When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer my first thought was that I needed a miracle. My second thought was that it could come in any form. It might be a spontaneous healing, it might come through medical treatment, or it might release me into whatever comes after this life. I knew that any of these outcomes would be okay.
As it turned out I received extraordinary medical treatment and had almost three wonderful years cancer free. In gratitude, I decided to record some of the healing prayers I have set to music over the years. I sing them to start my day, to clear my mind or to steady my heart. My deepest wish is that they will serve you too. The prayers include “The Serenity Prayer,” “The Prayer of St. Francis,” Black Elk’s Prayer,” “Take Me Where You Want Me To Go,” “The Servant Song,” “i thank you God,” “Abide,” “Amazing Grace,” and an “Irish Blessing.” I play piano and sing, with Christine Newland on cello, Steve Clark on bass, Fil Beorchia on percussion, Chris Norley on guitar, Jesse Nestor on lap steel guitar, and Barry Usher on soprano saxophone.
Ovarian cancer has been nicknamed “the silent killer” because it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The survival rate is low, and there is still no screening test for it. Early cancers of the ovaries often cause no symptoms or symptoms that are more commonly caused by other things. By the time ovarian cancer is considered as a possible cause of these symptoms, it usually has already spread beyond the ovaries. Also, some types of ovarian cancer can rapidly spread to the surface of nearby organs. Research is needed to develop screening tests, to improve treatments, and to some day find a cure.
While we strive for these goals, your contributions also extend the lives of women living with ovarian cancer and give them the miracle of time. Time to nurture their growing families and to make creative contributions to their communities.
I am donating the entire $20 you pay to download the “Singing Is Praying Twice” album to support research for treating and curing ovarian cancer. The additional $5 you pay for the physical CD covers shipping and packaging. Use this link to get the album. To make an additional donation directly to London Health Sciences this link.
Nick Paparella interviews Jocelyn on CTV news London
Before you leave this page I invite you to post a prayer in the box provided. The prayers might come from a formal religion or set of beliefs, or maybe from one of those short conversations we have with whatever it is we turn to when we need a miracle or feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Any poetic or plain words that have lifted your spirit and healed your weary soul are welcome. When you Give your prayer it will be approved and your anonymity protected before it appears on the prayer page.
I also encourage you to request prayers of support for your self or your loves who have a life-threatening illness. In return, please pray for the most recent prayer requests you see.
My prayer for you, Jocelyn, and other cancer warriors comes from a book I recently read called _The Cancer Olympics_ . Sorry I didn’t write down the author’s name, but she is Canadian from Nova Scotia. Here is her prayer and I send it to you:
My blood and will (chi) are flowing smoothly and beautifully
I am filled with peace and joy
I am free from pain and illness
I am blessed with good fortune.
One evening before bed my 4 children were going ballistic….fighting, swearing, running in the house, jumping on the beds etc. An idea popped into my head, “Put on Jocelyn’s CD.” Almost immediately the children calmed. My youngest laid down on my bed and fell asleep. My other daughter danced with calm sweeping movements. My sons sat on the couch and looked at comic books. I was stunned. This never happens with 4 special needs children. Your music is so very soothing for them and so I wanted to express my sincerest thanks for your November concert and for generously sharing… Read more »