Dad was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (head/neck cancer) in 2008. Luckily, a new treatment had just been developed, and he was able to benefit from it. Then, in 2015, he was diagnosed with MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome); at that time, there were only a few treatment options, but one, amazingly, worked for him. However, in December 2021, that treatment stopped working, and there could have been dire consequences. Happily, though, because of research supported by our fundraising efforts, there now are new treatments, and one of them is working well!
Most of you know Kay's story, as she has been my guiding force, and my inspiration to continue to raise $$ to fund a cure. Kay has been gone now for 11 years, and I continue to ride in her memory. I know that she is somewhere cheering me as I can still her voice telling me to "Be Brave."
In 1981 we were part of small contingent of students from across the US attending school in rural Austria (very near to Salzburg). Linda and I became fast friends as we learned of our common background growing up in Loma Linda, CA. We had apparently gone to elementary school together! We remained close friends for many years as she was like a sister to me in many ways. And even though we didn't see each other as much in recent years, when we talked on the phone or I passed through Loma Linda, we would reconnect and it was as it no time had passed.
Linda died on Valentines Day 2023. Recurrent cancer had spread throughout her body over the past two years. Her Memorial Service was on Friday, March 24 when I was in Hawaii. I missed it, but will hold her near to my heart as I participate again this year.
Even though we lost Kay, Bethany and now Linda, the progress in cancer research and treatments since 2007 has been astonishing. Less invasive treatments have been developed, cures for some cancers have been discovered, and we get closer to kicking cancer to the curb each day. But this only happens with research, and research only happens with financial support.
Bethany was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) August of 2004 as she was preparing to return to college to begin her sophomore year. She had just turned 19. After a year of chemo she returned to college the next fall, continuing with maintenance chemotherapy throughout her school year. The next summer she relapsed and returned to treatment, receiving a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor in November of 2006. Unfortunately, she relapsed again the next April. Bethany passed away on June 24, 2007–two weeks short of her 22nd birthday.
