About



Meghan and me in 2009 - photo by Danuta Zgurzynski 
My name is Adam Warner, and I took over writing this blog in April 2010, when my wife, Meghan Baker, passed away from breast cancer. Meghan had been writing here since she was first diagnosed in 2008.

Meghan and I met in 2007 teaching English in Seoul, South Korea, where we quickly fell in love. After her diagnosis in October 2008, we moved back to our respective homes; hers in Petrolia, Ontario and mine in Washington, DC. She underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and then radiation, throughout which I would travel up to Ontario as often as possible to see her. In the summer of 2009, just before she finished her final radiation, I decided to move to Detroit, Michigan to be as close as to her as possible. 

While the treatments tired her out, Meghan spent a lot of energy trying to move forward with her life. As long as I knew Meghan she was a list maker. She constantly revised and revamped her list of goals to accomplish in her life. She knew she wanted to go back to school to become a nurse because that profession would allow her to help people on a daily basis. 

By December of 2009, Meghan was enrolled in a nursing pre-req program, volunteering in the radiation department of a local hospital and working part time at a clothing store. That’s a very, very, very small portion of the goals she was rapidly checking off. Meghan was unstoppable.

In January of 2010, Meghan was re-diagnosed with brain metastasis, which are incurable. By February, the cancer had spread to her hips, liver, lungs, lymph nodes and shoulder. Meghan never gave up hope. She continued to knock off goals. She went to a city she’d wanted to revisit since childhood, she went to the symphony, she continued to read books and learn. We were married on March 28th of 2010, in a beautifully intimate ceremony at her home, with only immediate family present. Meghan continued to plan for the future and for me. She pushed me constantly to do things I hadn’t yet, to make something of myself. Meghan passed away on April 27th, 2010, a week to the day of my birthday and one day short of our month anniversary.

Because of Meghan and for Meghan I am finishing her list of goals. The big and long list. Meghan was completely selfless and always wanted to help. The sole purpose of her blog was to have a very detailed and honest account of cancer treatment. She wanted people in similar situations to be able to find the help, information and inspiration they needed to carry on.

I want everyone to be sure that my underlying purpose through all of this is to complete what Meghan couldn’t and to do so with her spirit of giving. Her blog kept a detailed description of the physical and emotional struggles that come with living a life with cancer. We started a Facebook page to allow friends and family, along with anyone else who she might have inspired, to follow her along this journey. My hope is to tell her story and spread her message of love and inspiration; to live life to its fullest, helping yourself by helping those around you.

28 comments:

SamSparkle said...

I've just come across your story through a post on my facebook page. I just wanted to say well done on what you are doing in Meghan's memory. The way you are working through your grief should be celebrated. There are no right/wrong ways of doing it. My husband died 16yrs ago and I still miss him every single day. I just want to encourage you by saying the kind of love you and Meghan obviously had for each other will never die... it goes on. The pain never goes away but you do learn to live with it. God bless you on your journey, Adam :)

Adam Warner said...

I really appreciate you taking the time to write to me. As you said, it never ends, you just make room for other things in your life. I still miss her and I know she'd be proud of where I am.
ps, what posting did you respond to on your fb page?

Anonymous said...

I knew your story from an Arabic page that translated your words from English into Arabic! Just wanted to say that you are on the right way!
A lot of people now thinking about her as a strong fighter and kind person. They also think about both of you as an eternal and deep love. May her soul rest in peace. Wish you all success with the list. Greetings from Egypt ! :)

Unknown said...

I gave up on love but ur story makes believe in it again. you're one in a million, and I really like your loyalty .. I'm speechless right now really .. all I can tell is thank you for making me believe in love once again.

Adam Warner said...

thank you so much for checking in. It means a lot to me that Meghan is still able to affect people around the world.

Mohamed Hadoka said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mohamed Hadoka said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Placido and Eleanor said...

