Thalassemia Patients and Friends

An Angel's Corner => Tribute to Lisa Cammilleri (1970-2004) => Topic started by: Andy Battaglia on February 09, 2006, 02:54:34 AM

Title: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Andy Battaglia on February 09, 2006, 02:54:34 AM
This site is dedicated to the memory of Lisa Cammilleri.

Lisa was the founder of the Thalassemia Patients and Friends group that had its roots on Yahoo and has more recently been on MSN. Lisa gave a platform for people to meet and talk, make friends, ask for help, learn and share their experiences.

Lisa was friendly and loving and was the funniest person, and her quick wit was unmatched. Her upbeat attitude towards life in spite of her health troubles was an inspiration to everyone who met her. That inspiration drives this group.

 Lisa was our friend and we have dedicated ourselves to keeping her dream alive and growing. She is the reason this site exists and she would be thrilled to see it and how much her group has grown. She always thought of others first and her legacy lives on through all of us.
 
We will always miss you Lisa.

Lisa Cammilleri
1970-2004

The best little sister ever
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Andy Battaglia on February 09, 2006, 07:14:09 PM
Lisa and Misty
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Andy Battaglia on February 11, 2006, 07:06:05 AM
This song by Sarah McLachlan was one that was very special to Lisa.

Angel

Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There’s always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it’s hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I’ll find some peace tonight

In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there

So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There’s vultures and thieves at your back
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don’t make no difference
Escaping one last time
It’s easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here


Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Danielle on February 12, 2006, 02:45:34 AM
I couldn't have said it better, Andy.

And I've always love that song, Angel.  Every time I hear it, I think of Lisa now.  It always brings tears to my eyes.  I love Sarah McLachlan.  She was Lisa's most favorite singer.   :sadyup
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: koming on March 03, 2006, 04:56:42 AM
Yes like Andy Said Lisa was the founder of the Thalassemia Patients and Friends Group on Yahoo,
I meet Lisa at that website.
Lisa was a nice girl in my memory, when I was teener My Desferal Pump was down & cannot be used or repair at local, I been ask Lisa when to repair the pump as she know,
She ask address from me & send a pump to me..........
It's make me surprise......& I'm very appreciate with Lisa........
that's why I'm here........

Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Cousinshelly on March 23, 2006, 01:59:55 PM
Andy, this is my first time here since you began. It is wonderful! Thank you for continuing Lisa's Legarcy! I just wanted to enter a post for the annivarsary of Lisa's Birthday she would have been 36 today.

Happy Birthday cuz!!  Love you & Miss you forever!! 

Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Andy Battaglia on March 24, 2006, 02:29:48 AM
Hi Michele,

I'm glad to see you here. I know Lisa would be happy that her cousin/sister has joined us on her birthday and I think she'd be delighted to see her group today.

Lisa, you mean the world to us.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: alnahrahmea on March 17, 2007, 03:44:49 AM
She seems to be a very wonderful person! I just hope I had the chance to meet her so she could inject more of her positivism to me! She's very inspiring!  :smiley
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: LindaMarie on March 30, 2007, 02:46:15 PM
I am new here and so appreciate this site.

When I first got to this site and saw the pictures of the beautiful woman, Lisa, at the top......well, her smile is contagious!

I am such a girl, teary eyed today reading and thinking that she is gone and I never got to meet her in person......yet, I am meeting her in spirit as all who come to this place do......and her love and encouragement will never end.

Thank you, Lisa.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Zaini on March 31, 2007, 07:25:39 PM
I wish i had met lisa,,,she was a wonderful person,we all love her,

May her soul rest in peace,

Zaini.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: LindaMarie on August 15, 2007, 05:06:19 AM
I just want to thank you, Lisa. Looking down from heaven you must smile when you see how you have and continue to touch the lives of others with your kindness.

This site is a place of love, compassion, friendship and support for people all across the world. You have enabled us to encourage each other thru some hard times and I am truly grateful!

