'Tomorrow is not promised to any of us': Jackie Collins' final inspiring letter to fans is published on her website
Jackie Collins' final message to her fans has been published.
Three weeks after she suddenly died aged 77 after a secret battle breast cancer, the best-selling author's website released what is her last ever letter to her readers.
In her touching departing note, she urges her followers to get checked and checked again for the disease that ultimately killed her.
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Goodbye: Jackie Collins' final inspiring letter to fans has been published on her website
Check up: In her touching departing note, she urges her followers to get checked and checked again for the disease that ultimately killed her
But the brief letter is anything but sombre - she vibrantly insists that cancer is not a death sentence and that those diagnosed can live full and fulfilling lives, as she did right up until her late 70s.
Her underlying message however is to appreciate the time each of us has, and not to waste a moment of it.
'As you may have recently heard, I revealed that I have been LIVING life to the fullest with Stage 4 Breast Cancer for the past six and a half years,' she wrote, reminding everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
'Early detection can save lives! Get regular mammograms, and/or tell your loved ones too. Low cost or free mammograms are offered through many national programs and community organizations, so do your research,' she continued.
'Even if you’ve been screened, and you have a gut feeling that something in your body is off, get a second opinion!
'Cancer does not have to be a death sentence! You, or someone you love, can live an extraordinary life regardless.
'Be kind and be grateful. Never underestimate the power of your mind. Embrace what you love, and LIVE life to the fullest, as tomorrow is not promised to any of us.
Upbeat: The brief letter is anything but sombre - Jackie (pictured 1968) vibrantly insists that cancer is not a death sentence and that those diagnosed can live full and fulfilling lives, as she did right up until her late 70s
'Whatever your pain or struggle in life, don’t allow it to turn you into a victim… let your battle turn you into someone else’s hero!'
She promised to donate 20 percent of her book sales to charity, and called on fans to keep commenting on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter - 'you know I love hearing from you,' she wrote.
In the post revealing her final letter, her web team said it was 'fitting that the woman who held Hollywood’s deepest secrets, kept her own' diagnosis a closely kept secret - she only told her three daughters, and didn't even let her sister Joan know until two weeks before her death.
'Jackie was determined to live her life fully and without limitation,' the team continued. 'She wrote about strong women, because she was a strong woman, and believed that girls could do anything … she certainly did.'
Silent battle: The best-selling author kept her diagnosis a secret from almost everybody; she only told her three daughters, and didn't even let her sister Joan know until two weeks before her death
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