Samanatha T. Gates (aka kcaz34) 1966 -2002

If any of you remember "kcaz34"....from 41andDesperate RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from McQuaid RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from LauraChristine RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from kicker RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from tom2308 RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from MeanItThisTime RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from Diana728 RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from Loonatic RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from nicless RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from hamm922 RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from melindar RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from DaYupper RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from 41andDesperate RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from MV740 RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from windsong RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from purplkoala RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from PurpleCatNip RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from ionronrote RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from DragonMistress RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from ToddOsborne RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from BasicLights RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from iyampopeye >RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from adiktfree RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from Kerch RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from possum03 RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from nicless RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from gunka RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from DragonMistress RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from Tonic RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from abart RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from Shellyn RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from LBBsM RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from apljack RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from agreger RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from catchow RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from tigger-2 RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from almost500 RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from wortner RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from gangrelsue RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from chicksilk RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from les200 RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... from evn40

If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From 41andDesperate on 1/21/2003 6:18:21 AM Hello Quitnet members! I hate to be the bearer of sad news. I have wondered just how to word this and decided there is no easy way. So forgive me .... I'll just put it out here. We have lost one of our very own "kcaz34" aka Samanatha (yes sp. is correct according to the way she typed it when she wrote to me). Sam lost her battle with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) on December 20, 2002. She was the very first person that I met here on the Q. We became fast friends. Sam was 36 years old and a single mother of two (one daughter and one son) when she passed away from this earth. She fought one heck of a fight! The woman was full of fire! She was my wonderful, nutty, loyal friend for several years. I must say that she was filled with mischief at times too, but that was part of her wit and charm. I was blessed to know her and her children. Sam suffered tremendous pain..... much more than she let anyone here know and as time passed the pain and difficulty to breathe became more intense. Soon she had to stop using the computer and so many people lost track of her. Sam never wanted anyone to pity her and so she just didn't say anything unless it was ......"Awwww, I'm alright...seen better days, but I'm alright!" I remember her saying to me, "I'm still breathing" and then she would laugh. Sam has two wonderful, beautiful, and intelligent children out there that will carry on and continue to make their Mother very proud! She taught them all of the right things in the short time that she had with them. My heart goes out to the children as I know that yours will also. This is a very sad time for those that knew and loved Sam. We will miss her so very much! I know that I have lost one very dear friend. Yes, my heart is breaking, but I can honestly say that I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to know the "real" Sam! Sam has joined Tillie and they are watching over us. Valerie has entered Sam in with the Q-Angels. I want to personally thank her for that. I haven't been here in a long time, but I guess I am back now and will be fighting my own battle with quitting again and I suppose it would be appropriate to dedicate the quit to Sam. Thanks for listening to me unload my own heartache. We all need to think about this quitting thing! All of us have people that love us and need us to be here for them. Hugs to all, Cathy KTQ

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From McQuaid on 1/21/2003 6:21:17 AM I'll keep her and her family in my prayers, thanks for sharing...what terrible news indeed. Mike in NJ

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From LauraChristine on 1/21/2003 6:25:41 AM So sorry....I remember her. I'll keep her family in my prayers for sure! And if you ever need an ear, please feel free to qmail me! LauraChrisitne 750 days

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From kicker on 1/21/2003 6:46:04 AM What terrible news. My heart does go out to her children and all who knew her. How very sad- especially that her death could have taken place much much later (if only..........) Kat

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From tom2308 on 1/21/2003 7:34:29 AM HI Cathy, I remember kcaz from main chat. It seems like many, many moons ago now. I remember her always joking and kidding around...even about her illness. I'm very sorry that she lost her fight. I will keep her and her family in my prayers. Tom Good to see ya back, Cathy.

