Support for LateToSchool

[Threekids]

<p>I think Randy Pausch’s miracle was not that he got to survive longer than the two or so years, but what he did in those years, how he lived in those years. The impact he had on so many lives was more than most of us can ever hope for. Miracles come in many forms.</p>

[ADad]

<p>

So much that was beautiful, so much that was hard to bear.

</p>

<p>–Etty Hillesum</p>

[mythmom]

<p>Am joining everyone in mourning and Randy Pausch’s passing and celebrating Randy Pausch’s life.</p>

[scualum]

<p>For me the key in dealing with his death is thinking how much he got out of his life. Most people get far less into 100 years than Randy got into his 47 action packed incredible years.</p>

<p>Professionally he was as good as they come. I had the joy of hearing him speak twice professionally - and he was one of the best speakers I have ever heard. From those I know who took classes from him, he remains one of their favorite professors. </p>

<p>The way he went living his entire life is a model for all of us - living out your dreams to the fullest. </p>

<p>The world is a lesser place for his passing - but a far richer one for him having been here.</p>

[operamom]

<p>Ascension by Colleen Hitchcock</p>

<p>And if I go,
and you’re still here…
Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
both aware of each other.
Until then,
live your life to its fullest and when you need me,
just whisper my name in your heart,
I will be there.</p>

<p>----shared with us upon the suicide of our then 16-year-old son nine years ago. I think it fits Randy Pausch.</p>

[latetoschool]

<p>Thank you very much, Amistad. </p>

<p>Mythmom and others, we should indeed celebrate his life.</p>

<p>I located this; I am not sure if I am allowed to post it under TOS, but, if so:</p>

<p>Donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, [Pancreatic</a> Cancer Research and Education - Randy Pausch Lecture and Testimony](<a href=“http://www.pancan.org%5DPancreatic”>http://www.pancan.org), or to Carnegie Mellon’s Randy Pausch Memorial Fund, [Professor</a> Randy Pausch - Carnegie Mellon University](<a href=“Give - Engage with CMU - Carnegie Mellon University”>Give - Engage with CMU - Carnegie Mellon University).</p>

[epistrophy]

<p>one more take on mortality, by Zen poet Ryokan (1758-1831)</p>

<p>

My legacy –
What will it be?
Flowers in spring,
The cuckoo in summer,
And the crimson maples
Of autumn…

</p>

<p>[Poems</a> of Ryokan](<a href=“http://civet-cat.skandinaviskzencenter.org/civet-cat/poetry-stories/ryokan.htm]Poems”>http://civet-cat.skandinaviskzencenter.org/civet-cat/poetry-stories/ryokan.htm)</p>

[soozievt]

<p>Operamom, that is a very comforting poem for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one. </p>

<p>I am very sorry for your loss. Your son’s spirit is forever there in your heart.</p>

[epistrophy]

<p>and another (lung cancer “survivor”)</p>

<p>

“State’s first cancer center set to open in August”</p>

<p>Doctors will soon be combating cancer at a new multi-million dollar facility.</p>

<p>The Indiana University Simon Cancer opens next month, becoming one of only 63 designated cancer centers in the U.S. and the only facility in the state devoted to cancer patient care.</p>

<p>**At 41, Leighann Patterson has survived Hodgkin’s disease, lung cancer and a brain tumor. She knows how hard cancer is on patients and families and she’s helped make treating cancer less frightening. Patterson and other cancer survivors helped to shape the design of the new $150 million cancer center.</p>

<p>“It’s good for the mind, body and soul. It encompasses all of it,” Patterson said.**</p>

<p>Friday was the first time Leighann has actually seen what she helped build. A cancer center devoted as much to patient comfort and privacy as it is to treating and curing the disease.</p>

<p>“What we wanted to achieve is not only a sense of peace and privacy for patients, but also a sense of normalcy,” said pharmacist Chris Fausel.</p>

<p>To that end, there are private rooms, chemotherapy loungers with flat screen televisions, earth tones and plenty of natural light.</p>

<p>The center is expected to attract patients from across the state and nation, providing comprehensive care and treatment in the fight against the nation’s second-leading killer.</p>

<p>“It also raises the level not only of the care, but of the research that’s needed and puts us in the top 50 cancer centers in the country, according to US News and World Report,” said Fuad Hammoudeh.</p>

<p>With an aging population expected to double the cancer rate within the next 40 years, Indiana is poised with the IU Simon Cancer Center, to become a leader in cancer research and care. The center has 34 chemotherapy treatment spaces and 46 patient beds.</p>

<p>Nearly 30,000 people across Indiana are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year.

