Survivors at the Summit 2009

Hello, all-

Social worker soap box time!

Well, actually, proud daughter-in-law time first.

Patrick's mother died in October of 2002 after battling colon cancer for more than 18 months. A model of strength, integrity, intelligence, and humor, Nancy was well-rounded, well-spoken, and well-read. She was patient, supportive, and unwavering in her faith. Nearly 7 years later, she is still the rock of our family.

I don't have a mother-in-law for borrowing recipes or planning holidays or to snuggle our little Floyd when she gets here. I wish I did. I miss her. I miss her purple toenail polish and motion sickness and sausage jokes. I miss her because my husband misses her. I am grateful for her life and her legacy. My heart thanks her often for the wonderful son she left to become my sweetheart. I hope to return the favor by raising her oldest granddaughter in a way that will make her proud.

(It is my other hope that she is preparing Floyd with tips for swindling her daddy, and loading her with a list of good literature to tackle once she gets here.)


Now it's social worker time.

In her memory, our family will be proudly participating in the Survivors at the Summit event with the Cancer Wellness House on August 8. The Cancer Wellness House is a fantastic non-profit organization supporting cancer patients and their families in the Salt Lake area, and we are excited to join them for breakfast and a hike (or tram ride for non-hikers like me and Floyd.)

We will be honored to place a tribute flag in memory of Patrick's mom and Floyd's Grandma Nancy. We will also be remembering Grandma Eva, who lived happily to the age of 93 after conquering breast cancer decades before.

Want to help?

The Cancer Wellness House gratefully accepts donations of any amount. You can contribute online or through our team! Please let me know if you are interested in helping out.

Do you have a loved one who has battled cancer? Purchase a tribute flag to be placed at the top of Hidden Peak, even if you can't make it to the festivities yourself.

Or, best of all...

Come join us! Saturday, August 8, 2009.

Hike the hike, ride the tram, eat the pancakes, and support our family and everyone who has been touched by cancer.

Because cancer sucks.