Love to you, Lovely Lisa and to all the Lovelies all over the world
Love Never Fails
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: scammill on June 08, 2008, 02:04:38 AM
I am so happy that everyone is remembering my beautiful daughter Lisa. Thank you Andy and the whole group. She would be so proud. Life is so hard without my girl. She made me so proud of what she accomplised in her short life. My friends and I still work the weekly bingo as Lisa had asked me to. She said "Mom, don't let another mother go through this" When I feel like giving up I remember her words. Thank you to everyone again, I know Lisa would be proud. Shirley Cammilleri-Huntoon
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Andy Battaglia on June 08, 2008, 02:28:08 AM
Hi Shirley,

Lisa was one of a kind. I know I will never know anyone else like her and she made such a huge impact on my life. There are times when I feel like giving up because Lisa was my only real connection to thal, but every time I see her face at the top of the page, I remember how special Lisa was and how she entrusted me to carry on for her. She would be so happy to see the amount of members and how much people are helped by the site she created. Everything I do is in Lisa's memory and because of that I always try to do my very best for her. Of everything I have done in my life, carrying on her legacy is what I am the proudest.


Lisa once came to a little league game at Tryon Park to see my son, Zak play. Lisa would be really happy to know that Zak started at third base for the East High varsity baseball team this year as a sophomore and he just won the sportsmanship award for this year. He also loves playing guitar. Lisa would love this kid.   :happyyes
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: §ãJ¡Ð ساجد on June 08, 2008, 04:03:14 AM
We all are very thankful to Lisa, Andy and the Camilleri family for all they are doing to help Thalassemics around the world.

This site is the Ultimate resource for management of Thalassemia. Without the wonderful personalities that are on this site; we would have been wandering helplessly throughout the abyss of the internet searching for bits and pieces of crude information that is beyond the comprehension of a simpleton's mind like ours. Andy explains everything so well in detail that is easy for us to understand.

Madam Camilleri, I assure you that Mr. Andy is truly dedicated to serve all Thalassmics throughout the planet; just like your daughter had intended for herself.

Once again I Thank the Camilleri family and Lisa for their service to Thalassmics; Mr. Andy (a.k.a Capn' Thal.) for his dedication to Thal. and continuing Lisa's legacy and each and every member of this site for sharing every bit of knowledge they have and making this experience so friendly unlike any Doctor or hospital can ever do.

I Thank You ALL :grouphug
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Manal on June 08, 2008, 10:09:55 AM
Can't say more than Sajid said, but without this site that Lisa had created and Andy is continuing,... i wouldn't be here in this world, i would have been helpless with nothing to do to my son. this site gave me information, support and more than this is hope .. by which i am waiting and living. I am not exaggerating but this site didn't change my life, but i wouldn't be able to live without it. Please Andy never give up . Shirley, ..Lisa is always in my prayers

manal
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Zaini on June 08, 2008, 11:01:55 AM
This site definitely changed my life,and my perspective towards my daughter's life,i never believed as much as now i do that my daughter would live a fairly normal life InshALLAH,Shirley we are thankful to you too in a way,you were the wonderful mom who raise lisa.

ZAINI.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: hopefulmommy on June 10, 2008, 06:25:52 PM
Hi Shirley,

This site is the best thing which happened to me, after I came to know that my little one has thal.
It has helped me to survive. Coming to know about Lisa, you and the fantastic people on this site, has changed my whole perception about this disease.Though it is never easy to come to terms with the situation, but I do feel the fear lot less now.

Hats off to you and your wonderful daughter and all the people who are carrying on with her good work.

best regards.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Sharmin on June 10, 2008, 06:58:58 PM
Dear Shirley,

Your daughter continues to touch so many lives even today - I don't know where I would be if it weren't for her and all of the people continuing her work.  She was a gift to everyone and we all miss her so much.  She was so kind and welcoming - I hope we can continue to be that way to everyone visiting her site. 

I am so proud of you for being so brave and continuing her work  :ty and I am so thankful that her kind spirit wanted to help people like us deal with thalassemia. 

Love,

Sharmin
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Downtown on June 15, 2008, 07:21:19 PM
Andy
 
This Father's Day is a reminder of the love and support Lisa had from her family
and friends,  and this site is a testimony to her love for her family and people all
over the world.  As parents, uncles, aunts and cousins - friends of famillies with
Thal it only proves we need to continue her memory and follow the example
she gave about caring.  We miss our Joey in our family who was only with us
for 5 years - we were not fortuate enough to have an early diagnosis of Thal
which is extremely important.  We believe this site is a blessing for people
who need to know about Thal and share information as quickly as possible
throughout the world.  Any family that feels the need to talk on the phone
or join us for a family support group in the Chicago area is cetainly welcome
to call me at any time at 815-836-8954

In memory of Lisa (and our Joey) I would like to share a greeting that could
apply from them for Father's Day.  " In looking back at photographs, family
vacations and celebrations....and everyday moments, it's amazing the way
time flew by so quickly...in the blink of an eye....now I rest with those
moments loving you for the things you have done for me, and in sharing
your life with me.    Love,  Me."

