“A sad soul can kill you quicker than a germ - John Steinbeck”
I came across this quote and how true it is. Before Mike departed onto his heavenly adventure, I strived my very best to maintain his mentality to stay strong and healthy and positive, even in not the most positive moments – our good days far outweighed the bad during this battle, for that I remain at peace daily.
Well, I do promise this entry to be brief for it is just an announcement of sorts J As I had mentioned in my previous email, I have really dove into researching Lung Cancer and other charities and am forming a team for ‘Free to Breathe Organizations’ first Annual walk/run in Houston TX in November. The website is still in progress, but as soon as it is up, I will for sure provide all of that information for donations and registration. You can visit the organization through this site – information will be posted soon ---- http://www.freetobreathe.com/index.html
In the midst of Mike’s diagnosis and the 2 year journey with this disease, I was very naïve to how unfunded this cancer is. I found this recently from the Lung Cancer Research Partnership:
There is Not Enough Funding for Lung Cancer Research
Lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined.1 Yet these cancers receive proportionately more research funding than does lung cancer.
Research Investment Makes a Difference
Over the last 30 years, substantial investment has resulted in significant increases in survival of many diseases.
For example:
Breast Cancer - US Government research funding: $750 million / Results: significant increase in 5-year survival rates -- Early 1970s – 75% and Today – 90%
HIV/AIDS - US Government research funding: $3 billion/year / Results: AIDS was once a near-immediate death sentence and Today – with anti-retroviral drug therapy, the 3-year survival rate is 90%.
Lung Cancer - US Government research funding: Only $267 million/year / Results: very little change in 5-year survival rates.
Now do not misunderstand me, ALL cancers are tragic and ANY disease of any sort is detrimental to the patient and all involved…but I am a little biased due to Lung Cancer is what Mike was diagnosed with and fought till the last breath. Now with this said, just as we all have causes that affect our family and friends, we tend to lean to want to learn and research what we are in the midst of, for me it was Lung Cancer. The more I read, the more I want to fight for this cause, raise awareness and fund the heck out of it and donate ALL proceeds from any fundraiser, etc to this cause till one day, the survival rate is so much higher and people are living a lot longer with their loved ones!
With all of this being said, (though this is a way premature invite, but hey – remember again, I am far beyond normal and quite anal), so I am organizing a benefit to honor Mike and ALL proceeds will go to the organizations mentioned above to ensure that Lung Cancer research continues to get the recognition it deserves and lives are pro-longed – remember, you DO NOT EVEN HAVE TO BE A SMOKER TO GET LUNG CANCER! I hope you will use this email as the first official “Save the Date” for this event – once the foundation is laid out and pieces are put together, more notices will go out and flyers, etc.
Please see below Benefit Information:
Date: AUGUST 19, 2012
Time: NOON-6PM
Location: Cock-Eyed Seagull in Clear Lake
Address: 1010 E. NASA Parkway, Webster TX 77058
A Little About Why We Are Doing This: Benefit In Honor of My Hott Pocket of a Husband -- ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO TEAM ‘EL TOROS' FUNDRAISER CHARITY FUND FOR LUNG CANCER RESEARCH (FREE TO BREATHE & LUNG CANCER RESEARCH PARTNERS) (ONE ...OF THE MOST LOW-FUNDED CANCERS RESEARCHED) for The Walk in November!!!! BANDS, AUCTIONS, BBQ PLATES, SHIRTS, KOOZIES AND A CHANCE TO BE PART OF SOMETHING SO BIG AND HONOR MY HUBBY IN THE MOST AMAZING WAY AND ALL WHOM ARE AFFECTED BY THIS DISEASE!! MORE INFO TO COME, BUT ANALY SPREADING THE NEWS NOW!!!
So in closing, as I said this is pre-mature, but just highlight and drag it into a special folder and mark your calendars! I remain so grateful for you all – Family, Friends and ALL who have come into our lives through this journey and for the ones that will continue to keep Mike’s Spirit alive in all we do!
Much love to you all and many wishes for successful and sunny days!
XO Lyndie
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