November 19, 2007 by Melanee.

We received the news this morning that my brother-in-law, Kev’s chemo buddy, Doug, passed away. He fought his battle long and hard with renal cancer. Those who have experienced this, can understand, that there is relief that he is out of his pain and in a better place. Thoughts and prayers go to my sister-in-law, her family, and Kev’s parents who are now experiencing the same thing over again almost six months later. In September when I went out to surprise my mother in law for her birthday, I told Doug before I left, not to let Kev get him in too much trouble when they get together. We laughed. I also told him to give my love to Kev.

Doug loved life and always had a playful smile. I enjoyed his company because we ended up laughing through the whole conversation. His heart was very big so he made time to accomplish more and more. He was a true friend to many which in turn created true friends for him and Kristy as they helped them during his battle and passing. He cared for his home like he cared for his family-impeccable. He wanted to make sure Kristy didn’t have to worry about too much with caring for the home so he set up projects and workers to regularly keep up with the maintentance before he left. When he came out for Kev’s funeral Anya took a liking to him which was an honor. She did not warm up to men, but she loved Doug. Yet, Doug accepted what he was going through with humor and reality. When he signed the guest book during Kev’s wake or viewing he wrote,”See you later” after he signed his name.
So now I know Kev is showing him the ropes by being his guide and pal. Our family has been through so much this year, but the comfort is stronger than ever. We will miss you, but we know there is a greater purpose because with combining their talents and efforts- Kev and Doug are quite the team.

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November 16, 2007 by Ashley.

Well, I figured it was about time for me to update everyone on how Pat and I are doing. We are now living right outside Fort Collins, Colorado where Pat got a job at HP.
Pat likes his job as a computer engineer (plus he gets free popcorn at work, which is a nice plus  ).
I stay at home now, which is a great break from teaching (I was a little too stressed at my job in Utah and needed a break). Now though I’ve started private chemistry tutoring. I was worried that I wouldn’t get business, but lately I’ve been really blessed. Recently a couple new people called me and so I’m tutoring 3 girls regularly and 1 girl every few months. It’s great to have a side income and still get to teach chemistry, yet not to work all day and deal with attitude problems in school.
The more interesting news though is that Pat and I are expecting!! I’ve had fertility issues and so I went to the doctor here and was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I was put on some drugs to help with that… and they worked! I’m just about 12 weeks along and so hopefully at this point, the risks are greatly reduced. I’ve actually included out ultrasound below too. We don’t know the sex of the baby because it’s just too early, but are excited to learn that too in a couple months!
So that’s another reason why I have not tried looking for more work and just stayed home. I’ve pretty much existed in a perpetual state of nausea for the past months. Fortunately I’m not as bad as Leah (constantly throwing up), but it’s still not comfortable. When it gets really bad I take this great anti-nausea medication, which I conserve and ration because even with insurance it is very expensive. But hopefully soon I’ll be over that phase. Other than that Pat and I are doing well and miss everyone!

Explanation of picture:

The first segment you can see the doctor tracing the face and heart with a little curser. Then the doctor moved the picture so the baby is facing the opposite way. Right at the beginning you can see the baby, like, kick off and kind of jump up. That’s Pat’s favorite part. He says you can see the baby’s arm on the opposite side and feet (but you have to watch it really carefully and probably multiple times).
The third position is with the baby looking out. The doctor – with his curser – shows where the 2 eyes are. Pretty cool!
Click Here to See the Video (QuickTime)
Click Here to See the Video (Windows Media Player)

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November 15, 2007 by Marlene.

As Mom mentioned, I twisted my ankle while running on Tuesday. I was running along with Cody and having a bit of difficulty keeping up because I had run earlier that day on my own. I was running on the grass and my foot found a little dip, turned over, and after I lied there for a couple minutes I walked the rest of the way back.
Welp…It wasn’t all that bad on Tuesday but Wednesday I could barely walk on it and it got 2-4x the normal size depending on what time of day you’re talking. Oh and plus it was all sorts of shades of blue, green, purple and even red!
Needless to say I was pretty bummed. Actually this is the first time I had been this emotional about not being able to run, so yesterday was tough.
Since I want to get back on the trail so badly I was treating my ankle well. I kept it elevated, iced, heated, iced again(I think I got an ice burn..oops) and last night I soaked it in epsom salts and put Arnica on it.
Well whatever I did it must have worked because I am worlds better today. It’s almost back to normal size, not as much of a painter’s pallet and I’m able to walk on it even if it is a little tender. I have high hopes for a speedy recovery and I’ll be back on track hopefully by Monday or so.

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November 14, 2007 by Melanee.

November 15th is wear purple day for pancreatic cancer awareness.
I didn’t realize how much purple I have in my wardrobe.
Marlene needs a little boost. She sprained her ankle two days ago and she has to put her marathon training on hold till her ankle gets stronger. A real bummer. I know she has it in her to grit her teeth and keep on smiling and go for the goal. She learned that from her Dad and I.

