No jokes today, people
There are, however, exceptions to my general disdain for the human race. One of them is my friend DeeDee, who somehow always manages to be as kind, compassionate, and funny as she is gorgeous.
Sadly, I learned today that DeeDee's father lost his battle with lung cancer on November 18.
Her pop was a dashingly handsome, charming, hardworking man who raised wonderful kids and treated his wife like gold. The rarity of men like him makes his an even greater loss.
Because she is her dad's girl, DeeDee is thinking of others during her own most difficult days, and has chosen to do something productive with her pain. Instead of curling up in a heartbroken ball like most of us would, she's decided to raise money for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as a way to show her appreciation for the care they provided for her father over the last three years.
My girl DeeDee, she doesn't screw around. She's set a fundraising goal of $25,000 for herself in the next year. If she succeeds, a wall at the hospital will be dedicated in memory of her dad.
There's not much I can do to help or comfort Dee and her family right now. What I can do is ask you to help her meet her goal, and help save lives by funding lung cancer research. It is presently the least-funded of all forms of cancer research, due in part to the perception that only smokers get it. Not so. DeeDee's dad hadn't smoked in over 40 years, and according to Sloan Kettering, 20% of their lung cancer patients have never smoked at all.
I know it's a tough time of year, and most of us don't have much money to spare. But if you can, please click here to make a donation in memory of Peter Hatzis. If not now, no worries...you can be sure that I'll give you several reminders throughout the coming year. Either way, thank you, very sincerely.
As for you, Mr. H...you will be as lovingly remembered as you are terribly missed by everyone who knew you. Rest well.