Mon. Sept. 5th
A year ago today, 14 yr old B+ Hero Noxah Palomo jumped out of an airplane to check an item off his “bucket list”. As I’ve said before, a “bucket list” is a cute, funny thing when made into a movie about older guys, but there’s nothing funny about a 14 year old having a “bucket list”. Noxah died a month after his jump from AML (leukemia).
Yesterday, to commemorate Noxah’s jump, I had the privilege of joining Noxah’s parents, his transplant doctor (Andy Kolb), and ten other family members and friends in re-creating the jump. It was my first jump and truly an incredible experience. To think that you are willingly jumping out of a plane at 2 1/2 miles above the ground is insane. Here’s to you, Noxah. (please see the link below for a short video of my ‘trip’)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three years ago today, my friend and brother-in-law, Dan, left this world after a brave 6 month battle with leukemia. Dan had beaten lymphoma four years earlier, but one of the chemo drugs they gave him caused a secondary cancer! Believe it or not, this is not uncommon and doctors are not terribly surprised when this happens. That should tell you something about the sophistication – or lack thereof- of chemotherapy. We MUST develop smarter and gentler treatment protocols for kids and adults.
Just like my Mom, who was buried in a “B+ Hero” shirt, Dan epitomized the B+ spirit. Dan suffered through a brutal treatment regimen and whenever I asked him how he was doing, he always said “Can’t Complain”! Unbelievable! He ALWAYS put his family first. Dan, it was my honor to know you in this world and I look forward to re-uniting with you someday to experience your great attitude. Dan, we’re thinking of you, Mary, Nora, and Luisa, today and always! B+
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Make it a great week.
Live Like Andrew
B+
Proud to be,
Ali & Andrew’s Dad