There are no words good enough to describe Jeff and what his friendship meant to me. BUT even though I can't do him justice with words, I want to help fund research in honor of his life.
Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation is funding innovative research that helps people with the same cancer as Jeff. My goal is to raise $1,670, which will fund one "option" for a child who would otherwise have no more treatment options. This is possible because donations to Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation (CKc) will be tripled through a Giving Tuesday match.
Why a kids' cancer charity to honor an adult?
Because Jeff had a cancer that usually shows up in kids: rhabdomyosarcoma, which sounds like the name of a dinosaur. It's a bad one. Honestly, I'd rather fight an actual dinosaur! Yet I can see him in my mind's eye, beaming from his bed in the pediatric ward, declaring "I FEEL GREAT!" Brave words from a courageous man.
Why this cancer charity?
I've been working with CKc and they are funding a trial that is actually helping real people with rhabdomyosarcoma. There's a little girl who has had it EIGHT times, and because of CKc, she still has treatment options: "For the first time we saw what treatment should be for kids with cancer. It was so much better than she had ever received. We watched our girl swim with her brother, sing songs from Hamilton at the top of her lungs, dance, laugh and just be a kid. Most importantly she was home with her family, healing and making memories."
As long as my brain is working, I will treasure memories of my times with Jeff and Alaine, his sister Sarah, and their wonderful families! No family, and NO child, should have to go through cancer. We can give people more time by investing in research. I am proof. I've received this beautiful life every day for the past 14 years through 1) the grace of God, 2) the help of my family, and 3) CANCER RESEARCH!
If you've ever seen "October Sky," you know that Hodgkin's Lymphoma used to kill everybody who got it. Yet here I am - hating cancer, but loving all of you who helped me through it.
Everyone who donates will be entered to win this hoop, which I embroidered with love and gratitude. I know these are hard times so if you want to show your support without a donation, just send me a message. You are appreciated!