Hi, I'm writing from Italy..
Man you are incredible, she is incredible and your love is incredible. Your story shocked me and my girlfriend, you now are in our hearts. She must be a great woman, the greatest , because you must be the strongest to behave in the same way she fought her ilness.
And you..you are the strongest person there is, it's difficult surviving your wife.. And fighting to achieve her goals. You are a example for all of us... thank you.. We love you , your story is the proof that Love is the greatest force of Nature..
I cried much , and I thought about you.,. You guys are my heroes.
Keep making Meghan alive man..
With unconditional love..
Placido and Eleonor

Anonymous said...

I heard your story while driving to the store on Saturday and was sobbing. Wow - puts all the little everyday problems in perspective. You and Meghan are an inspiration. I hope that you are starting to heal, Adam. Meghan would be so proud of you.

Jen Seminara from Chicago

Dr.M.Safwat said...

chapeau my friend , I thought that the material life eroded all the humanity romantic feelings but your Loyalty and passion in Love gave us hope for better tomorrow , proud of you my friend ,
let me invite you to Egypt, please consider my home as your home ...

Dr.M.A.Safwat

Unknown said...

You are GOD!

Hani D. said...

just read your story .. dont know what to say .. god bless her soul .. and god bless you for being such a great person .. all the best

Cheri said...

I just watched the story on Facebook. You are a wonderful person to complete her list. I know that this is an old story now. I hope that you have found peace and happiness in your life. She will always be with you, watching over and blessing you. PS did you ever finish the list?

Unknown said...

Hi, I am from Petrolia Ontario, same hometown as Meghan. Although I do not know her or her family, her story has touched my heart. Let it be known that her memory will be kept alive by the video I watched, and by this blog. You are an inspiration!! God Bless.

Admin said...

I’ve come across your story through feed, and I really liked it so much and it made me feel something deep down in my heart,
Keep going man life is too short. You are a wonderful person

bassgal said...

I love your story having cared for a dear friend with mesothelioma until his death last year. I understand grief and I applaud you for moving forward in life as difficult as it is. I've been to Facebook and many other places on the internet looking for you just to track your progress and how your life is going now. There don't seem to be any posts are any new information for 3 or 4 years. I was sad that I wasn't able 2 update and check on you and your life. Wishing you the best of everything, love and growing peace & happiness.

Soumoud Jomli said...

Can you believe someone from Tunisia knew your story? Yes dude, I just Googled it after someone published it on Facebook, I found this blog, it's really touching story, go on and achieve her wishes. I know no one can feel what you feel, I'm reading your article listening to this:"All is bright soundtrack during" wright that on YouTube and listen to you'll get my meaning, and watch the movie : all is bright you'll feel it's about u. My Facebook : Soumoud Jomli

Unknown said...

I too just saw your story on littlethings.com it was a 16:9 piece. I'm curious as to how you are doing now with the list. I am just home from the Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Las Vegas. Have you done the Half yet?
Marigene
Stockton, California

Unknown said...

I too just saw your story on littlethings.com it was a 16:9 piece. I'm curious as to how you are doing now with the list. I am just home from the Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Las Vegas. Have you done the Half yet?
Marigene
Stockton, California

Unknown said...

Unknown said...

Truly amazing! God bless you in your ventures, I'm sure your wife is very proud of you! ❤❤❤

Karen said...

I just came across your story and it made me cry. Thank you so much for helping her when she was alive and thank you for taking over her list now that she is gone. I am sure she is smiling down on you and saying "good job"!!

Unknown said...

I'd love to hear an update of where you are in life. How are you, Adam?

faythfulangel said...

We would love an update!

Jules said...

Would love to hear how you're doing.

Shea said...

Hey Adam, I went through the same situation. My late wife died of cancer three years ago at the age of 24. I couldn't find any other way to contact you, but I was struck by how similar your story is to mine and I would love to talk. Not sure if you read these comments anymore, though

Anonymous said...

Just relistened to the Love and Radio episode. Thank you for putting this out there. Hope you are well.

Unknown said...

Hope all is well. Much love from Italy.

Related Posts with Thumbnails