This is shocking news because most had no…… idea that she was ill. She wanted it kept a secret and no one knew. Carla figured this out as she describes below. She told her daughter at the end of December and her Son in February, but we were under strict instructions not to tell a soul–please read the explanation she wrote below and understand that she went exactly the way she wanted to go, quietly and quickly without pain. As just as she led her life, when she decided it was time to go, she went.

We are asking friends to forward this email on to other you know to be good friends.

Thank you all!

FROM CARLA:
Dear Friends,

In late November 2010, some health problems popped up that, by late December, seemed serious.

I made two choices at that time:

FIRST: I chose to tell only my children and my friend Bob because I greatly value my privacy and because I see myself on the ‘console, not be consoled,’ side of any equation. In fact, there are few things that I would have a harder time with than having friends caring, asking, wanting to help. I apologize for not sharing this life altering information. I hope you will understand why I made this choice.

SECOND: I chose not to engage in the usual life-prolonging medical treatment for my cancer. I made this choice because for me life can only be ‘the quality of life’ that enables me to combine using my skill and knowledge with the gifts that happened to make a difference in lives. I find value in bringing together the appropriate people to analyze and have the necessary clout to solve complex public policy problems. I find value in spending quality time with loved ones and friends and in traveling. At my age, I cannot imagine being stripped of the ‘quality of live’–not burden for others. I have been extraordinarily fortunate over the years to have been afforded the experiences and opportunities I have had. I hope that I have used at least some of my skills and opportunities well. What a waste it would be for me now, at 71, to reverse my philosophy and spend my time, energy, and money on self-preservation. Were I a couple decades younger and with considerable responsibility for others, I may have justified a different choice. But, at this point in life, two things must be considered: a) my above stated view toward life’s value, and b) my position on what’s happening in America’s medical care. I simply won’t be part of an all-to-common insidious symbiotic relationship between so many in the medical industry who play on fears of seniors to pretend that death is a myth. All that is accomplished is to strip people of their dignity and quality of life while draining their family’s energy and resources. It benefits the medical industry, not the lives in question, not the families, not the larger civil society involved in advancing quality of life.

Just know that I love you all. I cherish the times we have had together. I hope that each of you will walk future paths that are as filled with gifts as those I have walked. And I hope that you will pass on this Spirit of Life to those who follow you.

Carla
(the ultimate “control freak”)

Obituary

Attached please find a copy of the obituary. Her family will be making arrangements for its publication.

You are invited to join us in the celebration of the life of Carla Brooks Johnston
In Florida
Saturday May 7th at 1:00 PM
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church
2304 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL 33957-3209
(239) 472-2173www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org

In Boston / Somerville
The family hopes to plan a similar
celebration to be held in
Somerville, MA
in the coming weeks.
Please watch her website or join her email list if you would like to be notified. http://www.CarlaBrooksJohnston.com/

Sharing Memories of Carla On-line:

We are pulling together a website:

http://Remembering.CarlaBrooksJohnston.com/
as place where people may share stories and photographs.

Please do not send flowers – Instead we would suggest:

Considering a tax-deductible contribution to Carla’s Non-Profit Organization

New Century Policies Educational Programs (NCPEP)

Bank of America

Account # 004632487136 (Ready Tuesday May 3rd–this account has been established especially for this program.)

NCPEP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which Carla Founded back in 1982.

Our intent is to launch a seed funding grant program for Change Makers, following in line with Carla’s new book–Change Makers: Four Stories which is being published now. The grant program will be oriented to individuals and community organizations that are prepared to make positive and sustainable changes that will benefit their communities. You can watch Carla’s website for more information. (Currently Dr. Robert Hilliard, Eric Johnston, and Dr. Deborah Johnston sit on the Board of Directors.)

Our mother was enriched and invigorated by her community of friends here and around the world. We were all blessed to have her in our lives, teaching us and challenging us to be better human beings. Thank you for respecting her wishes.

Love,

Eric and Elise

BESTEVER Networking, Business Networking in Fort Myers

Yesterday evening, Fort Myers Daily photographers Kelly Telford and Max Soto, went to the BESTEVER Networking meeting at Cantina Laredo in the Bell Tower plaza. People from businesses from all around came out and networked. We were there to take some pictures of people connecting.

Schedule for Weekly Luncheons:

• Azucar Restaurant – Lehigh Acres, Wednesday, January 26th @ 11:30am – 1:00pm
• Cantina Laredo - Fort Myers. Wednesday, Feb. 2

Please look for Ambassadors for assistance:
Billie Porter - Jennifer Llanos  - Maritza Krupp - Farah McCauley
Maikel Delgado – Alexis Torres - Martin Pahnke - Veronica Montoya
Silvia Izquierdo - Susan Vaccarino - John Heder - Kandace Salter
Arek Rymarczuk – Paul Gendron – Shelly Osterhaut

UPCOMING NETWORKING LUNCHEONS
Cantina Laredo – Fort Myers
Wednesday, December 1st @ 11:30am – 1:00pm

Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fort Myers

The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Fort Myers has a lunch at Cantina Laredo. Stop by to network with community members and learn more about local bushiness!

