Barbara Brunner's Story

When I was in the middle of my chemo (notice my big, bald head) our best friends decided to throw a party and have us all renew our wedding vows. We went to their ranch on Battle Mountain in the Sierra Madres for a wonderful weekend of family and love. Our dear friend Michael Chiarello (the famous chef) and his wife Eileen were there. They cooked for everyone and Michael performed the ceremony. It was magical. Despite feeling less than human from chemo, it was a wonderful way to show our love to each other and share it with our friends.
 
My husband deserves sainthood for taking such good care of me through my treatments. Our friends Wayne and Nancy deserve huge accolades for their friendship. They called from their ranch weekly to get updates and make me laugh. There is no better thing a co-survivor can do than provide love and laughter. 


 
Photo cutline:
Ray and Barbara renewed their wedding vows in the Sierra Madre mountains during Barbara’s cancer treatments.