Pink Angels

A Tribute to Sarah-Jane Sharples (nee Woodward) and Amanda Rynne (MandaMoo).

This week I and many of my group of friends lost two beautiful, courageous and generously-spirited women.

Amanda was a softly-spoken young woman with a beautiful smile that was rarely off her lips. She was a significant part of the work that went into BCNA’s Hope and Hurdles program, from which so many of us have benefited - as well as just being there for people when it was needed most. She was also a tirelessly strong advocate of more support for women with advanced breast cancer. She has left behind a husband and three beautiful young children – and she has left a massive hole in our hearts.

Personally, when I underwent my double mastectomy in 2010, Amanda was one of the first to visit me in Hospital, bringing her reassuring smile – and a beautiful shawl that she had made me. I took it to bed with me last week when I heard of her passing. In order to cope with her loss, I hope to draw from her amazingly positive attitude, which included a readiness to party when the chance presented itself – and the fact that she never had a bad word to say about anybody – ever.

Sarah-Jane was as dear a friend as one could have. Almost to the very end she was actively involved in breast cancer-related fundraising and never stopped offering emotional support to others despite the terrible pain she was clearly suffering. I have no idea where this tiny, petite little woman with the Mona Lisa smile got the courage to do that, especially after receiving repeated bouts of bad news regarding her condition and prognosis. Her appearance and demeanour belied her fortitude. She was as tough as they come. She was a stunningly beautiful, softly-spoken, soft-hearted lady full of love and compassion, who will be terribly missed by us all. She will be missed most of all of course by her beloved husband, Tony, whom she married in hospital just last week – and her gorgeous 13-month old son, Elijah.

To lose two such incredible human beings in one week is as close to unbearable as any of my cancer-related experiences have been.

Heaven has two of its angels back.

I love you both to the moon and back.

Tracey Ryan (Mumma P)

chipmunk
Member
12 years ago
Why is this disease so unfair? Why does this disease take away so many of us? What have we all done in our lives to be diagnosed with this disease ? I am just so sad that another one of us is now in heaven. I am so breathless at the moment, my heart is heavy, just very sad. Tears swell in my eyes, to the beautiful pink ladies that have angel wings now.
chipmunk
Member
12 years ago
Why is this disease so unfair? Why does this disease take away so many of us? What have we all done in our lives to be diagnosed with this disease ? I am just so sad that another one of us is now in heaven. I am so breathless at the moment, my heart is heavy, just very sad. Tears swell in my eyes, to the beautiful pink ladies that have angel wings now.
Maxine
Member
12 years ago
Amanda posted some of the most poignant words I have read about living with secondary breast cancer. Her beautiful face and those of two of her children are in a photo in our meeting room. Never forgotten. Maxine
catcrazy
Member
12 years ago
What can I say ladies that hasn't already been said? I only knew of Mandymoo but what a terrible loss these 2 beautiful ladies at this very sad time. As another under 40 lady with advanced cancer I followed Mandymoos blog and this is such a tragic loss and does really bring home the fact of the seriousness of adv cancer. Fly free ladies you have brought nothing but pure joy and incredible wisdom to us all and your families xxxxxxxxx
Al
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Tracey for letting us all know of the passing of Amanda and Sarah-Jane. I too was in shock as I also looked forward to reading Amanda's post. She wrote so well and from the heart. She was such an inspiration to us all and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to her beautiful young family at this very sad time. May they take comfort in the fact that she helped and supported so many on this site with her words of wisdom. I for one will miss her even though I didn't have the privilege of meeting her in person.

Sad day and may they both rest in peace. Goodbye dear pink angels...

Alison xxxxx
Al
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Tracey for letting us all know of the passing of Amanda and Sarah-Jane. I too was in shock as I also looked forward to reading Amanda's post. She wrote so well and from the heart. She was such an inspiration to us all and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to her beautiful young family at this very sad time. May they take comfort in the fact that she helped and supported so many on this site with her words of wisdom. I for one will miss her even though I didn't have the privilege of meeting her in person.

Sad day and may they both rest in peace. Goodbye dear pink angels...

Alison xxxxx
MarianG
Member
12 years ago
I never met Amanda Rynne - I only knew of her as MandaMoo. I read her blogs and was moved and inspired by the way she shared her hopes and fears with such honesty and integrity and courage. I read of her passing with great sadness and sit here tonight with tears in my eyes, not able to sleep, thinking of her family her friends, and you Tracey, and the terrible loss you must all be feeling and send my deepest sympathy to you all. Even though I never met her, I will never forget her.
chookie63
Member
12 years ago
Thankyou I to wish for a cure xoxo
JeanineG
Member
12 years ago
Hi Tracey I am fairly new to this site but can only imagine the impact these two very special ladies have had on all who participate here. I am saddened to hear about their passing, and the devastation that those close to them must be feeling. This disease claims too many lives and it is my dearest hope that a cure can be found. I wish you strength and send you love, Xxx Jeanine
NaturalBel
Member
12 years ago
Life is simply all about people isnt it. About the communication we have, the love we build and the happiness it gives us. Having been through this time with Cancer, I understand how valueable it is to tell people you care, hug those you can, and give as much heart and soul each day to our family and our friends.

As I read your words I thought to myself, how beautifully written , and how hard it must be to let go and say good-bye, to those very special friends..

I am sorry for your tears and heart ache,you must be experiencing right now, and I wish for them both a beautiful place in heaven.

Bel