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From MeanItThisTime on 1/21/2003 8:19:06 AM Up until now I have avoided post like this one. Well I am sitting here with the tears streaming down my face wondering... She was not that much older than me, did I damage my body beyond repair. Yes I have no cough, never really had past the first 10 mins in the morning. But that doesn't mean a thing does it. I am remembering when I was an aide in a hospital and I saw a women die from Lung Cancer. Her death hit me hard because one day we were talking and the next day when I came in she was wearing a mask (for oxygen), and when I looked into her eyes it was like she had already left. I remember vividly the day before her telling me that she knows she is dying but she hopes see makes it to November 1st because Halloween scares her. Well she did die as she wanted. She dies at 12:05 am on November 1st. And she had never smoked a day in her life. Did her death make a difference to my smoking NO. But now see her in my memory I don't know why I waited so longer to make the decison to quit. Just because I am a non smoker does not mean that the damage that I have done to my body for the past 21 years goes away. Maybe 5,10,15,20 years from now I will see the reprecutions of my stupidity. I have to thank you for telling us of Sam. I never knew her but she sounded like a wonderful person. Thank you also making me really look at what I have done to myself. I know that was probably not your intention. June

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From Diana728 on 1/21/2003 8:10:49 AM I am so sorry and I will definitely keep her family in my prayers. That is so sad that her two children lost her so soon!

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From Loonatic on 1/21/2003 8:14:12 AM I am so sorry, she sounds like a fine lady. I think it's great that you are going to quit again, I think Sam would be proud of you.

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From nicless on 1/21/2003 8:21:56 AM ((((((((((((((((((((((((Cathy))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) When you told me this news night before last I have since reflected back on many a conversations I had with Sam. She was a pleasure to know, had once great since of humor, and yes, I do believe she hid a lot of her pain. I recall us getting to laughing and she'd start coughing so hard she couldn't stop. Sicker then she cared to admit. Seems that she had extra family living with her for a time and she came to the Q for an "escape", and for just a little while, she really did enjoy her fun here. Been months and months since I've chatted with her, but I'll always remember her, and glad that I had the opportunity to know her. A true reality check this is. For you ppl in your 30's, here's proof COPD can get ya even that young and this smoking thing is like playing with Russian Roulette. I hope ppl learn from this post "life is precious" and if on the fence about their quit, this helps give them renewed commitment. I know Sam is up there in Heaven at peace smiling down on us and I will keep her family in my prayers as they learn to live with a large void in their life. Thanks for your post Cathy! I'm glad you're back to. I feel that's a swell idea, dedicating your quit to Samantha. She'd be so touched. Colleen

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From hamm922 on 1/21/2003 8:57:13 AM That is just way way way too sad! However, this came at a good time for me. I started back smoking again last night. GOSH! I need to really get serious about quitting! BLESS Sam's family!!! THis is so tragic!

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From melindar on 1/21/2003 9:15:02 AM Dear Cathy, What a heartfelt post. I am sorry about your dear friend Sam. And to her children my wishful thoughts. Seems as if you were the lucky one, having Sam in your life! May she continue to inspire you. Melinda

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From DaYupper on 1/21/2003 9:30:41 AM My prayers go out to the family, especially to the children. At least they have memories in the heart. Randy

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From 41andDesperate on 1/21/2003 10:12:07 AM I just want to say "Thank You," to ALL of you, for your out-pouring of support. I am so sure this will mean the world to the children. They may come into the Q and see all these wonderful posts. You are all a fabulous group of people and you have blessed me today with your kindness and thoughtfulness. I am definitely one of the lucky ones to have known Sam and to know YOU! We all need, desperately, to heed the words that she said to me...."Cathy, you better quit!" I am such a butt, because I didn't listen, couldn't listen, didn't know "HOW" to do it! Oh, I tried, but as I failed, I moved away from the Q (call it whatever..embarrassment...stupidity seems to fit right now). I don't have Sam to be here this time, but I might come back kicking, screaming, crying, and filled with rage......and I hope that you will remember me and do whatever it is that you all do best! I wish that Sam had left her profile, but I remember the day that she deleted it. It was one of the last days that she was here. She told me that she was a failure and that her profile couldn't possibly help anyone....... that is ONE time that she was so wrong!!! Thank you again! ALL OF YOU! I know that I will never forget any of you! I'm sure that Sam is smiling today and finally taking in deep, glorious, breaths of wonderful, fresh air! She is probably laughing at me too! ;o) (and I hope she is!) Sincerely, ~Cathy If this should go in a new post.....will somebody please move it for me?? Copy and Paste it ... whatever needs to be done! I want everyone to know that they are appreciated!!!

