t hink that most of pilot nation would be more than willing to give $10 for a frenchie wrist band with half going to ronald mcdonald house. i'm sure frenchie would love this idea!
fozziewozzie
fozziewozzie
Pilot Nation Regular
Pilot Nation Regular

Number of posts : 376
Age : 63
Location : portland native
Registration date : 2007-11-04

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by Geezaldinho Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:23 pm

Here's an upate on Frencie's treatment from the Seattle PI.


'Team Frenchie' has coach's back
Soccer champ has plenty of help at kicking rare cancer

By DAN RALEY
P-I REPORTER

ISSAQUAH -- Michelle French's face and eyes were swollen. Clearly, this was an allergic reaction to something, her doctor advised her. Medication was prescribed.

Players from the three soccer teams she coaches, girls ranging in age from 9 to 16, all competing at the premier level for the Eastside Football Club, wanted to know what was wrong with her. Some got right to the point.

"Is your hair going to fall out?" one of the youngest ones asked.

"I don't have cancer!" French responded, humored by the impertinent question.

Three days of drugs didn't work. French, 31, noticed she now felt dizzy when lifting weights, out of breath when running on a treadmill, all of which she did inside her Issaquah Highlands home. She had run the Seattle marathon and was training for a half-marathon. She felt light-headed even while leaning over to pet her dog.

French's hands, arms, shoulders, back and neck started to swell. She changed doctors. She made an appointment at Eastside Family Medicine in Bellevue. She was asked to come in on a Saturday at 10:20 a.m. due to her unusual symptoms. She showed up with her mother, Jeannine, in tow. She had soccer games to coach at 3 and 5 p.m. She kept checking her watch, thinking there was plenty of time to get there.

After a round of testing, the doctor asked French to step into another room for a different exam and to allow him to speak with her mother. The technician setting up the next machine asked French if anything had been explained to her, to which she answered no.

"You're going to have a long day," he warned, offering nothing more.

French returned to the consultation room and found her mother teary. This wasn't any allergy. French had a lemon-sized tumor in her chest, one wrapped around her vena cava superior, an artery that controls the blood flow from her upper body to her heart. She had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a kind so rare her doctor hadn't seen this strain in six years.

It was all sort of cruelly ironic because French was normally healthier than all but a tiny sliver of the population. She was the state's second-most-decorated women's soccer player behind Michelle Akers, a first-team All-American for the University of Portland, a U.S. Olympian in the 2000 Sydney Games and a three-year defender for the Washington Freedom and San Jose CyberRays until the Women's United Soccer Association disbanded.

She was admitted to Swedish Medical Center that night.

Seven weeks have now passed, and French is back coaching her girls and working out. The swelling has disappeared. So has her curly hair. She had it shaved off after it started falling out in clumps. She is receiving six chemotherapy treatments to shrink the tumor. She has a very optimistic 90 percent chance of recovery. All that swelling was a blessing.

"It's pretty lucky," she said. "If it wasn't in the spot it was in, they might not have found it in time. It sort of backed up the plumbing."

More amazing is how French had handled her ordeal. There's been no panic, despair or loss of control -- sort of how she handled herself as an elite soccer player. Forget any medical privacy issues. She wanted to share her situation with everyone in her world.

During a weeklong hospital stay, French sent out e-mails to her 45 players and their parents explaining her cancer, and then provided updates. She invited everyone to come visit her.

"She has always been a role model and an inspiration as a player, but through this illness the way she's connected to the girls has been totally unbelievable," said Linda Whatley, who has one daughter coached by French and another who has been a French teammate when both played for the Seattle Sounders women's team. "She's just as positive as can be."

Rather than ask why me, French says she understands why she contracted this rare form of cancer. "I think it's to give the kids I coach a good learning experience," she said. "You see this as a scary thing, but it's an opportunity. It's how you deal with adversity."

There also has been plenty of humor involved, not to mention an abundance of gifts, flowers, greeting cards and Halloween candy that practically turned her Swedish hospital room into a dorm room. Some of her younger players made and delivered handmade cards that were created in typically brutally honest fashion, depicting the coach with an oversized head.

French joked about the original lemon diagnosis by writing the following in an e-mail: "I'm totally, completely, absolutely ready to kill this bugger and get back to my amazing teams! As the saying goes, 'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!!!' And that's just what I will do!!!"

People responded by bringing lemonade to the hospital and making toasts. One parent bought her a shirt with a lemon on the front and the words: "If life gives you lemons, squirt them in people's faces."

Former teammates contacted her through text messages or e-mails, with the exception of one fairly high-profile individual who insisted on calling straight through to her hospital room. It was Mia Hamm.

If there is a downside to her illness, French had planned to give the newly created Women's Professional Soccer League a try and might miss her chance. She attended the combine in Tampa, Fla., to show off her skills before falling ill. The seven-team draft will be held in January. It might be tough to persuade a coach to pick her up and ignore her health issues.

