A Message from Our Founder Christine Dezarn, Founder PCOSA This issue of PCOSA Today is dedicated to the memory of Helena Kemp. Helena held a special place in the hearts of many of our PCOS community members, as a caring friend, a supportive helper, and as the mother of beautiful triplets conceived after her treatment for PCOS-related infertility. She passed away just a few weeks ago on February 21, following complications from heart surgery. Her husband, Andrew, had also tragically passed away a couple of years before. When I heard the news of Helena's sudden death, so many things passed through my mind at once. In general, I remember laughter, joy, and a positive outlook on life. But specifically, I first remember being astonished when Helena wrote to me a few years ago, exclaiming that I had "gotten her pregnant." Needless to say, those words are more than a little strange to hear from another woman, or at least they were that first time. But over the years, I appreciated with humor the temporarily-bewildered looks on the faces of conference attendees when Helena introduced me as "the woman who got her pregnant." It sometimes took them a few moments to realize that Helena meant that I had helped her learn about PCOS, and how to approach infertility issues. We always laughed! I was delighted when Helena and Andrew brought the triplets to our 2004 conference in Rye, New York. I held and played with both of their daughters, Madison and Zoe, and their son Jonathan as well (who is handicapped). Sad as it is to say, that particular conference became quite chaotic at one point. Parenting triplets must lead to THE MOST amazing skills of multi-tasking and continuous triage, because Helena and Andrew both stepped up to help when some of the conference logistics went amok. They had no obligation to help...they weren't even asked to do so. They just naturally did! Helena was an expressive writer. Her blog was so open and honest (it's still there, at thriceblessedmomma.blogspot.com). Among other things, she recently entered in her blog "Eight Things I Want to Do Before I Die." 1. Watch my son take his first steps; 2. Fall in love...again; 3. Visit Eretz Yisroel; Sincerely, |