Frank Di Giovanni, Chicago, IL
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Andy Battaglia on June 15, 2008, 07:41:42 PM
Frank,

Thank you for your inspiring words. Lisa touched so many people all around the world and continues to do so today through her group.

On this Father's Day, I would also like to remember another dad who passed some years ago, and also from thalassemia. To Lisa's dad, Bart Cammilleri, I dedicate this Father's Day. Bart, I salute you. I have never known anyone who loved their dad more than Lisa loved you, and knowing she would one day meet you again gave her the strength to face every challenge and never fear death.

:flowers  :flowers  :flowers
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Danielle on June 15, 2008, 09:58:20 PM
Beautifully said, you guys.   :clap  Happy Father's Day to Mr. Cammilleri and all the dads here!   :hugfriend
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: §ãJ¡Ð ساجد on June 16, 2008, 04:32:46 AM
To all parents:

:thankyou for everything that you do for us.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Fadd on December 20, 2009, 02:09:10 PM
Lisa lives in our hearts... People like Lisa and those running and looking after this website are a proof that this world still has great God fearing and kind hearted people rather i would say, "angels".
God bless you all

Fouad
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: eesha on March 24, 2010, 01:03:07 AM
Lisa is amazing, i never knew her but she has done such gr8 uniting thals-people who understand each other.
If you dont mind can some1 tell me how she died?, it is relay tragic, she seems to have been someone desperately trying to fight the illness, and then she lost the battle, but her legacy lives on. Thankyou Lisa for giving me somewhere to find hope.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Andy Battaglia on March 24, 2010, 02:01:09 AM
Lisa had hepatitis C, which destroyed her liver. She died after a procedure was done to prepare her for a liver transplant. She also had congestive heart failure and advanced osteoporosis. Her iron load was also high due to her reaction to desferal, which made it difficult to chelate, as that was the only available chelator at that time in the US. It was very difficult to watch her health deteriorate during her last year. My only solace is that Lisa told me that she had done everything in life she wanted to do and she was ready to die and go meet her daddy, who was also a thal major.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Sharmin on March 24, 2010, 03:03:11 PM
Still missing you Lisa.
My heart breaks for your family. 

May you be in peace,

Sharmin
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: nice friend on March 25, 2010, 04:08:27 PM
Thank you Lisa .........  :thankyou  ..

Umair
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: krunal on June 10, 2011, 07:40:17 AM
hey lisa this is krunal i want some knowledge for thallesemia major paitient bcoz i am goin to marry with thallesemia major should i carry on with her is their any problem in future to us please reply me
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Andy Battaglia on June 10, 2011, 02:27:22 PM
Krunal,

This post needs to be posted in the proper category and not under the dedication to Lisa. Please post it in Living with Thalassemia. This post will be deleted from this thread.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Kishore on June 21, 2011, 11:07:39 AM
LISA, I LOVE YOU. I M NOT SO GOOD AT ENGLISH. BUT KNOWING ABOUT YOU BY ABOVE REPLIES I FEEL SO PROUD ABOUT YOU.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: linise on September 08, 2012, 07:47:38 PM
I'm new to the group today.  How wonderful to read about Lisa. My many thanks to her posthumously for this wonderful site, and her great beauty. May God keep her in His Love and Care for all eternity!
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Pratik on January 30, 2013, 07:08:51 PM
Lisa had hepatitis C, which destroyed her liver. She died after a procedure was done to prepare her for a liver transplant. She also had congestive heart failure and advanced osteoporosis. Her iron load was also high due to her reaction to desferal, which made it difficult to chelate, as that was the only available chelator at that time in the US. It was very difficult to watch her health deteriorate during her last year. My only solace is that Lisa told me that she had done everything in life she wanted to do and she was ready to die and go meet her daddy, who was also a thal major.
Sorry for posting regarding this, but my heart broke reading this. I also wanted to ask several questions whether or why didn't Lisa tried traditional treatments?