10051 McGregor Blvd.
Ste. 204
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Tel: (239) 418-1441
Fax: (239) 418-1475
www.hispanicchamberflorida.org

“Welcome to the Jungle” event at Voda! What a great turnout, and we gathered over $700 worth of food and supplies for Lee County Animal Services. When you think about it, it is significant, not considering money donations… Thanks to Voda Lounge, everyone that helped, and to all the sponsors. (Dunkin Diamonds and Planet Beach Contempo Spa Fort Myers) Enjoy some pics!

Young Professionals chamber of commerce has had a decent year so far, considering current economic conditions. As we near the end of the year, we decided to not have as many events monthly, (we were at 4!) , but better yet, have 1 more event per month, and make them BIG!

Photography by:
Affordable Photography
Jerry & Anna Krecicki

Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Hotel is The Place To Meet in Southwest Florida, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce

The other day,Crowne Plaza of Fort Myers hosted the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. The Keynote speaker was Lee County Commissioner, Tammy Hall. The popular topic of the BP Oil Spill was discussed, the County Commissioner explained  how our beaches are still clean and Lee County is STILL one of the best vacation destinations in all of Florida. Tammy Hall went over how Lee County is still thriving and we will do whatever is needed to help our neighbors to the north.

Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Hotel is The Place To Meet in Southwest Florida. Crowne Plaza is focused on helping you create a memorable meeting, party or conference. Our beautifully appointed, flexible 5000 square foot ballroom can accommodate large general session banquets or trade show space and can be divided into 4 smaller rooms to be used as breakout rooms or separate meeting and banquet spaces. High-speed Internet access is available as well as standard analogue phone lines and a wide range of audio-visual equipment.

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. represents over 1000 businesses, professionals, and individuals in Lee County, Florida.

Crowne Plaza Fort Myers FL Hotel
13051 Bell Tower Drive • Fort Myers, Florida 33907
Phone: (239) 482-2900 • Fax: (239) 482-4668

Update on the Deep Horizon Florida Oil Spill. What is happening to Fort Myers because of the BP Oil Spill? Our Beaches are still Beautiful and our water is Clean! Great time for a Vacation!

Yesterday, we talked to Lee County Florida District 4 Commissioner, Tammy Hall. We were extremely happy to hear what she had to say! Although the Deep Horizon Florida Oil Spill has harmed a lot of things, Sanibel and Captiva are still SAFE! We learned that our water is clean and our beaches are still beautiful and this is actually a great time to visit Fort Myers. Check out our backyard and enjoy a wonderful SWFL Vacation!

Tamara Pigott, Executive Director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau also talked to us on camera to express what a great time it is to take a vacation in our unspoiled waters of SWFL. Not only are the beaches in Fort Myers OIL FREE, there are lots of other great reasons to visit! There are great deals on accommodations, shopping, restaurants and services. If you are thinking about visiting SWFL, now is the time to do it! Watch the video and see for yourself! Once you do that, explore our site more and start planning your next PERFECT vacation!

SWFL Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fort Myers, Network Luncheon

The SWFL Hispanic Chamber of Commerce network luncheon at the Olive Garden in Cape Coral on 03-02-2010. They meet there once a month.  They have lunches in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita and Naples. The events facilitate 100% networking and a great venue to promote your business.  The way the meeting works is that the microphone will be passed around. In 30 seconds or less, you tell us your name, who you are with and who a good referral for you is. They offer the opportunity to sponsor this lunch.  For only $40, your logo and information is sent to over 3,000 people, you have the option to display/distribute material as well as speak for 3-4 minutes.  Limit one per lunch. Please see any ambassador to schedule your sponsorship or contact the chamber directly at http://hispanicchamberflorida.org/

Visit the chambers website for more information and a schedule of Great networking events!

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com. It truly has been a great week to be in and around Fort Myers, this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Fort Myers Daily. Take some time and enjoy!

• Jan 30 – John Michael’s Photography, 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards for Wedding Photography, Fort Myers
• Jan 30 – Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Jan 29 – The Best Fort Myers Wildlife Photographer, Terry Waldorf
• Jan 29 – Peter Max at the Fort Myers Bell Tower Shops
• Jan 28 – Outdoors on Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers FL
• Jan 27 – Fort Myers Beach, Sunsets in Florida
• Jan 26 – New Moon Sailing, Fort Myers Sailing, New Moon Girls
• Jan 25 – Cattle Barons Ball for the American Cancer Society, Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers
• Jan 25 – 15th Annual 2010 Kiwanis Medieval Fair, Fort Myers Fundraisers
• Jan 24 – American Cancer Society of Lee County, Cattle Barons’ Ball, Bell Tower Shops
• Jan 24 – Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce “Save the Children – Haiti”
• Jan 23 – The Crowne Plaza Fort Myers, Make your Reservation now for the Cattle Barons’ Ball at the Bell Tower Shops
• Jan 22 – The 2nd Annual News Feeds Families Hunger Walk

Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Fort Myers

Make time to expand your business network at the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at Cantina Laredo in the Bell Tower Shops. These network meetings are some of the very best in Southwest Florida. Click below to for more information on the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and who to contact to get involved!