By Nazz Lane
"I spent a good deal of time researching and reading about my cancer. I wanted to know everything I could," Heartlite Jewell told me shortly after I arrived to meet with her. We stood in the middle of the dance floor at her soon to be opened club 'Rebelhearts & Angels'. "Adrenal cancer is not all that common and there are not many treatment options at this point."
I wanted to ask her how long, but the words only formed in my mind and I couldn't speak them for fear of hearing her answer. She must have known that it would've been my next question and said: "I was diagnosed in 2004, they told me that it would generally run its course in three to six years." I could only nod my head after hearing her statement. After a brief pause, I was about to ask her generally how she felt when I heard a child's voice in the background, a little girl asking who grandma was talking with. She excused herself for a moment which allowed me to regain my composure.
"Sorry Nazz," she said. I told her that it was no problem. I understood that the little one required attention. She smiled and began to tell me about the club. "Rebelhearts & Angels is going have four levels. This one is, of course, the ballroom. It's nearly complete now, we only have a little work left here," she said. As she spoke, I scanned around using my camera controls, taking in the scale and textures of the spacious dance floor and adjacent areas. "There is a teleport to take us to the other levels. Let's go see the rest of the build. Follow me, Nazz, to the marketplace," she said and moved the short distance and worked the teleport.
As I arrived in the marketplace she continued: "We have ten stalls available. There won't be a rental charge to sellers. We're going to ask for a flat percentage and donate that to charity. In fact, all of the money we make operating the club will go to charity." I commented on her generosity and asked which one would be the recipient. "We're going to split the money between two charities, Make a Wish here in the US and Starlight Foundation in Australia," she replied. "We have two more levels to see, Nazz, we'll visit the garden next. I hope you like it so far." I told her I thought it a nicely done build.
"I call the garden 'A Child's Dreamland'. There is much work still before it's done, but I wanted to show you my carousel," she said. I could hear the joy in her voice and feel the love in her heart as she told me how special the garden was to her. "I have met so many amazing people in Second Life. All of my friends are like my family and I want them and everyone who visits to enjoy this as much as I will when it's done." I asked how she was feeling generally and, as we'd been talking for near an hour now, I was fearful of her becoming tired. "Oh I'm doing fine, Nazz. I've been homebound for awhile now and I have my oxygen. Second Life is my escape, I spend a lot of my day here working and being with people."
We used the teleport to drop down to the ground level, the "Oasis", which is an adult themed area with dance animations and couples poses and semi-secluded nooks. While we chatted there, one of her friends came by to say hello and gave her a warm hug. I commented that I hoped it would be my turn when he was through. "Of course, Nazz," she said and smiled. After we embraced she said: "I've learned to deal with a lot of personalities here in SL. It matters greatly what people think of me. It's why I treat people the way I want to be treated."
Before departing I said: "Thank you for the tour Heart. My very best wishes that your club is a huge success, especially for the children. When do you think the opening will be?" Her reply was that she's working to open shortly before Valentine's Day. "We're planning for a grand opening event. I do hope you'll be able to celebrate with us Nazz." I replied telling her I wouldn't dream of missing it.
"I do have to run Heart. Thank you again and I'm sure we'll talk again soon. One more hug before I leave?" I asked. She smiled and said: "Of course."
