Cancerversaries

Cancerversary is a playful word with a deep meaning, and it represents a reason to celebrate. Now that I am more attuned to the survivor community, I see the word frequently. But what exactly does it mean? Is it the anniversary of when a person is diagnosed with cancer, as the name suggests? Or is it the anniversary of being declared in remission? (If the latter, then shouldn't it be called a Remissionversary?)

Thank You

Sarah, congrats and thank you! And thank you to those who made a donation!

Thank you to everyone who thought of us yesterday, and thank you to everyone who's been including us in your prayers.

That's a lot of thank yous, but not nearly enough to adequately express our gratitude for the suppport we've received from our family and friends.

Love you all.

Sunday, August 14th

August 14th was supposed to be our baby's due date. Or rather, Lily's birthday. Maybe she would have been born early, and I'd be holding her right now.

This Sunday is also Sarah's 1/2 marathon to raise money for the American Cancer Society in my honor.

Sarah's American Cancer Society Fundraising Page

It's also the date of the "bar-raiser" fundraiser for Jeff Tomczek in New York City at The Kettle of Fish from 3-6pm. Details can be found at the Facebook page, Bar-raiser for Jeff Tomczek. My mother is bringing a pink Aaron Rodgers jersey to donate to the raffle.

Another of Katelyn's favorite library books is The Very Lonely Firefly, by Eric Carle. The firefly flits through the night, looking for the lights of his family and friends. When he finds them, he's no longer alone. This Sunday, it will be nice for us to be surrounded by the lights of our family and friends.

Running for Research

It is 99 degrees outside. The heat index is 111. On an average temperature day, the thought of running a half marathon makes me want to faint. Today, I can't even write about running without wishing I had one of those elaborate Camelbak hydration packs strapped to my back, the clear plastic drinking tube draped over my shoulder.

Hopefully my good friend, Sarah Gleason, has one of those fancy hydration systems. If not, I'm buying her one. I am so honored by what she is doing for me. On Sunday, August 14th, she is running the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon in my honor to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The only reason I am alive today is because of advancements in drug therapies. Funding for cancer research made the breakthroughs for acute promyelocytic leukemia possible. There are so many other forms of cancer for which breakthroughs haven't yet happened. I believe the brilliant doctors and scientists in this world can crack other cancer codes. Every dollar given to fund their research gets them closer.

If this had happened to me just 30 years ago, I'd be dead. Instead I am thanking Sarah for her sweet gesture and friendship. Imagine how many miracles could be possible 30 years from now...

Sarah's American Cancer Society Fundraising Page

Sarah dancing at my wedding with one of Ryan's groomsmen, Dave Neiman.
Although Sarah is engaged, I'm including this photo of her and another guy because:
 A) It's a cute shot of her and B) It might guilt Dave into donating.

Again, Sarah, thank you.

If This was a Thank You Speech at the Oscars, I would get the Hook

Thank you so much to everyone who has been supportive of our family. It feels so good to know we are loved and receiving your prayers. The below is the view from my hospital bed. Without it, these days would be a lot tougher. I have loved hearing the updates from "The Real World." The emails have been just as cherished.

My guardian angel/memento/book collection sits next to the window with the view of the Manhattan skyline. As breathtaking as the skyline is, I prefer to look at my collection. The hustle and bustle of the city is not what I need right now. Your warm thoughts are what power me through. Aunt Lynn, Aunt Mary, and Uncle Bobby, your continued cards and packages have been sustaining. I love and miss you. And thank you Aunt Laura for working with the Cancer Society.

Thank you to my U of MN rowing team. I cannot believe it's been ten years. I have a lot of goals for when I get out of here, and having the strength to do a Power Ten on my erg is one of them. I'm sorry I missed seeing you at the reunion. Thank you Sarah for sending the package and channeling your positive coxswain karma..

Thank you to Jen, my mom, and Kelly for the clothes and hats. My style when I leave here will put the Royal Wedding and Kentucky Derby fashionistas to shame.

Mom (a.k.a. Mouse according to Katelyn), Dad, Matt, Jeff, Jen, and DiAnne: thank you for all the help with Katelyn and Ryan. Thank you to my family for sitting by my bedside, and for reminding me every day how much you love me and how this is just a blip in a wonderful life. I am sure at times you must have been really scared. Lucky for me, I was mostly too doped up during those times to appreciate the setbacks. But now that I do get them, I'm sorry I've caused you concern. We will get through this.

Thank you to Solar Capital for the food that has kept Ryan and Katelyn going ( I have to admit: I am a little suspicicous that Ryan has altered the orders to include more comfort junk food,or he is making side trips to the 7/11...). My bosses and team have been incredibly supportive. I will feel so enthusiastic about returning to work once I'm well enough. I miss all of the team, and the excitement of building our business.

And certainly not least: thank you to my neighborhood friends, both for the meals and the emotional support. At times, I have trouble getting through your heartfelt emails without crying, but I have desperately needed them nonetheless. Audra, your bravery to help me through this, given Sylvie's experience, can be nothing less than a gift from God.

As soon as I'm up for a relaxed backyard BBQ, it is happening. And I'm making you all wear hats!

I hear the Oscar music starting up, my cue to exit stage left.. Anne Hathaway is giving me a dirty look. I return the glare and mumble as I pass her, "Cancer patients can do whatever they dang well want." Then I do an interpretive dance of the Black Swan for good measure.