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From MV740 on 1/21/2003 12:39:11 PM Very sad news. I will keep her friends and family in my prayers. MV

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From windsong on 1/21/2003 5:21:56 PM ((((Cathy)))) I am so sorry Sam lost her battle, I'm sorry you have lost a good friend and that 2 children have lost their mother. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you through this.

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From purplkoala on 1/21/2003 4:59:33 PM I remember Sam and after she left the Q, she and I kept in contact through email. She was a very funny lady and didn't dwell on the negative. She lived her life to the fullest and loved her children dearly. She will be missed by many people.. valerie 1212 days

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From PurpleCatNip on 1/21/2003 5:01:23 PM What awful-awful news! She was only 36 years old - my age. These two kids lost their Mom...how horrible to haev to go through something at such a young age. Smokers say it's their body and they can do whatever they want to it..which is true, but you're breaking hearts here as well.... Please if you still smoke - QUIT IT! What more proof do you need? Sam was 36 ...that's nothing!! Way too young to be ripped out of these kids life. How utterly devastating! Sam's family will be in my thoughts. We have yet another q angel...lets show them that we've learned... KTQ, Misha <~~ sad beyond words @ 213

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From ionronrote on 1/21/2003 5:07:19 PM o ((((((((((cathy))))))))))) i'm so sorry to hear this wish i could give you a hug right now, please know you aren't alone right now ok. we are all here and taking your hands in comfort right now. love ion

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From DragonMistress on 1/21/2003 5:11:40 PM (((((((((((((Cathy))))))))))) I am so very very sorry.......... hugs and love and prayers, DMSue

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From ToddOsborne on 1/21/2003 5:12:37 PM This is so sad. Sam was way too young to die and will be missed terribly. I did not know her like many of you did, but she was only 2 years older than me, and like her, I have two children too. I don't want this post to be about me, this just hit very close to home. My quit date is this Saturday (01/25/03) and I will quit, and will do so in Sam's name. Rest in peace Sam, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Todd

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From BasicLights on 1/21/2003 5:18:59 PM Cathy, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. My thought and prayers will be with you as well as with her family and children. May God Bless her. BasicLights Donna

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From iyampopeye on 1/21/2003 11:43:23 PM ...special thanks to Valerie for sending me an e-mail to clue me to this post. I didn't really know Sam, but I know she was a winner. I never know what to say at a time like this. All I know is how I deal with personal loss and tragedy. I take a great deal of comfort in remembering the person who has passed on and knowing the part they played in my own life. It is said that God never closes a door without opening another one somewhere... I don't understand God, but I kinda like the book He wrote. In it I find things like there being a season for all things under the sun. A time to live, a time to die...a time to laugh, a time to cry. Right now is a time to cry, but the sun will come up tomorrow, and the smoke-free road goes on forever. I find it a little ironic to realize that the only way to be sure a quit is successful is when they throw dirt in your face at the end of it. For Samanatha the quit is successful... Iyampopeye...and I Yam What I Yam!!!

