Dear Friends,
I want you to know first the status of my health care. My chemotherapy has ended and my care has been transferred to Hospice and Palliative Care. Please see the statement I asked the City to send because it gives some details.
I also want to send an additional, more personal message to all of you.
While the prognosis is not good, I will continue to fight and to go about my daily activities as long as my energy allows.
I am not sending this to ask for any extra attention from you. When we run into each other, treat me as you always do – that is easier for me and for you. Even if I do not keep in touch, know that your friendship has enhanced my life. I treasure each of you and our memories together.
Please share this as you feel appropriate.
Love,
Susan
Statement from Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess
I always have striven to be open and honest in all that I say and do. Accordingly, I publically announced my cancer diagnosis over three years ago, and today I am announcing that the caring and competent team of Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte is now managing my treatment. My wonderful doctors have done all that is possible to contain my cancer, yet it continues to grow and spread.
I have every intention of fulfilling my duties as Mayor Pro Tem and continuing my commitment to the people of Charlotte. The reality, however, is that I no longer have the energy to go and be as I always have been and will now focus my efforts on core responsibilities of the Council. I know there will be activities I no longer have the strength to pursue, and I hope everyone will understand there will be times when I will need to say “no,” or I must turn down invitations. I will do my best not to let anyone down.
I have been blessed with a loving family, with caring friends, with an indomitable spirit, and with an incredible opportunity to be of service to the citizens of the City I love. I count these blessings every day, and I appreciate every minute that I am allowed to enjoy them. If the days of those blessings are to be cut shorter than I might hope, I want you to treat me as always. It will be easier for you and for me. I can honestly say, I have not shed a tear since my diagnosis but have focused instead on being a fighter and living my life.
I hope that my friends, colleagues and constituents will share in my joy for these bountiful blessings; that we will celebrate what has been and the potential of what is yet to be. As the poet wrote, “Life is short, and time is fleeting…,” I would hate to waste it with what-might-have-been. Instead, I hope we will move forward resolutely together, always looking toward the future.
All my best,
Susan Burgess
Susan Burgess
Mayor Pro Tem
Charlotte, NC