1. For liver, she could have tried nigella or milk thistle? Or were she unaware of it at that time.
2. Advanced osteoporosis? How would you define it? I also had very bad shaking osteoporosis in 2009 as you know, Andy, felt like cutting my legs in those days. There's lot of improvement today, stopped my osteoporosis meds after I started Osteocare (cal+mag source for those who are unknown). Can Osteoporosis kill people?

Lisa's dad were thal major? Oh, never knew that! Hats off to the Cammilleri family. There isn't a single day I don't think about Lisa and her legacy that she bestowed upon us.

-P.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Andy Battaglia on January 31, 2013, 01:19:34 AM
Because of a bogus experiment in a test tube that claimed milk thistle inhibited the absorption of other meds, Lisa was afraid to take milk thistle, even though her mother and I both tried to get her to take it. I did not know about Nigella until much later. She was on interferon and the hep went into remission but when she stopped, it came back worse than before. Her health had deteriorated by then and she could not handle the side effects of interferon when she tried to resume it.
Her bones were extremely fragile. Her doctor broke three ribs just examining her. She told me she had the bones of an 80 year old woman.

Lisa's dad had the same combination that Lisa had, Hb Lepore beta thal. His was a milder phenotype and in his teens, he went 5 years without transfusing. Most likely, the beta thal gene he carried was not as severe a deletion/mutation as Lisa's. Even though he was born in the 1950's, long before any chelator was available, he still lived into his late 40's. I met him when Lisa was fairly young and he brought her into my store. I never knew him, but Lisa told me about coming in as a teen. It was many years later when we became friends. His name was Bart. In one of those "coincidental" moments in life, during the funeral procession for Lisa, a truck pulled across an intersection right in front of us. In large font on the side of the truck was one word. Bart.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Pratik on January 31, 2013, 06:17:42 AM
In one of those "coincidental" moments in life, during the funeral procession for Lisa, a truck pulled across an intersection right in front of us. In large font on the side of the truck was one word. Bart.
Oh my god! That means Lisa's dad were watching his baby come to him and did actually attended the funeral silently, what a coincidence or miracle, I may say. God is great, he sent her beloved Dad at her funeral, that's really...I have no words to describe.

-P.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Rashmi on May 24, 2013, 10:16:50 PM
From the Angel's corner, I realize that Lisa was an epitome of  inner strength, love, kindness and friendship. She was positivity personified. The soul never dies and she is here watching us all in thalpal. These few lines are for her

Don't stand beside my grave and weep,
For I'm not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

                                (Mary Elizabeth Frye)
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Pratik on May 25, 2013, 06:07:15 AM
From the Angel's corner, I realize that Lisa was an epitome of  inner strength, love, kindness and friendship. She was positivity personified. The soul never dies and she is here watching us all in thalpal. These few lines are for her

Don't stand beside my grave and weep,
For I'm not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

                                (Mary Elizabeth Frye)

Wonderful.  :(
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Om13 on June 26, 2014, 11:35:31 AM
Lisa - Thank you ! Your inspiration has created this portal which is helping us all and humanity.

Thank you also to the admins et al of this group for maintaining such a useful website.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: djema on February 20, 2015, 07:59:11 AM
Lisa, probably your soul heard my prayers and I found your site.... :sorrow
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: Manal on May 14, 2015, 12:49:35 PM
Rest in peace our angel :angel2 :angel1 :thankyou2
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: DrRajpal on July 30, 2015, 03:26:36 PM
May God your soul rest in peace.
though i am new here but now have great love to you dear sister Lisa, and great respect to you Mr Andy.
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: ikasmom on October 25, 2016, 08:03:22 AM
Thank you Lisa for creating this site!

I thank God to have stumbled across this site. It means so much to us parents to be able to learn from the experiences of those who have thal. Reading posts from this site inspires me when I am down and I'm sure you'll be happy to know that Lisa that until now your work continues through Andy and have helped a lot of people. Great Job!
Title: Re: Dedication to Lisa
Post by: BabyRiya on October 26, 2016, 08:24:31 PM
We are so thankful to Lisa
Title: To Lisa
Post by: JoR on February 24, 2017, 10:21:13 AM
Unfortunately I never met Lisa, not in person nor in this virtual environment. From all accounts it sounds like she was a wonderful human being.
Lisa has left an incredible legacy through this website. I am sorry I did not meet you Lisa... but I am grateful to you  :heartred :heartred :heartred