Being Ed's caretaker is the easiest job in the world. Oddly enough my alter-ego "Nurse Cratchett" has been totally unnecessary. Ed consistently remains cheerful, upbeat, positive, and very thankful for everything he has. Hence the amazing recovery. I am totally convinced that Ed's recovery is due to his amazing spirit, and the good vibes from all his family and friends.

I also need to reiterate what Ed has expressed since the onset of his diagnosis. Thank you just doesn't seem to do it! There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think about and appreciate the many acts of kindness. Every call, card, gift, meal, Facebook message, and words of encouragement are appreciated. Not to mention holiday excursion gifts and a huge team of Tamarac rakers!

How can one repay such kindness? Simply by paying it forward. Our first way to accomplish this is by working hard to support Heidi Bentley Barcomb's Dragonfly Experience half-marathon and walk on June 5th, in honor of Ed for the benefit of NYOH Capital District Cancer Resource Foundation funds.

This was the charity that Ed choose because it helps strapped Capital District cancer patients with much needed funds for their treatment. We witnessed a lot of needy patients during Ed's treatment and stem cell transplant ordeal, and this organization is vital. A start to pay it forward.

We already know there is an army of supporters that will participate in this "Go Out and Make It a Great Day Race." Anyone who would like to help out can keep track of the developments on this blog, or on Heidi's websites at: heidibarcomb@thedragonflyadventure.com and the Facebook group "The Dragonfly Adventure."

NYOH Foundation http://www.newyorkoncology.com/
Capital District Cancer Resource Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation created in March 2000 to help provide funds for daily living and support services for Capital District Region residents undergoing cancer treatment.


Finally, I wanted to share the the lovely article that was published in the Frost Valley YMCA Camp Fall newsletter concerning our experience with the "Chillin In The Catskills" Cancer Retreat Conference held last October: (Click on page 4)
http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1pyld/FrostValleyLifeFall2/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F249278%2FFrost-Valley-Life--Fall-2010

"A man's growth is seen in the successive choirs of his friends" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
We are truly blessed to have your friendship and support!