Dear Family and Friends,
This is a letter I never imagined I'd be writing, but it comes from a very real and deeply personal place. I'm reaching out to share something meaningful to me.
As many of you know, I have recently been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and I am currently on the road to recovery following a miraculous 7 1/2 hour Whipple surgery. In an instant my life shifted in ways that put everything into perspective. There have been moments of fear, uncertainty and vulnerability but, also moments of strength, perspective and profound gratitude. I am so deeply grateful for all of you being in my life.
The small things feel smaller, the big things feel bigger and the people in your life... they become everything. Thank you for the messages, the calls, the prayers, the support and the love. This journey has opened my eyes in a profound way... not only to the challenges of this disease but, also to the incredible importance of ongoing cancer research. Going through such a big surgery and beginning this recovery has made one thing incredibly clear to me...progress in cancer research is everything. It is what gives patients like me hope. It is what makes earlier detection, better treatments and longer, fuller lives possible.
For the past three years, Jerry and I have served as proud members of the Executive Board of Directors for Concern Foundation for Cancer Research which brings this all closer to home for me. Every year Concern Foundation hosts a very large Block Party fundraiser. It is held on the backlot at Paramount Studios. This year it falls on Saturday July 11th. Last year we raised 2.5 million dollars for cancer research and this year we expect to exceed that with your help. Concern Foundation funds support research for all forms of cancer including some innovative Pancreatic Cancer research projects. I am proud to say that Concern Foundation has raised over $80 Million Dollars since inception and supports over 1,200 research scientists that are making a difference in understanding, treating and conquering this insidious disease.
As I begin my chemo treatments and in honor of my cancer journey, I am reaching out to you today to consider making a donation to Concern Foundation. Your generous support, however large or small, will help our organization provide the much needed support to continue to advance cancer research and help to allow the brilliant minds working tirelessly toward breakthroughs, better treatments, longer fuller lives and ultimately a CURE! If you are not familiar with this fabulous organization and the impact they are making, or want more information about the Block Party, I encourage you to check out the rest of the website so that you can see why Jerry and I are proud to have leadership roles with Concern Foundation for Cancer Research.
This is not just about me - it's about all of us and the possibility of changing what this diagnosis looks like for others in the future.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, your prayers, your messages, your support and your encouragement which has carried me more than I can put into words. I don't take a single bit of it for granted. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a strong village wrapped around me to help me through this journey.
Thank you for standing with me today and in all the days ahead.
With all my heart, gratitude and hope,
~ Lori