Yet she's not spending a lot of time stressing over that opportunity. If it happens, it happens. Her unfailingly upbeat attitude won't let her have it any other way. Besides, she's still got a meddlesome lemon to deal with.

"This is obviously a life-changing thing," French said. "You can't have a bad day anymore. Every day is a good day."

FUNDRAISING
Several fundraising efforts have been started in the local soccer community to help defray Michelle French's burgeoning medical costs. Donations can be sent directly to Team Frenchie, P.O. Box 880, Issaquah, WA 98027-0032. Soccer mom Linda Whatley is urging local teams and others to buy red wristbands inscribed with the words "Team Frenchie" and "Just Kickin' It" by e-mailing her at ltwhatley@comcast.net. The Washington Youth Soccer Association is raffling off a trip for two to watch Manchester United play at Old Trafford football stadium in England, with details available at wsysa.com.

P-I reporter Dan Raley can be reached at 206-448-8008 or danraley@seattlepi.com.
Geezaldinho
Geezaldinho
Pilot Nation Legend
Pilot Nation Legend

Number of posts : 11794
Location : Hopefully, having a Malbec on the square in Cafayate, AR
Registration date : 2007-04-28

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Team Frenchie wristbands

Post by estplnr Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:56 pm

I will be the the basketball game Sunday at 2:00 PM selling wristbands.......$5 donations are accepted to help defray some of her uncovered medical bills. Ed

estplnr
Recruit
Recruit

Number of posts : 54
Registration date : 2008-11-21

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by onetouchfutbol Sat Jan 03, 2009 11:14 pm

I noticed that the Seattle Soccer Show on KJR had an interview with French on 12/4/08... Here's the link; I had some trouble getting it to work...

http://www.950kjr.com/podcast/soccertalk.xml
onetouchfutbol
onetouchfutbol
All-American
All-American

Number of posts : 2203
Age : 53
Location : Seattle, WA
Registration date : 2008-10-05

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by onetouchfutbol Sat Jan 03, 2009 11:23 pm

You can fast forward into the podcast 14-18 minutes to hear French... Nice interview. In addition, here are many photos of French in the WUSA: http://www.jamd.com/image/in-search/michelle+French/#2g2389066
onetouchfutbol
onetouchfutbol
All-American
All-American

Number of posts : 2203
Age : 53
Location : Seattle, WA
Registration date : 2008-10-05

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Frenchie.....good news

Post by estplnr Wed Jan 21, 2009 1:40 pm

Her tumor has been treated sucessfully with chemo......and I will be selling Team Frenchie wristbands again at the men's basketball game against Gonzaga February 4th, with two very recognizable alumni.......lol....

estplnr
Recruit
Recruit

Number of posts : 54
Registration date : 2008-11-21

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by onetouchfutbol Tue Jan 27, 2009 5:11 pm

Good news! Surprised So you gave us the carrott... Who are the alumni?
onetouchfutbol
onetouchfutbol
All-American
All-American

Number of posts : 2203
Age : 53
Location : Seattle, WA
Registration date : 2008-10-05

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Team Frenchie at the Gonzaga men's basketball game next wk.

Post by estplnr Wed Jan 28, 2009 3:58 pm

lol.....Show up and find out!!!!

estplnr
Recruit
Recruit

Number of posts : 54
Registration date : 2008-11-21

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by DaTruRochin Wed Feb 04, 2009 7:39 pm

I found out Razz

http://www.oregonlive.com/pilots/index.ssf/2009/02/pilots_jump_on_team_frenchie_b.html

And yes, those are two VERY recognizable alumni....
DaTruRochin
DaTruRochin
Administrator
Administrator

Number of posts : 3576
Location : Boston, MA
Registration date : 2007-05-01

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty sort of a bump, I guess

Post by Geezaldinho Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:29 pm

here's an article on Michelle's lymphoma battle and her progress:


http://goalseattle2.blogspot.com/2008/12/rallying-around-michelle-french.html

I figured I would mention it because it includes an address to send help in the form of donations.
If you have the means, I can't think of a better reason..
Geezaldinho
Geezaldinho
Pilot Nation Legend
Pilot Nation Legend

Number of posts : 11794
Location : Hopefully, having a Malbec on the square in Cafayate, AR
Registration date : 2007-04-28

Back to top Go down

Frenchie Empty Re: Frenchie

Post by onetouchfutbol Fri Feb 20, 2009 7:22 pm

Yeah, Michelle mentioned the 90% chance of recovery in the radio interview posted above too. Since I heard that, I've been more optimistic.
onetouchfutbol
onetouchfutbol
All-American
All-American

Number of posts : 2203
Age : 53
Location : Seattle, WA
Registration date : 2008-10-05

Back to top Go down

Page 1 of 2 1, 2  Next

Back to top


 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum