We Are Thankful!

This is a special weekend for our family – for a couple different reasons…and we just want to share.

As we have explained in our previous posts about Brita’s mom, Beth, it has been a rough road for her as she battles cancer and heart issues. The last year and a half haven’t been easy for her. This last summer she had to switch to a different chemo treatment because the one she had been on for 3 ½ years had stopped working and the cancer was starting to spread again.

So, at the time of this writing, she has been on the new chemo treatment for about 5 months. What a brutal rollercoaster ride it has been for her to adjust to the new treatment! She has been in the hospital a couple times, has needed more blood transfusions, hasn’t been able to always get her treatment because blood work revealed that certain levels were too low, and then there is the just-plain-feeling-sick days. It has been tough, but her fighting spirit has paid off.

We got the news this last week that her new treatment is working…tests have revealed that her tumor markers have dropped by over half! And, that, is awesome news and we are definitely celebrating!

This weekend, too, we are celebrating Beth’s birthday. Given all that has occurred and the fact that she is still with us, this is indeed a special weekend! One for which we are very thankful!

As Beth would say, “Family is Forever!” – and her love for her family is uppermost in her heart - today and always, for both near and far.

Thank you for the many thoughts and prayers that have gone out for her. We just wanted to share the good news with you!

Take care and Keep on Paddling!

Randy and Brita Isselin
NorthPoint Paddles

NorthPoint Paddles Is Back to Making Paddles Again!

Hi Everyone!

Brita, here. We are back in production, but not full steam ahead yet. We are fitting in making our paddles, while still caring for my mom. So, we apologize ahead of time for any unforeseen delays in responding to emails, as well as in filling orders. We will do our best to take care of things in a timely manner, but appreciate your continued patience and understanding during this new chapter of our life.

The new chapter?

Well, just when we hoped my mom, Beth, might turn a corner for the better, we got word just this week that her current chemo treatment has stopped working and her cancer has spread once again. So, now they are switching (immediately) to a new chemo infusion treatment, as well as radiation treatments to some areas on her bones.

Despite all of this, she is still being a trooper and is determined to keep fighting. She is thankful for everyone's thoughts, prayers, and well wishes.

With all that has happened in our NorthPoint Paddles family during the last year, the closeness of family and loved ones has become even more important than before. So, we want to take a moment and express our heartfelt wishes...

...to Dads everywhere...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

...to Moms, too (just a little late :D)...

HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY!

and on a special note...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER!

Keep on Paddling!

Brita

What is Happening Now at NorthPoint Paddles

Hello, Everyone!

We want to keep you informed as to what is going on with us, here at NorthPoint Paddles. You all have been so gracious and understanding as we have gone through these difficult months and we thank you for all of your encouraging words and support.

Here we are in the middle of November and Brita’s mom, Beth, is still struggling with health issues. Her long-awaited heart valve replacement finally took place a few weeks ago and the surgery itself went well, but, unfortunately, she has had multiple complications afterward, including a mini-stroke last week that, thankfully, didn’t last long and did not leave any ill effects. She is such a trooper and such a strong lady. She taught us kids to survive and that is what she is doing now…surviving. Next, in the weeks to come, she is going to need a stent put in the main artery of her heart that is 80% blocked – which we were not expecting. Currently, she is regaining her strength and recovering from the latest ordeals. Your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

In light of what is ahead for Beth in these next couple of months, we have made the decision to wait until after January 1^st, 2023 to resume our paddle production.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding – it means so much.

Take care,

Randy and Brita Isselin

NorthPoint Paddles

Here’s another one of our favorite pictures of Beth – taken a few years ago at a local pumpkin farm...

NorthPoint Paddles Update - Summer of 2022

Hello, NorthPoint Paddles Customers!

I’m Beth, Brita’s mother, and I am writing to thank you for your prayers and well wishes over the last few months.

I have had a terrible time with my health this summer. For instance, I had two eye surgeries—passed out and ended up with a broken nose and a brain bleed—followed by going “code blue” and getting a pacemaker. Also, had 11 days of radiation to get rid of the cancer on my vertebrae. And if that wasn’t enough, I became severely anemic and needed a blood transfusion—then, a few days later, came down with pneumonia for two weeks. I had to be in a wheelchair because it was so difficult to breathe and I was too weak to walk. I am now getting stronger, little bit by little bit each day, and will soon be getting a heart valve replacement. 

Through all of this, my family has been by my side. I don’t know how I could have gone through this without their support. And for the family who could not be with me…“I LOVE YOU!”

I’m sorry your paddles have been delayed, but you will get them and they will be beautiful. Thank you for your patience. 

And again, I thank you!

Beth