STAND UP TO CANCER - It Sucks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STAND UP TO CANCER AWARDS $18 MILLION TO TGEN AND UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR PANCREATIC
CANCER RESEARCH

President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to
Serve as Patient Advocate

EL SEGUNDO, CA – (May 27, 2009) –The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) will receive $18 million to research pancreatic cancer, Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) announced today. Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, TGen's Physician-In-Chief, and Dr. Craig B. Thompson, Director of the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn, are co-leaders of SU2C pancreatic cancer "Dream Team,'' which will lead a three-year investigation into new approaches to treating pancreatic cancer. Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will serve as patient advocate of the pancreatic cancer Dream Team.

“The $18 million awarded today for pancreatic cancer is a significant step in the fight against pancreatic cancer, a disease that has seen very little scientific progress over the past few decades due to the lack of funding for research,” stated Fleshman. “I am honored to serve as patient advocate on the pancreatic cancer Dream Team and look forward to working with Dr. Von Hoff and Dr. Thompson as they begin this very important project.”

The $18 million to TGen and Penn was the largest single grant among five awards, totaling $74 million, announced by SU2C, a philanthropic group created by cancer scientists and members of the entertainment industry a year ago today to quickly turn scientific discoveries into ways to care for cancer patients.

The goal of the pancreatic cancer Dream Team research project – "Cutting Off the Fuel Supply'' – is to develop tests, using advanced imaging techniques, to determine what nutrients pancreatic cancer cells require to fuel their growth and survival. Understanding the cell's fuel supply will help scientists develop more individualized treatments with fewer side effects.

TGen and its clinical partner at TCRS will launch a series of innovative clinical trials in advanced pancreatic cancer. These clinical trials will be designed to deprive pancreatic tumors of crucial nutrients, thereby cutting off the fuel supply. Other clinical sites in the study are at Penn in Philadelphia and at John Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In 2009, 42,470 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 35,240 will die. The five year survival rate is 5 percent, making pancreatic cancer the most lethal among leading cancer killers.

The TGen-Penn team will combine translational methods developed at the University of Pennsylvania with individualized-therapies emphasized by TGen to rapidly move laboratory findings to bedside treatments, benefiting pancreatic cancer patients as quickly as possible. They will test the drugs in combination with existing standard chemotherapy, with the hope of improving quality of life while increasing the percentage of patients surviving beyond one year.

“This project is critical to extending the lives of pancreatic cancer patients; 75 percent die within the first year of diagnosis because of the lack of effective treatments,” added Fleshman. “We are hopeful the pancreatic cancer Dream Team can change this statistic through their collaboration.”

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit www.pancan.org. And, for more information on the other Dream Teams, visit www.su2c.org.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research—and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fills the void of information and options by giving patients and caregivers reliable, personalized information they need to make informed decisions. We create a sense of hope and community so no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone. The organization helps support individuals and communities all across the country to work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

About Stand Up To Cancer
The Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) movement raises funds to hasten the pace of groundbreaking translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives. In 2007, a group of women whose lives have all been affected by cancer in profound ways began working together to marshal the resources of the media and entertainment industries in the fight against the disease. For more information about Stand Up To Cancer, please visit www.su2c.org.

# # #

CONTACT:

Jennifer Reeves
Public Relations Manager
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-321-6542
Email: jreeves@pancan.org




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© 2006 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. All Rights Reserved.

Not Cancer But It Still Kills

My Puppy Loves from sheri swaner on Vimeo.

For My Doggies


FOR MY DOGGIES:
Chapin, Max, Phoebe and Sydney.
Chapin passed away from Cancer December 18, 2002.
To help her two Mom's and her brother Max heal their broken hearts, Phoebe was adopted the next day from: NO MORE HOMELESS PETS. She is a bundle of love and joy.

A year later, the lovely Sydney (my second Golden Retriever) became a part of the ever growing furry family of LOVE.

