19 years ago today (1/29) my oldest brother, Michael, died from colon cancer.
I thought it wouldn't hurt so much as years went by.
I was so wrong...
Some days, I miss him more than ever. In the intervening years, both of Michael's sons have married and I had the great honor of officiating both of their weddings. They have children of their own and are wonderful men, husbands and fathers. Our daughter, Mikah, who was born exactly 8 months after Mike died, has become a leader on the High School softball diamond. If I had a dollar for every time we've said, "Mike would have loved to watch Mikah play softball", I wouldn't be fundraising right now.
It's even hard to watch the Patriots get ready to play in the Super Bowl and not think of Michael. A devoted season ticket holder at the old Schaeffer Stadium, sadly, he didn't live long enough to see them raise even one of their four championship trophies.
In 2008, I began working at Cancer Connection - Cancer Connection offers a haven where people with cancer, their loved ones and caregivers can learn to cope with the physical and emotional turmoil that is part of a cancer diagnosis and to explore ways to enhance their strength, their hope and their care through support groups, integrative therapies, creative activities and education. All services are offered free of charge.
In memory of my brother, Michael, I'm asking for your help to support the hundreds of people in Western Massachusetts and beyond who are living with cancer, along with their loved ones, who benefit from Cancer Connection's one-to-one guidance, support and programs.
I hope you'll consider making a donation to help me meet my goal.
Your gift, which is tax deductible, will go directly to Cancer Connection.
If you want to learn more about Cancer Connection's free programs and services, visit our website: www.cancer-connection.org.
With gratitude,
Anna-Beth "AB"