My story won't put 1 Pretzel's photo in a frame on the sacred NBHS halls- THE ENTIRE PRETZEL NATION IS WHO I WANT 2 RECOGNIZE 4 ITS COLLECTIVE GREATNESS. I spent 2/4-2/14/11 in Memorial Medical Center Spfld, IL on Oncology unit in Infectious Isolation- suffice it 2 say, 2 "qualify" I had 2 b PDS ( pretty darn sick) & I was. No place 4 anyone, especially an R.N. 2b. Without all details, 4 4 wks I underwent "Mayo clinic work-up" 2 confirm/ rule out a cancer/ metastatic cancer diagnosis from Oncologist. Had a lesion in femur bone destroying my femur bone . ect Had major orthopedic surgery; was in total body septic shock; home with PICC ( peripherally inserted central catheter) 4 6 more wks of iv antibiotics; crutches 6 wks 24/7; several complications after I got home- this started 12/30/10 & i was only released from crutches/ PICC out, ect. last month. FOR 5 MONTHS 2 PRESENT, I'VE HAD PRETZELS WHO WERE THERE B4, DURING & AFTER ME KEEP IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH ME THROUGH-OUT- PRAYERS, CALLS, EMAILS, TEXTS, CARDS, GIFTS, THOUGHTS, ECT. & IT JUST CONFIRMS WHAT I ALREADY KNEW--WHEN A PRETZEL IS DOWN, OTHER PRETZELS RALLY. Pretzels r "simply the best, better than all the rest!' I'm doing better than medically expected. All my md's Oncologist, Family MD, Infectious Disease MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, ALL told me how proud they r of me 4 how strong, tough & positive I am/was thru it all & told me i had no idea how gravely ill I was. I said, "I'm a tough NB farm girl & a had a whole lotta people who refused 2 accept a cancer diagnosis 4 me." If i don't "chk in" 4 a few days, Pretzels will light it up! - "Trish r u ok?" I'm back 2 exercise bike 30mins daily/ walking dogs/ working up to treadmill! In addition, this web site has helped fellow Pretzels share & support each other's good times, bad times & every thing in between & 4 that I thank everyone involved in the NBHS alumni site. The Archer fam has been in the NB parts 4 179yrs-i'm very proud of my roots. The Pretzel Nation has no idea how their involvement helped me& I can't thank them enough. Thank u!