Walking for the future...

This Saturday is the Annual San Diego Brain Tumor walk again. I have gotten some wonderful and generous donations thus far, but if you have not had the chance, and would like to donate, here is the link to my team page: http://www.braintumorcommunity.org/site/TR/Events/BTW-SD?team_id=29340&pg=team&fr_id=1420 And by all means, if you would like to walk on Team Scotch on the Rocks, you are very welcome to join us!

Special thanks to Margie, Rebekah and Jake, my sweet girl Kristin, and especially to Linda, who has signed up to walk with me on Saturday.

As with any cause, the answer is research...And research takes money. I have often been thankful that someone like Ted Kennedy had a brain tumor. I know that sounds awful, because of course, I would not wish it upon anyone in the world. But, the fact that someone as powerful, influential, famous, (or infamous) as Ted Kennedy suffered from the same affliction as my Father, at roughly the same time, has brought this disease into the spotlight. It allowed me to garner greater knowledge about this affliction because of the notoriety of Senator Kennedy. It has helped to further the research, and given a platform to discuss new and promising treatments for all types of cancer. Michael J. Fox has done the same for Parkinson's...And others have taken causes that touched them through someone else...Danny Thomas and St. Jude's Hospital, Jerry Lewis and Muscular Dystrophy, and countless other humanitarians.
Although my Dad succumbed to this horrible disease, as so many do, there is still hope out there for the future. New drugs, vaccines, clinical trials, research...It all leads to longer survival times, and hopefully, sooner than later, a cure. Brain Cancer and brain tumors are equal opportunity offenders...It can happen at any age, any race, any financial status...Any race, color, creed...The prince and the pauper, and everyone in between. They do not know the cause, there is nothing you can do to prevent it. It could happen to anyone of us, and most likely, will touch you or someone you love or know again in your lifetime. We need to stop brain tumors in their tracks.

Last year, when I did this walk, it was so inspiring. Listening to those who have survived, the stories of those who have not...But the hope that resonated with each and every person there, and the camaraderie and one-ness of that group of people was intoxicating. I remember my Dad being so excited and proud of "Team Scotch on the Rocks." He was so proud and excited that we were walking in his honor...That will be with me once again as I walk on Saturday. My Dad will be right there next to me, taking every step, every breath, crying every tear, and relishing every smile and moment.

Much love.