Monday, September 26, 2016

The Day Purple Became My Favorite Color

My dad went to the hospital January 29th because he began throwing up blood.   Never in a million years did we think the doctor would come back and tell us he has pancreatic cancer.  Never!  We were told he would have 4-6 months with no chemotherapy; and 6-8 with chemotherapy.  However, his body would only be able to handle single agent chemotherapy, and even then his body probably wasn't going to be strong enough to tolerate the chemotherapy.  If you know my dad, you  know without a second to lose; he opted for chemo.   He started chemo; and seemed to be doing ok, just tired and weak.   Well, after a few rounds, we were told it wasn't working.  Again, my dad would not take that outcome; so he tried oral chemo.  He is such a fighter; and strong person to be able to endure what he has.  Oral chemo did not work either.  It is all in God's hands now; and I trust in Him always, even in such a time as this.

About the time he was diagnosed; I got a new grant portfolio at work.  The grant portfolio of one of the nations, and dare I say world's leading pancreatic cancer researchers.  Don't  you just love how God works?   This doctor agreed to meet with me right away; and told me what to expect in the coming months.   

What a gift God gave me; to have access to this kind of information.   To let me play a small part in the role to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.   I'm not stopping.  This is now my fight!

There is an organization I've come to know called the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  I decided to register on their website to receive emails and info on the latest events and findings in the field.  I came upon an email that described one of their fundraising events; Purple Stride 2016.

So I decided to start a team; Team Lightning Spirit.  I set a small goal of $1,000, with the mindset it would never be reached.   Fast forward to Sunday.   My team raised almost $7,000 for pancreatic cancer research in my dad's honor.    I am so grateful to all who joined our team and donated.   Words cannot describe the joy and honor it was to have all of you come alongside my family during this terribly difficult time.

The ribbon that denotes pancreatic cancer is Purple.  The event was held in Forest Park on September 25.  Seeing all the set ups, thousands of people, and a sea of purple all to support the survivors and remember those that have been lost.   We laughed, we cried, we danced, and for a brief moment I forgot my dad was sick.  As the day drew to a close; the reality began to appear again.

To me, purple represents the hope I lost in January; and the hope I have found again.  Purple represents the broken hearts and tears of sadness for the lost and tears of joy for those living and continuing the fight. 

I don't understand sickness; or why people have to suffer, but I do  know that The Lord walks with them and my dad every single moment.  He knows what it is like to suffer. No one has suffered more than He has; so there is no better person to help my dad through this.   If we lean on the Lord, we will make it through, as well.  I will continue to trust and continue to pray, and when I see purple, I will be reminded that God understands our pain, hurts with us, loves us, and is with us ALWAYS.  Thanks to all who are loving on my family, and please continue to pray for my dad.