I met Grace in 1998. On our first date, she wolfed down a massive pork chop with gravy. I knew we would get married. I asked when I could meet her parents. She told me that her mother died from cancer when she was 13, and that she was sad I couldn't meet her. She gave me a few of her mom's favorite books- some John Irving classics that soon became some of my own favorites. She walked me through some family photos and told me some great stories.
We got married in 2004 and in 2010 our first baby came along. We named her Cecile, after Grace's mom. John followed in 2012. For years we did the PTC ride in memory of Grace's mom. Life was good. Grace was a veterinarian and I was a lawyer, and we loved our family.
In late October of 2018, Grace had a stomach ache and saw the doctor. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given a very short time to live. Through the amazing work of my now-father-in-law (long story, for another time...) surgeon in connection with the efforts of Siteman Cancer Center, Grace survived longer than we were told in the beginning- long enough to take a few trips with the kids and have some fun. We had a good goodbye.
I want to stop this family tradition right now. I want to end the "it can't be cured" diagnosis that is so often passed down from family member to family member. The truth is that it can all be cured- with enough time, science, focus and funding. I know the folks at Siteman. They are hard at work on this right now. I am asking you to donate to Siteman through this wonderful PTC event so that we can put an end to the worst news that you or someone close to you might hear in the days ahead.
Please support my efforts by donating to my fundraiser, and give with confidence knowing that 100% of your donation will fund lifesaving cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Peace and porkchops,
Rick
