Per the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), this month alone, more than 5,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor; another 20,000 will learn that cancer in another part of the body has spread to the brain. All in all, there are more than 600,000 individuals living with a brain tumor diagnosis and its devastating impact on their physical, emotional, social and financial well-being.
This month, the ABTA is encouraging people to take a personal pledge to spread the word about brain tumors and the need for more research by going to this link. Why not take the pledge as a birthday present to Chris?
We will be celebrating today with a family mass at our house said by our former pastor, Fr. Carl Morello. Some of Chris's friends are also coming by tonight to celebrate. We are going to drink some of the good wine from Chris's wine collection and share stories about the man we all loved. Although this is not the way his birthday would have been commemorated if he were still alive, I know today will have moments of joy nonetheless.
This is us without you, Chris. Wish you were here for your big day.
P.S. Today is also the birthday of my sister, Julie. She has been one of my biggest sources of strength since Chris died. I couldn't ask for a better sister and I'm so glad she is in my life!
Blessings on you and your little ones, Wendy. What a beautiful remembrance. I hope the day held joy close.
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