</p>

<p>[WTHR</a> - Indianapolis News and Weather - State’s first cancer center set to open in August](<a href=“http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8738382&nav=9Tai]WTHR”>http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8738382&nav=9Tai)</p>

<hr>

<p>(P.S. As impressive as this facility sounds, it’s a bit dismaying that so much more attention seems to be paid to cancer treatment than to its causes and prevention. But that’s a whole other story: [Cancer</a> Prevention Coalition](<a href=“http://www.preventcancer.com/]Cancer”>http://www.preventcancer.com/))</p>

<p>(P.P.S. to operamom: I can think of no more heartbreaking loss than the one you experienced - and, I’m sure, continue to experience. Thank you for sharing that poem.)</p>

[latetoschool]

<p>Operamom, I am deeply sorry for your loss and I am especially appalled that I someone missed your post yesterday. I am in agreement that there cannot possibly be a more heartbreaking loss. Please accept my condolences.</p>

[kelsmom]

<p>Adding my condolences for Operamom. Your loss is one of the most difficult to bear. Thank you for sharing the beautiful poem.</p>

[coskat]

<p>Operamom, your selfless generosity in sharing such a beautiful poem received for such a painful reason for the comfort of others is truly amazing and a tribute to your son. I, as I am sure all here in this wonderful community, greatly appreciate your generosity and the comfort it provided.</p>

[mythmom]

<p>Operamom: I have no words, but send my earnest love. I am so sorry for your loss.</p>

[marite]

<p>operamom: Adding my voice to those who thank you for your generosity in sharing a deeply painful experience.</p>

[mominva]

<p>Thank you, operamom.</p>

[lorelei2702]

<p>It is an inspiration to know that one can survive such the worst things…and that one might want to do so…that would be my fear, reaction, eternity, not wanting to go on in such a heartbreaking vacuum. Thank you .</p>

[epistrophy]

<p>kids and cancer: raising money for research</p>

<p>

**“Students spend their summer time helping raise money to fight cancer”</p>

<p>Helping others…that’s how a group of Binghamton middle schoolers are spending their summer. The kids are part of the Summer Service Learning program, which does community service projects and raises money for a charity. This year they’re helping the Michael Connolly Lung Cancer Endowment Fund. Michael, who was a Binghamton graduate, was a non-smoker who died at the age of 39 from lung cancer. To raise money for the fund, the students held an event at West Middle School called “Sidewalk Stories”.**</p>

<p>Instructor Kim Bogart says, “The main thing is the sidewalk. We’re having people from the community come and write messages on the sidewalk for people who have battled cancer anytime in their life. So we have a lot of people coming to write messages for them or in memory or in honor of them.”</p>

<p>Jake Owens says he was eager to help find a cure because he knows first-hand how cancer affects people’s lives.</p>

<p>Jake Owens says, “Yes, I have written stuff on the sidewalk. Right where you’re standing now. My mom had breast cancer and she fought it and she survived. She’s a survivor.”</p>

<p>People could donate money to write on the sidewalk or do other activities to help raise funds.</p>

<p>Huyen Nguyen says, “There’s face painting, ball games, everything for kids who want to participate. There’s food and drinks so if people want to pay, it would go to help fight cancer.”</p>

<p>Michael’s son, Ryan, says that he really appreciates the support his family has received from the people of the Southern Tier.</p>

<p>Ryan Connolly says, “When your back is against the wall and you’re trying to do really big things for other people, they really rally. This is an incredible place and this right here is a testament. Kids who are supposed to be off for the summer, having fun, but you have 30 or 40 kids here who are doing a tremendous thing to raise money and awareness for cancer. It means a whole lot. It really does.”

</p>

<p>[Students</a> spend their summer time helping raise money to fight cancer. - WIVT/WBGH Newschannel34](<a href=“http://www.newschannel34.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=b89d4157-f3da-4237-b683-72d6e3cefabc]Students”>http://www.newschannel34.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=b89d4157-f3da-4237-b683-72d6e3cefabc)</p>

[CountingDown]

<p>Operamom,
Others have said so eloquently what I can’t even begin to express…thank you for sharing the poem – I can only imagine the meanings it carries for you.</p>

[ADad]

<p>operamom, I am so sorry for your loss.</p>

[zipyourlips]

<p>operamom, thank you.</p>