New Paltz Reunion

Alumni Weekend occurred from October 12-14. The activities included tours of the campus, a President’s talk, hikes, theater productions and wine tours. Alumni got together at cocktail receptions, a lunch and dinner. All classes were photographed. Theta participants included myself, along with Susan Kramer, Carleen Schneider and Barbara Fatjo. Sue, Carleen and I communicate through email along with Joyce Roth and Jean Schell. In the past 50 years, we have occasionally gotten together but not all of us at the same time.
- Joan Kisver

Sorority Sister reunion in New Bern, NC

 Joan Kisver visited with Susan "Chi" Chichester Johnson in New Bern, NC.

Prayers for Laura Siracusano Dudek

Laura has certainly been through a lot in her life... soon after graduating from New Paltz, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease.  Years later, after successfully beating the Hodgkin's, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and, further down the road, she battled and beat breast cancer.  She lost her last husband, David Cobb, to pancreatic cancer and lost her mother to breast cancer.  Her wonderful current husband, Tom Dudek, suffered from Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), but was extremely fortunate to have had a successful stem cell transplant four years ago that saved his life.  Two previous stem cell transplants didn't work, but the third time was a charm!  In early 2017 Laura had open heart surgery (see April 3, 2017 posting) for issues that were a result of radiation treatment 50 years earlier.  This past December, Laura's sister, Louise, had a medical crisis of her own (see February blog posting) and today awaits surgery to reconnect her esophagus and stomach.  

As if Laura hasn't dealt with enough serious health problems through her life, she now faces yet another.  She was just diagnosed with mesothelioma, thought to be a result of all the radiation she had received for previous cancer treatments. The good news is that it appears to be a small tumor that is operable.  But, there may be lymph node involvement that would require additional treatment.  She is set for additional tests over the next few weeks to determine her course of treatment.

Laura was my first roommate at New Paltz and remains my dear and special friend.  To me and to all who know her, she is a true hero.  In 2002, Laura was recognized as Vermont Survivor of the Year.  In my eyes, she is Survivor of a Lifetime.  She has always faced the challenges of life with tremendous courage and inner strength, and I know she will face this latest challenge with the same.  She has given me the okay to share her status with all of you and, in doing so, I ask you to keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she and her amazing team at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston move forward to beat this.  

Love, hugs, prayers, and positive vibes being sent your way, old friend! Wishing you a renewal of body and spirit... Mi Shebeirach

-Pook

Roni Cojac Mintz

Roni Cojac (1965) Mintz and Alan Mintz celebrated their 53rd anniversary, June 2018 at one of their favorite Atlanta restaurants- Kyma.

SOLOMON FAMILY UPDATE

Posted on the GoFundMe site on March 27, 2018 by Laurie Chase Spiegel

https://www.gofundme.com/ericsolomonmedicalemergency

“The Solomon family has been so moved by your kind, thoughtful, and loving wishes for Eric’s recovery, and by your overwhelming generosity. Knowing that you care has been a tremendous boost at this difficult time. Although Eric remains in a coma, he has now been cleared for medical transport back to the U.S.  NYU Langone Medical Center has offered to take him into their facility in Manhattan, so he’ll finally be home! I want to thank each and everyone one of you - over 350 strong - for supporting the Solomon’s in so many ways. You have touched them forever.  Help spread the word!”

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4/9/18 UPDATE:  Eric, along with his parents, flew back to the United States (medical evacuation) on Sunday, April 1.   Although there is no change in his condition, he is now a patient at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Hospital in Manhattan.  Donations continue to be accepted through GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/ericsolomonmedicalemergency

 

THOUGHTS, PRAYERS, AND DONATIONS NEEDED FOR RUTH GERSON SOLOMON'S SON

Dear Theta Sisters,

Eric Solomon, son of Ruth (Gerson) and Gene Solomon has been hospitalized due to a traumatic brain injury. His parents and brother are with him in Colombia.

A GoFundMe page has been set up on his behalf to offset medical expenses. Please keep Eric and his family in your thoughts and prayers, and consider opening your hearts by making a donation to help them through this difficult time.

Sincerest thanks,
Laurie Chase Spiegel ‘75
Gail Shultz Adler ‘73
Holly Anderson VanSuch ‘75

LINK :  https://www.gofundme.com/ericsolomonmedicalemergency

“Eric Solomon was on a trip in Colombia, South America last week (March 10, 2018) when he was in an accident and suffered severe head trauma. He remains in a coma, with his parents, Ruth and Gene, and his brother Lee at his bedside. As lifelong friends and sorority sisters of Ruth, we are asking the Solomon’s friends and family to help fund the extraordinary expenses that Ruth and Gene are undergoing. We know that all of our love and prayers are with them at this difficult time. On behalf of the family, we thank you for your generous support.” 
- Laurie Chase Spiegel 

WE MOURN THE PASSING OF LINDA SPIRO LANDERS

Linda Spiro Landers ('61) passed away on Sunday, 2/25/18. Linda was our Vice President for the last 8 years or so. She was instrumental in getting our yearly mailings out to all sisters for a number of years. 

