About eight years ago in my support group at the hospital, I met a kind, quiet girl named Kay. Always first to volunteer to host a gathering or extend an invitation to join in her holiday plans, Kay's generosity was abundant. She often came to group excitingly doling out some new remedy she found to aid in one of our many, many maladies. No matter how many years passed, Kay never failed to send a card for a birthday, a holiday, or any occasion. Sometimes even just to say hello. 

Three years ago when the group gathered to send me off for my three month journey in Texas to receive my stem cell transplant, Kay was uncharacteristically absent. She had been at the hospital all day after finding a lump in her neck. Six years after her first diagnosis, Kay learned her cancer had also returned. My heart sank. Not sweet Kay.

With a tracheotomy in the ICU this past October, Kay was uncomfortable and suffering. But she wasn't ready to give up her fight. Kay said she, "wanted more time". Kay deserved more time. She was to turn 45 in a month. Unfortunately, Kay didn't have more time. Kay didn't live to see that birthday.   

Kay loved nature, loved her lake house, loved her job as an attorney. Kay loved to travel, loved to run, loved her friends and loved her family. Most of all, Kay loved her husband Rob, who never left her side.

We all loved Kay. And we all would have loved to see Kay celebrate many, many more birthdays. Today I will celebrate my birthday for Kay. 

And for all those who deserved more birthdays, especially, Anne Broccolo Philbin, Jane McCarthy Goodwin, Jim Burns, Liza Marcus, Alison Coleman, Sara Western Garavaglia, Sammy Cipolla, and Claire McCall.

The best birthday present I could receive is your prayers. More specifically, that my scans in March are free of the 'something' on my liver and if not, that I find the grace and courage that those above possessed.

As always, with gratitude,

Jennifer