5/7/18 – Routine, 3 month doctor trip to San Diego coincided with Two
special events happening on the same day, one early day, one evening and
they were less than 4 miles apart. The first at Harbor Island with the second
on Shelter Island. It was an opportunity to make good use of our little
motorhome, why not take it and then we’d be able to relax all afternoon without
making an 18 mile drive to the house and back again. Parking at Harbor Island
would be difficult but there was lots of room at Shelter Island so we parked
there and took Lyft to the Harbor Island event. It was a beautiful setting and celebration
of life for a dear friend’s mother. We had met her, her mom and her sister many
years ago when we got involved with San Diego Basset Hound Rescue. As the sisters
were sharing and things were said, it was impossible not to be remembering my
own mother and my sister. Well of course the bassets too! Those basset hounds,
what a lot of joy they brought.
There was also a great layout of yummy food. We all talked
about what a nice place this was, on the water and all. So of course David
thought it would be nice for his memorial but he wants it now – so he can
attend. Hmmm, that sounds like David and he might be on to something.
We were going to just Lyft back but friends offered to
return us to the rig and as a bonus they got a tiny house tour. We then had the
afternoon to relax, change clothes, nap, eat dinner and attend event number 2,
Purple Light. We were across from the port terminal so while enjoying our
dinner we watched the Disney cruise boat head out to sea.
Purple Light gathers survivors, families, and
friends who have felt the impact of pancreatic cancer. This event hosts a
ceremony to honor survivors and those who have been lost to pancreatic cancer
by cracking purple glow sticks for each individual to create a powerful message
of solidarity and to remember you are not alone. The purpose of this event is
to ignite hope and remind of us why we fight.
It was a small gathering but I am glad we went. There was
great food (invite said light refreshments but this was not my idea of light –
giant burritos!). It was good to interact with others involved by the same
cause. One speaker shared her story. They then handed out white roses, first to
the survivors, David being one, and then to others who had lost someone to this
disease. As these folks took a rose they shared a brief line or two about the
person they’d lost, the common share was how quickly this disease proves fatal
after diagnosis. The good news was that life expectancy has gone from 6% to 9%
over 5 years. That’s why the goal to double it by 2020.
When we arrived we were all given a glow stick. Although it
was not quite dark enough for full effect, this was a very moving recognition
of people. As the persons’ name was read, those that were there in memory or
honor of that person were to crack their glow stick (which activated the light)
and hold it high. It was very mixed feelings when they got to the survivors and
they read David’s name and we both cracked our glow stick.
It’s always good to share with others in similar situations.
There were some who this was their first event and many who had been to this
and other Pan Can events. Some who had done the walk in October and others who
were going to. And we met a gal (Angie) who will be going to the Pan Can
Advocacy day in Washington DC in June, as will we.
David’s next CT scan – May 28.
