Irit Spitalnik called me today. I thought we were going to have one of our usual cheery chats about the industry, her family and how life is going. Not this time.
Irit told me she has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She's beginning her chemotherapy regimen tomorrow at Sloane.
When she told me this, I had the worst flashback I've had in a while. Lots of things went through my mind, including the day my mom called me at school and told me about her ovarian cancer. I thought about Irit's usual upbeat demeanor. I thought about her husband, Michael. I thought about their 14-year-old daughter. It hit me pretty hard.
If there's anyone who can beat this, it's Irit. I've never seen her down in the dumps. She's one of those people who has so much energy and positive vibes coming off her at all times that she brightens up a room. I know she'll beat this thing.
Irit let me know that she's grateful for the support she's received from her friends and family and folks in the online marketing industry. It's giving her the strength she needs to face this thing. If you want to send something to Irit, drop your e-mail address in comments and I'll send you her e-mail address and home address so you can send a card or note of encouragement.
1/13/2006 Update: I learned a couple nights ago that Irit has passed on. I've started a new thread so we can share details on funeral arrangements and share our favorite Irit stories. Link here.
Post - sent you a private email. Everyone who reads this, please spend the next 30 seconds to send a positive health thought/prayer to Irit and mental health for Michael and Maya. - Leslie
Posted by: leslie at May 5, 2005 10:22 PMTom hi-
I don't know you. This week has been full of some eery coincidences for me. And now here is another.
Feeling a bit nostalgic, I decided to do a search on Michael and Irit- some old friends from my days in the online ad industry that I haven't seen in years. I was astonished to see this post - only a few days old.
Can you please send me Irit and Michael's home address so that I can contact them.
Thanks,
Randi Barshack
Tom:
Tom: I was very sorry to learn that Irit passed away earlier this week. I have been trying to find out details as to services, and wondered if you had any information. My son and Maya shared their Bar/Bat Mitzvah day together and we enjoyed our time with the family. Any information that you may have would be most appreciated. Our condolences to all the family.
Thank You.
Sydelle Weinberger
I am sorry to say, I just heard that Irit Spitalnik passed away last night.
I am truly sorry. I worked with her and always found her pleasant and engaging.
Posted by: Richard Rebel at January 13, 2006 12:27 PMTo Irit's many friends and supporters:
The service for Irit is this Sunday January 15th
It is at:
PLAZA JEWISH COMMUNITY CHAPEL
# 630 Amsterdam Ave
at the corner of 91st Street
Service is at 12 Noon
Tom's words above cannot be amplified enough...
Hearts don't come bigger.
I worked with Irit briefly @ Engage/Cmgi, and although I am not in the industry now, I was trying to touch base with her - for she was someone you would want in your life, whether you were a business assoc., a long-lost friend, or whatever. It came as a shock to read that she has passed. My heart goes out to her family and close friends (which Im sure there are many).
Irit, I have missed you since we parted ways in 2001, and I miss you even more now. SF
All comments are property of the individual poster who left them. Everything else, copyright 2005, Tom Hespos