I can't remember a Fall luncheon that did not include Linda among the attendees. Even when she became dependent on a walker, she & her husband Woody would make the trip from the Cape, staying for the weekend so they could do some visiting with old friends. She always had new mini calendars along with some special treat wrapped in purple for all of us. Linda will be missed by all Thetas.

Linda was a good friend to many people. Above all, though, she was a loving and loved wife, mother and grandmother.

Sympathy can be sent to Linda's family at Box 739, Dennis, MA 02638.

- Janice Oehler

PRAYERS & HELP NEEDED FOR LAURA SIRACUSANO DUDEK'S SISTER

This GoFundMe page was set up for my sister, Louise, by her former sorority sisters. Please take the time to read it, donate if you so choose and pass it on to others. Thank you.
- Laura Siracusano Dudek

On December 24, Louise went to the Emergency Room at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, with severe abdominal pains. Emergency surgery was performed immediately, and it lasted for five hours. Louise was very sick and, according to her surgeon, almost died on the operating table. She had a large Hiatal Hernia that forced her stomach up through her diaphragm and her stomach twisted and cut off its own blood supply. Her stomach ruptured, and its acidic contents went throughout her abdomen and chest, causing major damage. During the surgery, a section of her stomach had to be removed as well as part of her esophagus. Her esophagus was so badly perforated that her surgeon had no choice but to temporarily route it out to her chest.
Louise's lungs have been severely weakened, and since her surgery, she has been in ICU and on a ventilator. She also has a feeding tube, which allows nutrition to go directly into her stomach. Louise has now been moved to a Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC) wing in the hospital. The focus there is to get her off the ventilator and get her up and moving and walking again. When Louise leaves the LTAC wing, she will be moved to a more traditional Rehabilitation unit, where she will stay until the doctors feel that she is ready to go home. Once home, Louise will receive in-home therapy to gain back her strength. The money raised here will help to defray the cost of the extensive therapy that Louise has ahead of her.

Before this happened, Louise was healthy, happy, active and recently retired. She believed in a healthy lifestyle, volunteered regularly in her community and always tried to "pay it forward." She loves to cook and garden, and her favorite hobby is raising Monarch and Black Swallowtail butterflies.

In several months, when Louise is completely healed and strong enough, she will need another major surgery. At that time, her esophagus will be reconstructed and reattached to her stomach. If that surgery goes as planned, Louise will again be able to eat and drink normally.

PRAYERS NEEDED FOR LINDA SPIRO LANDERS

I went to the last reunion and it was wonderful to see so many faces, as well as new one.... I don't have any photos but I am sure someone must...But just to let you know Marie Sabin Martin called me the other day and asked for prayers for Linda Spiro Landers was in the Cape Cod Hospital in an induced medical coma until they can figure out what is wrong with her...Marie has talked to Linda's daughter and Marie thinks Linda may have had a Stoke...I really don't know anything else - but I am sure if you contact Marie - she can fill you in on Linda's condition and I hope by now her progress.. Prayers for her and her family.
- Midge Theta '60

Nancy Erikson

I belong to the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society in Bay Shore Long Island. The 42 room house formerly belonging to the Thompson-Gardiner families and now owned by Suffolk County. Both families were very prominent in the history of Long Island and New York Society. George Washington actually stayed overnight on his Long Island tour in April of 1790.

Last year, we had an exhibition of the many prints, large and small, that the families collected for untold number of years on display or stored away at the manor.

I'm in costume as one of the staff guiding the public through the house to see the prints---- more than 20! We had a good turnout.

- Nancy Erikson, Class of 59

Pook Bellini

It's been a slow year for Theta news, so I thought I'd share a little information about me, with the hope that it will inspire each of you to take a few minutes to share some news about you.  From the emails I've received over the years, it appears that everyone has enjoyed reconnecting through the personal updates that have been shared.

As you may already know, after living in the beautiful Arizona desert for almost four decades, my husband and I moved to South Carolina (just south of Charlotte, NC) in December 2014.  It's hard to believe that we've now been here full-time for over 3 years.  This was a great move for us and, while we left many great friends behind, I love our new life here.  Our oldest son, Jason, lives in Manhattan and our youngest son, Jarrett, lives in Atlanta.  They're not exactly next door, but we've enjoyed seeing more of them since we moved.  I remain active in real estate and am also active in a variety of activities here in our 55+ community, Sun City Carolina Lakes.  I enjoy writing for our community magazine, working in the pottery studio (when I can find the time), hiking, kayaking (forever a beginner), serving on the board of the Lancaster Animal Shelter Supporters, and, most recently, taking on the role of president of our neighborhood of 110 homes.  If anyone is interested, here's a link to my bio at my website.