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Whistler is so much more than the beautiful mountains

LETTER: For the week of Jan. 16
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Whistlerite Linda Epp is "overwhelmed by this town's generosity and love," as she battles both a brain aneurysm and breast cancer. FILE PHOTO/PHOTO SUBMITTED

You know when you are having a bad day or a bad moment or perhaps a lot of things go wrong at the same time?

For me, I like to get out of the negativity and walk in positivity and I do that by getting outside, by going to nature, by appreciating this wonderful resort I live in. But in reality, it is so much more—it's the local people that come together when one needs help.

Friends, words cannot express how humbled I feel for all the support you have given me. I am crying while writing this only because I am overwhelmed by this town's generosity and love.

My name is Linda Epp. The past year has been a little bit of a challenge for me since I have been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, then I had emergency eye surgery due to a detached retina, then I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

All of which are treatable.

My eye surgery and breast surgery have been successful. Good news is I do not need chemotherapy, only radiation. It is my hope to have my brain surgery prior to radiation. The duration of my overcoming and healing is still yet to be determined. I am staying mentally positive about the overall chain of events. As I like to say, "I got this!"

I would like to first thank one of the dearest friends anyone could ask for, the lovely Angie Nolan. I thank you for setting up the GoFundMe page, which has helped me survive over the last few months.

Thank you to all who have donated. You have no idea what it means to me and how you have helped me during this time of healing (gofundme.com/f/help-linda-fight-breast-cancer-and-brain-surgery).

Angie, you have been my rock for so long and have picked me up when I feel beaten down. I love you, my friend. Thank you.

I would also like to thank The Beacon Pub & Eatery for organizing a fundraiser for me that was held on Dec. 19, 2019. You are all amazing! The amount of work you put into organizing the event for me is unbelievable.

Cass Novak, I love you, my friend. Thank you for coming up with the idea to have a fundraiser for me at my favourite local establishment. Thank you to the management team who all had a part in the organization of the event. Danny Stewart, Jan Madsen, Gordon Auld and to all of the staff, you all make my day when I see your smiling faces.

Thank you, Lisa Geddes, for asking my talented local musician friends to play at the fundraiser; it was epic! Thanks Stephen Vogler, Raj Das, Sean Rose and Robin Ferrier.

I am blown away by the number of local businesses that contributed their products and provided gift certificates for the silent auction. This community is so special to me and I am so fortunate to live here while I am going through this healing journey.

Thank you to all of these contributors for my fundraiser. I have no words...other than thank you for your generosity. Again, I am truly humbled. All of these amazing donations are listed on my GoFundMe page by way of thanks and recognition.

Wow, what a fun night and what amazing prizes!

One more shout-out to Matt Hall from Whislife. We are working together since I created a logo, called EPPic, which will be put on hoodies, toques etc. and partial proceeds will go towards Families Fighting Cancer in the Sea to Sky.

Whistler, I am so blessed to live here while I am going through this journey in my life. Although I have no family here, my friends and the community have proven to be my family—feel the love back. Thank you so much.

Linda Epp, a.k.a. EPPic Linda // Whistler