Unfortunately, with all of life's twist and turns, the two Mommies got divorced on February 27, 2009, after sixteen years of being together. Heart breaking, yes,
but I remained determined to care for our three puppies the very best that I could, alone. My former partner left the state of Utah, without notice, abandoning me, but worse, our three adorable dogs.
Extreme and difficult times, to be sure. My hope and wish is that my "ex" did not intentionally hurt the puppies-- Our relationship was breaking and broken.

Her leaving so abruptly and without warning did cause the doggies pain, fear, confusion and sadness. All of the loose ends and anxiety were felt by each of us. Yes, of course this separation affected the dogs.
They are sensitive, intuitive, with hearts of pure gold. Other extreme circumstances occurred before and after her departure; I had to find a place to live that I could afford, also, a "rental" that would allow me to have all three glorious pups. No matter how hard I looked, how many places and people I called- including rescue sites-
I was met with dead ends.

Time was ticking, funds were depleting and with my returning to work and limited physical capabilities, I was unable to keep my promise to my dogs. That discovery was one of the worst days of my life. It took me to some dark place that I could barely crawl out of. Very similar to how I felt after the deaths of my younger brother and Mom. It was anguish.

If my former partner was willing to speak, I am certain she would echo some of the feelings I’m sharing; remain unified in our love, adoration and gratitude for the complete joy that our puppies have graciously given and offered us for so many years.

I know I am. I can't even envision a life without them. Yet each day, I am having to learn how.
They are and were, my life.

After being injured at work and having to undergo two serious surgeries and lengthy recuperation's, my finances had dwindled, my physical and emotional state were depleted and hurt. I had to face the fact that I could not care for my puppies alone, nor could I afford to stay where I was living. I couldn’t afford it.
I could not care for my puppies by myself and give them all the love and adequate attention that they are so deserving of.

They are "the innocents” of a 'break up' and broken relationship. It is not fair, it is not right- and I will always be sick and disgusted by the choice and decisions I was left to make on my own.

One of the most sad, gut wrenching days in my life was having to make the decision to have all three remaining pups; Max, Phoebe and Sydney hopefully get adopted into new homes and families. There were no takers-- I begged and pleaded with family and friends, I put up posters, I put their bios and cute little faces on Face-Book. Nothing. Nada. All the while, not wanting to take them anywhere--
I wanted them with me and wanted them to remain in their home; in a place and space they were comfortable with. In addition to their being one another’s best friends. They complemented each other-- They were perfect, replete and beautiful.

I exhausted and looked into every avenue so that I would not have to take them to a shelter or the Humane Society. I knew, given their bond with us and with each other and the freedom they have always known and enjoyed, that they would not survive being "locked up" and confined. But that was the decision I was forced to make.

I spoke with each of them, together and separately, trying to explain about life and it's uncertainties. I begged their forgiveness and I knew, even with the unbearable pain and ache in my heart, that they knew they were loved. My puppies know, will always know how much I loved them.

I may never forgive myself, though I know my puppies have already forgiven me. That was, is and always has been 'their nature.' It might take my entire life- but I will search for ways to make it up to them and right this wrong.

Max, Phoebe and Sydney are my heart and life. They made life and living worthwhile. I miss them more than I can articulate, more than I can bear.
A huge empty hole and void has been left-- I struggle to fill it up with memories of their smiles, antics, generosity and unconditional love.

I miss you, my precious pups and will love you forever, infinitely and eternally. And I will always be grateful you allowed me the blessing, the gift,
of being your Mom.

I miss them terribly- and think of them every minute of everyday.
The following video contains some of my favorite and most cherished visual memories of
"My Love Puppies."

The poem is written in honor of them;
for the many years of gracious, unconditional love and joy they so graciously offered-- everyday and in every way.


Friday, March 27, 2009


Dedicated to:
CHAPIN, MAX, PHOEBE and Sydney--
My Love Puppies.

Music by: Livingston Taylor, singing "I Will."


“You are my other eyes that see above the clouds;
My other ears that hear above the winds
and clamorous demands.
You are the part of me that can reach out into the sea-
And see, with crystal blue clarity.

You have treated me like I am your reason for being;
At times like this, knowing that, has brought me such comfort.
You are my babies; my lover bums,
The ‘people’ I enjoy the most.