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From adiktfree on 1/22/2003 1:15:36 AM God watches over her now, as always. My prayers are with those she leaves behind. May someone, somewhere, make a decision for the better, as a result of this! Thanks for letting me share. adiktfree ~aka~ Direwolf

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From Kerch on 1/22/2003 1:26:19 AM So sorry Cathy, I will keep her family and you in my prayers. God Bless Kerch

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From possum03 on 1/22/2003 3:07:49 AM I am so sorry to hear that sort of news. I too am sitting here with tears running down my face. It is reality isnt it and I will never never have another cig ever after reading these sort of things. I have tillietoiler's page in my favourites. My thoughts are with you and her family at this sad time. Tracey xx

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From nicless on 1/21/2003 4:37:13 PM May Kcaz rest in peace. :-( Colleen

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From gunka on 1/21/2003 4:44:16 PM Amen ^i^

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From DragonMistress on 1/21/2003 4:46:36 PM amen how sad DM

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From Tonic on 1/21/2003 4:54:03 PM How sad. Thanks. Tonic

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From abart on 1/21/2003 5:07:58 PM Thank you for bringing this to our attention. This is what is important here. Not how you quit or whether or not to reset your stupid gadget. People die from smoking. The goal here is to quit smoking. However you need to go about that is your business, just make it stick. My heart goes out to Sam and those who loved her.

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From Shellyn on 1/21/2003 5:11:35 PM A harsh reminder...God Bless

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From LBBsM on 1/21/2003 5:17:36 PM Another light in the darkness snuffed out in the prime of life. May she rest in peace and may her death not have been in vain. I think about the fact that there are and have been many folks in my family who have used tobacco in one form or another and lived long, productive lives. Tobacco-related cancer doesn't run on either side of my family. It's rare indeed that anyone dies before the age of eighty. Perhaps now that I've quit smoking... I'll get the chance to live well past 100 years of age. I'm nearly half way there already and I've been pretty healthy so far. Care to join me in lighting a candle to this mother of two and see if you and I can't keep it burning for another 50 or 60 years? KTQ!

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From apljack on 1/21/2003 5:53:25 PM How sad. May she rest in peace.

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From agreger on 1/21/2003 6:31:13 PM I am not sure if I remember her but nonetheless it is sad. She was way too young to go from this earth and leave 2 children motherless. Smoking is a demon that takes away loved ones far too often. I hope newbies will see that and how important it is to stay quit even if it is tough. Thanks for letting me know. Love, Andrea

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From catchow on 1/21/2003 6:31:59 PM wow.......soooooo sad Barb

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From tigger-2 on 1/21/2003 6:45:13 PM Thanks for letting us know. I do remember her from chat. tigger

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From almost500 on 1/21/2003 7:05:55 PM I didn't know Samanatha, but I think Valerie did the right thing in putting her in with the Q-Angels. It matters not if we knew her, she was one of our family. Sandi

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From wortner on 1/21/2003 9:17:36 PM I did not know Samantha. It is so sad, however, to see so many younger people suffer from smoke-related illness...and in this case, it is tragic. My prayers are with her family and friends. Just hope that others on the Q who have NOT quit smoking, or who keep "slipping" will wake up and see the light. Pat

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From grangrelsue on 1/21/2003 9:24:59 PM So Sorry to hear of such a loss. Sue

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From chicksilk on 1/21/2003 11:00:17 PM Thanks for letting us know, she was a special lady, and I am so sorry for her children. chrissy

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From les200 on 1/22/2003 2:09:54 AM I am so very sorry. It's a very moving and very tragic tale of loss. I did not know her, and I am surprised by her very young age!! How fortunate we've been (so far). Thank you for sharing this and reminding me of my resolve. I just can't believe how quickly she paid the price. My heart goes out to her children and all who loved her. Lesley

RE: If any of you remember "kcaz34".... From evn40 on 1/28/2003 7:39:28 AM SAD news just learned of kcaz.......(Samanatha)- thanks to our sweet VAL who kept me posted as I cannot sit at puter long-at all.... This is sad news and yes I do remember her... Having lost a very close dear online friend last July 10th to lung cancer (AFTER she quit smoking!) from my support group (Nicanon) - I can say- the loss runs very deeply- every time we lose one of our sisters and/or brothers............ I keep Samanatha in my prayers..... and all her family as well- - ....sad sad...too sad........... the world has lost a wonderful, FINE sweet person....................there really are no words...... are there...to describe how much- the world has lost.......... - Marian....:o(