Celebrating Life, Moving Towards Health, Kicking Cancer’s Butt.

To My Wild and Wonderful Community (near and far),

I first came to Scotland and to this community of Findhorn in 2012 at the age of 20. I had no idea what to expect but within days (or hours even) I knew that this place would some day enjoy the special designation of home for me. A year ago I was finally able to make that happen.

After years back and forth from the United States I was finally able to obtain my visa and land here fully in early March 2016 and within weeks found myself embarking on my (surprise) journey with Follicular Thyroid Cancer. I never expected to have cancer at 25, and to be honest I had never even heard of a thyroid before feeling the sizeable tumor that had integrated itself so fully into my deceptively important though small butterfly shaped gland. But there I found myself, here I find myself. My team and the NHS have been incredible. I undertook my first surgery, a hemi-thyroidectomy this past June and my second completion surgery in October with an absolutely unsurpassable amount of support from my family, my team in the garden I work in, and the countless others surrounding me both back home in the states and here in the UK. (thank you all again for all of the wool so I could knit in hospital!)

I know it isn’t coincidence that I have been on this journey here within the Findhorn Foundation where I live at my most difficult time yet. This year has been challenging and ohhh yes, I have wobbled and shaken. This has been hard. But it has also been beautiful and full of lessons . This community has supported me as I support it...as I continue to wake up saying‘ yes!’ each day to life and the work that I do. I continue to come through this wave stronger and more grounded than ever before and I know I am slowly, gently, frustratingly, blissfully, eagerly, and exhaustedly, finding my way. And i’m grateful every day for it.

I recently found out from my endocrinologist that I will have to undertake radiation the week of April 27th in Aberdeen which came as a surprise and shock to me as I had previously been told I would not have to. I would love for my dad to be able to come over from the U.S to Scotland and support me and care for me during this hard time but my family could use some support right now. Things are really tight. So I look outward to you, my community, for support. I am trying to raise about $2,500 to cover costs for my dad to be here with me during treatment and also towards alternative counseling and treatment I am hoping to engage with parallel to radiation. Funds will also help with transportation costs back and forth to appointments with my medical team two hours away in Aberdeen, supplements, and other medical expenses.

I am now sitting here with sun streaming through my window reading guidance from one of my community’s founders; ‘Never be afraid of the new, of the unknown, but step out fearlessly into it, knowing that I am with you always, and that I will never leave you or forsake you.../ be not concerned nor struggle against the changes which are taking place at this time. The darkest hour comes before the glorious dawn .’ And I believe that.

In huge gratitude and immense love, please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or want to connect with me,

xx

Jamie Jackson

[email protected]