March 13.
I am completely beholden with not only the continued donations which arrive daily, but the incoming messages of personal stories as well. These stories are not just a “Hey, I’ve heard of someone who had cancer once,” these are intimate descriptions of the heart-rending situations people have undergone – or, are in the midst of now. I usually shake my head and read through watery eyes, as it simultaneously resonates on a core emotional level while stirring up my frustration and disbelief.
As with others who have written you their stories, I lost my very favorite uncle and my mother’s only brother to Hodgkins Lymphoma when he was only 32. I was 8 and his sons were only 6 and 4. He was such a handsome, kind man who I had such a crush on. As the only girl with his two sons and four brothers of my own, he treated me like a princess. I remember so vividly when he came to our house and the adults were talking about his treatment. I of course had no clue how serious it all was, but I remember him unbuttoning his shirt and showing everyone the red dye where he was marked for his radiation treatments. It wasn’t long after that he was gone. I remember at the funeral being mad at my cousins (who have grown up to be incredible men and handsome like their father) because they weren’t crying. That’s how young they were. There are so many things from my childhood that I don’t remember, but this time of my life is very vivid in my mind and I am honored to help in your quest, especially knowing how far treatments for Hodgkins have come since he lost his battle.