I love the way you rest against my leg; the thumping and wagging of three tails!

I am sorry for the times we went out of town
or on vacation, even for just one night--
I know it was confusing and scary.
(I think it makes them sick with worry when they can’t go along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, they are gracious
and easy to forgive.

When I am sad or hurt, They become clowns;
Running around on their collective bottoms,
Jumping on top of one another,
Sneakily stealing more socks!
They magnify their antics
Until I smile and laugh again.

When I am happy, their joy is limitless
and inexhaustible.
When I am a fool, they ignore it.
When I succeed, they want to tell everyone.
(Little braggarts)

Without my three precious pups, I am just another person.
With them, I am unique, a Mother, with the ability to show and spread kindness,
Unconditional Love, as I learn more life lessons.
It is because of them that
I have learned about LOVE.

I have learned the importance of forgiveness.
The beauty of gratitude.
They epitomize and define the word LOYALTY.
They have taught me the meaning of true devotion.

With them, I know a secret comfort and a private peace found no where else.
They have brought me understanding and comfort, during times when I was sad or confused.
They watched over me, with a gentle nudge or kiss,
When I lost my brother and mother.

Their heads on my knee or foot --
Brings reassurance, comfort and understanding
From any human hurt or pain
.
Their presence, either by my side, or in my heart,
Has shielded and protected me against my fears--
Of dark and unknown things and places--

The aches of my heart are minimized
By their smiles and unwavering understanding.

One of the favorite things you do---
Is how you greet me when I come home;
Whether I am gone ten minutes or Six hours
The reaction is the same:
You scurry around looking for a favorite toy or bone
To give and present me with.
And for whatever reason
You are ALWAYS happy to see me.
(You little tail waggers)

You promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever
In case I need you...
(Of course I do.)
For this, I am especially grateful.
I know I will always need and think of you.

You have made my life better;
Complete and whole--
Because of you,
I am a far better person.

Besides, You are just my dogs--
(That sentence speaks volumes of what we share)
All three of you are:

My Family, My Heart.

I love you with all of my heart, always and forever.
Your Mother,

Sheri

Cancer Survivor Manifesto by Donna Trussell

Kate Winslet & Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Cancer Survivor Manifesto
June 3, 2009 by donnatrussell

“I am not a concept.”

Famous last words from Clementine, aka the glorious Kate Winslet in the best love story you’ve never seen, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Like Clementine, I too am not a concept, but I am sometimes treated like one.

I am a cancer survivor, but I am not brave. I’m chicken. That can be a good thing, though. I can be a very squeaky wheel. When you have cancer, even the smallest advantage counts.

I am a cancer survivor, but I will not make a better friend to you than someone who is not. Most likely I’ll be worse. I have been traumatized. I can be mean. I can find fault with almost anything you say or do. And you can’t get me on it, because I’m always on home base.

I am a cancer survivor, but I am not more spiritual than you or anyone else. You think because I’ve been sick I’m closer to God? How do know what I’ve been saying to God? Could be things that are unprintable.

I am a cancer survivor, not the embodiment of loved ones who’ve abandoned you in your time of need. I know it can feel that way. Sometimes it seems like everyone — even a casual acquaintance — who walks away is deserting you. You want to grab a leg and plead: Take me with you to your world.

I am a cancer survivor, but I can not make up for the life that once stretched out before you. I realize I am a poor substitute. But so are you, for me.

I am a cancer survivor, but I am not civic minded. I do not want to bake cakes. I do not want to ask people for donations. I do not want to attend meetings in windowless rooms.

I don’t know how long I’ve got. I just want to be. More than the most zen monk or holiest priest you’ve ever met, I just want to be.

In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Clementine tells her lover she is not a concept. She’s just a screwed-up girl looking for a little peace of mind.

Amen, Clementine. Who more than you deserves it? Who more than me?

Posted in Cancer, Film | Tagged cancer survivor, eternal sunshine, kate winslet | No Comments
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Thank you Donna,

for yet another incredible, reflective, honest post on cancer.

