This is what I just posted on Anja's CaringBridge journal. Can't believe it has been almost a year. I guess time flies even when you're not having fun....
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Next Tuesday will be the first anniversary of Anja’s death after four years, nine months and nine days of doing her best to fight her glioblastoma multiforme. When she was diagnosed in October of 2008, her life expectancy was 10-14 months, so I guess we can’t complain too much. We had a lot of fun during that time, even knowing that it wouldn’t last.
Elisabeth has found a way to honor Anja’s memory. There is a Brain Tumor Alliance 7K (4.3 miles) Run/Walk in St. Louis on Saturday, October 4th. We have created a team called “Team Oranje Anja.” Here is what we are asking of all of you who loved Anja and would like to do something to honor her memory:
1. If you are in St. Louis, come and join our team and walk/run with us (hint: I will be walking) on October 4th at Queeny Park. We would love to have a large group including Bookie Sistahs, the Scottish community (even a piper, perhaps?), the Dutch community, the Model T community and everyone else whose lives Anja touched in some way in her too-short life. If you join the team, you are welcome (of course) to make an extra donation in Anja’s memory.
2. If you are not in St. Louis, or are here but unable to walk with us, you can still be a member of the team. By joining the team, you can not only donate but can solicit donations from people you think would like to support this cause. We would really like to create a meaningful memorial to her and we think this is the way to do that.
3. You can also make a donation to support the team.
It is too late to help Anja (as we know all, all too well), but it would honor her if we can help spare another family down the road from having to go through what we went through a year ago, and before that. Check out the web page of Team Oranje Anja here:
http://stlouis.braintumoralliance.org.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp? ievent=1092999&lis=0...#
Thank you all.
Dick
Elisabeth, Pete, Alex and Sofia
Douglas, Chrissy, Jake, Nathan and Olivia
Matthew
Rather than be exposed to online risks, Dick, I would rather send you a check. Please provide name and address, and whether it's tax deductible.
Thanks for the information, Dick. We lost my brother to a GBM 10 years ago at age 51, about 15 months after he was diagnosed and after two surgeries. Until then, I had never heard of a GBM.
Ralph, I will have my staff look into that. (Translation: I will ask Elisabeth to find out.) Thank you.
Henry, funny how something you are unaware of can suddenly become such an intimate part of your life, isn't it?
If the above link doesn't take you to the team page, try this one.
http://stlouis.braintumoralliance.org.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp? ievent=1092999&lis=1&kntae1092999=A57781DE96014241902F64BEC52B956B&team=5991110
Ralph, sent you an e-mail.
I am bumping this back up because the walk is getting closer (October 4th) and Elisabeth has reminded me that we are behind our goal.
http://stlouis.braintumoralliance.org.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp? ievent=1092999&lis=1&kntae1092999=A57781DE96014241902F64BEC52B956B&team=5991110
Best regards,
Dick
Did you get credit for my check, Dick? Turned out to be a big hassle just to pay by check.
Ralph, your question sent me looking. Apparently I have been logging in under Elisabeth's ID. When I logged in under my own, your check showed up. Thank you.
Dick,
Can you provide your address ? I live too far away to be there, but would like to make a contribution. Having lost two wives, I know the pain and lonely feelings you probably have.
Not an eloquent statement but a heartfelt one
John
John, sent you a private message through the forum.
Dick,
sent you PM
John
RTFM
John, haven't received it yet. If I don't, try sending it to dlodge -at- nedcons -dot- com.