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November 12, 2007 by Mallory.

Today, we had a surprise visit from Orlando Brown (Eddie from That’s so Raven, and on various other shows) at our elementary school. It was so funny. He came out onto stage and then all of a sudden….”AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” came from the female (and male) voices of the student body at our elementary school. It was HILARIOUS. I seriously couldn’t help but laugh. I had tears coming our of my eyes from laughing so hard. It amuses me so much how people get so starstruck. I mean, I’ve seen Regis Philbin, Kerri Russell, I was within arms reach of Will Friedle (Eric from Boy Meets World), and not once did I stop them for an autograph or picture or anything. It just amuses me how people get so crazy over celebrities. Anyway…so of course, he went through the rows and touched everybody’s hands, and he paused and took a picture with several of the students. Of course, my student that was next to me pulled his arm down, and he gave her a kiss on the cheek…then I guess he thought while he was at it, he might as well give me one! So he gave me a kiss on the cheek. It was pretty funny. Some of my students (girls, I mean) told me that I should’ve turned my head, but then I gently reminded them that I was married, to which some of them replied, “Oh no! I’m gonna tell your husband!!!” It was really entertaining to say the least. So I just thought I would share that with all of you. I haven’t updated in a while, so I’ll just do a really brief one. We’re doing really well, but we can’t wait for the break, to say the least. We are ready to have a break!!! We’re busy, but we’re really happy. Things are good. Anyway, until next time!

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November 10, 2007 by Melanee.

I was reviewing the surprising acts of kindness that have blessed our family recently. Then I realized how many times our family has been recipients for service by members of the church in our little Waterbury Ward and also by members in surrounding wards and two stakes. When the Waterbury Branch was first formed we were part of Hartford stake and then Waterbury Ward was put into the New Haven stake about 4 to 5 years ago. So we have been doubly blessed by such wonderful members who have strengthened us and help our journey through kindness. Electrical work, windows installed, leaves raked, dinner out, notes, phone calls, front door installed, tree work, well wishes, the list goes on. But, if I look back at the year my soul swells with gratitude for loving friends, family, and kind-hearted people we do and don’t know. The world is ever changing-war, genocide, unethical greedy business people, horrendous crime, etc. But, though all that is happening we still have wonderful giving people in this world.

I brought my mother, Leah and Marlene to Time Out for Women in Hartford. Friends I haven’t seen in a long time from both stakes were there and it was so wonderful to feel their hugs and well wishes. Plus the conference was very inspiring and filled me with hope and love that day.
To my surprise we were acknowledged for having four generations there because Leah had brought baby Kevin.

We are doing the best we can. I took a day off Thursday and went to different businesses to look at headstones for Kev’s grave. This has been an educational experience. I want our headstone to be perfect so I am taking my time to get just what I want. It will be spring before it is erected. I am sorry it is taking me so long, but I find that it is quite a process.

Also, my brother-in-law is not doing very well and friends have said their good byes and family have gathered. My heart aches for them knowing what is in store. My prayers and support are with them. I ask for peace and comfort-for Doug, Kristy, Lindsey, Hannah and Ryan, for friends, and for family. I know Kev is watching over them.

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November 1, 2007 by Melanee.

Here we go! Shout from the rooftops! Wear your purple with pride! Support Marlene in her half-marathon run! My dream someday is to go to the store and find everything purple because all these companies are giving donations to fight Pancreatic Cancer.

PanCAN has been our pet organization because they were the ones to help us with important information and support once Kev got his diagnosis. Phone calls, huge packet of information, and support calls were made to us. We are so grateful. We have received so many donations from lots of you since Kev’s diagnosis and donations in his memory. Thank you.

I just hope you have a little more to help Marlene run for her cause that will give more funding for pancreatic cancer research. Compared to other cancers PC is one of the most under funded. The mortality rate is not good, but advances have been made so others have more hope to the diagnosis. Those who are diagnosed deal with lots of uninformed doctors that usually say…”Sorry we can’t do anything for you. Get your affairs in order” I want to be able to prove them wrong. The doctors will have a successful protocol to fight pancreatic cancer. The patients won’t have to deal with pain and they won’t have to suffer so much from the complications.
Hopefully they can discover a test for early detection for PC much like breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. Most PC patients are diagnosed at stage 4 because there is no early detection for it. Kev was at Stage 4 when he started throwing up and had back pain.
Today Kev has been gone five months. I have to bear the consequences of PC, but I will not let Kev’s love of life and memory fade.

Please forward this call to action to your friends and family. To donate to Marlene’s cause click on the right side bar “Help Marlene Run for a Cause”. I don’t know if you will be able to link this:

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=238615&lis=1&kntae238615=4735AE7466D84D28AD041D145D8EB25A&supId=193004640

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