I appreciate and love your mind and passion-

and will always be grateful we 'bumped into' one another,

as I continue to learn and be in awe of you.

You and Scott would have been great pals--

I already believe you are 'soul mates.'

Sheri

Dante's Inferno and The Overwhelming Question

"...Having a keen eye on the world, feeling experiences with an open sensitivity,
if at times with too much sensitivity, caring about people (not all, I’m neither saint nor altruist), having the good or ill fortune to be placed in some odd experiences,
Also at times having the stones to walk head first into others.
Those, I think, make something good of a life.

This is all unplanned, like my death, there is no outline to guide me through this piece,
there is no map despite my fondness for maps, literal and metaphorical.
(I picked up a great copy of a newish translation of Dante’s Inferno recently,
translated as Hell, and it was not the quality of the words I wanted,
it was the maps and diagrams.
It’s laid out graphically, not scenes of torture, not Blakean drawings of the mystic,
but nearly architectural sketches of what is where, what one might expect
in the space of experience. (It explains in part why one of my only published
essays deals with "cartographies of utopia.")
This is extemporaneous. What do you make of that?
I too don’t know. It’s an anti-eulogy. It’s an anti-systematic handbook.
If so, then for what? It’s simply what I have. All I have.

In the poesis, then, what is it that feels good?
What kind of making brings you pleasure in addition to warding off the unpleasure
that naturally comes to us all? In doing- what have you lost?
Truly, beautifully lost? Where are those doings? And now, too late,
I only start to see how crucial it is to find them.
I’ve had hundreds and hundreds of questions put to me since my diagnosis,
and more accurately my prognosis, was made public,
many of them have been posted on Do Not Go Gentle, many discussed there.
Most elsewhere. Many are repeats, many, candidly speaking, are uninsightful —
but how many of us know just what to say or ask? I don’t begrudge any of them really.
Some just seem to have cut to the heart of the things: what will you do that matters?
And why do those things?
No doubt I’ll have a pretty good sense of this in about three months or so,
when the clock really steps up its pace, when my timeline starts to deviate radically
from most all of yours. Then I’ll know something more concretely.
Pause for thought.

One thing of which I’m sure, it’s not distraction.
Travel is fine, fun is fine, shopping is fine, responsible debauchery too.
There is an amazing book to be written on Distraction Theory,
I haven’t gotten to it, though I have notes everywhere, it hasn’t been written.
But it’s out there in the future. I do know, however,
that distraction is almost an insult to dying consciously, dare I use the cliché,
of dying with dignity. Again, I see nothing wrong with travel, fun, debauchery,
but they are not [it] Not for me, and I’m not sure that I can offer any further
explanation of why, they just miss the point, by definition.

Distraction is the activity that averts your eyes from seeing what is really happening.
There might be no outside of ideology, but distraction is the indulgence in ideology.
(e.g., Think fascism.) Just as faith, in my view, is the escape from critical thinking.
Certain dispositions require these, so be it, it’s not something we have much control of:
it’s what highlights the crucial difference between Jung and Freud.
The former believes too much in a voluntarist psychology, he must explain the psyche
and twist it so as to leave a possible space for the I to act freely;
the latter knows the determinist web we find ourselves caught in,
if we're lucky we find ourselves.

Marx saw it with political economy and history, faults aside.
Boils on his backside keeping him from sitting to finish Capital.
Nietzsche saw it with society’s morals and values, faults and all.
Arms wrapped around a beaten horse in madness.

So that is the base, the substructure if you will, for how to think of doing. In the doing the key aspect I keep seeing is a degree of choice within the circumstances I find myself in.
That is, what will I do with what I have? What will I be able to do?
What are my desires and where do they mesh with the doing?
It’s still hard to believe that Old Man Eliot could write this, at age 24:

“To have squeezed the universe into a ball / To roll it toward some overwhelming question,”

and then, in fact, earlier in the poem, the question itself.
In short, “Do I dare / Disturb the universe?” That is the overwhelming question.
How to begin? How should I presume? Yes. Yes.
Worse and more overwhelming still, however, is to ask
and only to ask and to leave it at that,
and that is Prufrock’s curse."

