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| Founder’s Letter |
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In December of 1997 my husband Stuart had an ordinary procedure to remove a malignant mole from his shoulder. The surgeon who performed the procedure gave Stuart a clean bill of health. Our lives continued to be happy and normal until five years later when Stuart wasn’t feeling very well and had some pain in his chest. A visit to the Doctor started us on the emotionally painful path of scans, biopsies and waiting. It took weeks, seemed like years, and then we received the phone call that changed our lives forever. The Doctor hesitated slightly before speaking the following: “I am terribly distraught, Mindy. Stuart’s biopsy came back as positive for stage 4 metastatic melanoma.”
Words cannot describe the feelings and emotions that overtook me as my mind started to go down the road of thinking of my life, and the lives of my daughters Ricki and Dani, without Stuart. I quickly collected myself as I realized that Stuart, Ricki and Dani were going to need me to be strong if we were going to get through this situation.
Given the progression of the cancer, we soon learned that there was a slim chance for a cure. The treatment that would give us the best chance was the most radical and debilitating, but we had no choice. During the 21 months that followed, we lived in a nightmare as Stuart endured countless hours of being physically ravaged with treatment. Through it all, he never gave up hope as he consistently demonstrated the willingness to undergo all he had to endure to beat the cancer and remain in our lives. His spirit and his display of strength and courage inspired our children, family and friends to believe in the chance for recovery and kept the fire of hope burning brightly. We planned our daughter’s wedding and spent a winter in Florida, determined to keep making memories. When we finally realized our dreams were dashed, Stuart continued to live with dignity and grace, even as he took his last breath on August 24, 2004.
During our journey, there was much aggravation. As the primary caretaker, I felt the frustration that comes from the uncertainty of not knowing if my husband and the father of my children would grow old with me and share in the joy of our grandchildren. I felt the frustration that comes from outdated information in the media and on the internet. Most of all I felt the despair and loneliness that one feels as I spent day after day and night after night walking the halls of our home and the hospitals, totally helpless.
I came to realize how necessary it is for our melanoma cancer research teams to have private financial support, as melanoma is not high on the list of priorities when it comes to cancer research. This is surprising considering that melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the world with a 3% annual increase, and it has more annual reported cases than HIV/AIDS. It is the most common form of cancer for young adults aged 20-30, and it is the primary cause of cancer death in women aged 25-30. It is also the number two cause of death in women aged 30-35 (second only to breast cancer). There have been no significant advances in medical therapies or survival for patients with advanced melanoma in the past 30 years.
In order to ensure that our fight was not in vain and to keep Stuart’s spirit alive, my children and I have founded the Live, Love and Laugh Foundation. Stuart lived his life completely, bringing joy to all whose lives he touched. He loved honestly and passionately. He was an adored and devoted father, husband, son, brother and friend. He laughed every day, making sure that we did the same, until for him it became physically impossible.
I invite you to join me on this journey of hope for melanoma patients, survivors and caregivers. We will continue to honor Stuart in the way he deserves. Through our efforts, we will keep his spirit alive, wishing him peace, as I know he would be so proud and want for you all of life’s blessings.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Mindy |
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