. . . The curse of J. Alfred Prufrock

Scott H Swaner
07-26-06 "The Overwhelming Question"

ts eliot


dante’s inferno

"If I thought my answer were given
to anyone who would ever return to the world,
this flame would stand still without moving any further.
But since never from this abyss
has anyone ever returned alive, if what I hear is true,
without fear of infamy I answer you."[10]

Words From A Friend Who Watched his Best Friend Die from Pancreatic Cancer

Reposted from Scott's original Post.

A Guest Blog by Frank Chiarella,

One of Scott's dearest friends, and certainly one of mine.

Always and Forever, Frank, I love you.

You offered and Gave Scott unconditional love and Friendship

from the time you met him until he died.

You also provided my Mom and I--

A feeling of peace and safety.  I am so sorry about the recent death of your father.

You hold a special place in my heart--

Always Have and always will.

Sheri



Tuesday, August 22, 2006
8.22.06, Guest Blog. Melancholy and Mystery of Family - A Salt Lake Journey by FGC

[Hey. Here's going to be a Guest Blog from Frank, from the Utah trip last week, a few days old but it's the process of digesting and the digest of processing that was required. Frank also gave it to me two days ago and the remainder is my process of putting off a bit, as is my wont. Today's Franky Scale is an 8, physically pretty good, emotionally very good, a visit from the Disenchanted Princess begins. Also, Mme X had a momentous day that I'm happy about and glad to share part of, so these things add up. Huge congrats to you X. Now, I'm just going to check some edits on the post and will be back with it shortly, tonight. I'll leave this up for most of tomorrow, and if I come with a post of substance I'll put it up at night. Peace.]

Guest Blog:

The Melancholy and Mystery of Family – A Salt Lake Journey.

Traveling across the country to visit a dying friend sucks. Never mind the crowds, crying babies, shoe removal and metal objects at the security points. It’s the anxiety of seeing your dying friend and the fact that you are fucking helpless to fix him. My visit with Mr. Jones was not my last precious moments with him but it crosses your mind. Is this the last time?

My visit with Mr. Jones and his family was bittersweet. When it comes to talking about families and the nuisances between all the players –well…. People in glasses houses, if you catch my drift. Three older sisters, a saint of a mother, a nonexistent father, partners, nephews, beautiful babies, the best fucking carrot cake I still think about, and the ubiquitous drama that exists between all families. A friend once told me spending time with families is like being around fish. After three days they start to stink. Amazingly,
It was five days and the fish remained edible.

We all cope with loss differently. I tend to cry a lot. I think about the living Scott and I have shared and put the impending death of my friend out of my mind until we started to talk about what to leave behind and executing a will. Then it hits you. That is living in the now, the harsh reality of losing a loved one, family or friend. It’s reality punching you in the Adam's apple, you can’t talk or even breathe…. So you just listen. Listen to your friend – Always.

The drama started before I even arrived at Sheri and Stepheni’s. The details are hard to grasp – almost unbelievable, and you wonder what the fuck was the person thinking. So I listened and listened more, digesting the events of earlier that day that I wasn’t around to see. A conflict of sorts between Mr. J and someone close to him. We all cope differently – Right?
Mr. Jones manned up and settled that one.

I spent hours with Sheri and Steph, and there was great pain in that too, the impending unbearable loss of a brother who may be put on a pedestal but I have to say… rightly so. I stood under a full moon with a grieving sister who no doubt loves her brother and we tried to make sense of the senseless.

I visited Stepheni at her office to steal her wheels and met her coworkers,
Who all knew Mr. Jones from this blog. The palpable concern and genuine emotion from all of them was there too; more coping skills and support from distantly related, somewhat anonymous blog readers, who were in the midst of a dying cyber celebrity.
Greetings and gratitude to you guys at the Data Center from Mr. McMahon,
(ask Steph to explain that one).

The big Sunday family get together was marred somewhat by the lack of some family not posting, showing up, on what will most likely be the last time you will all be together…at least with Scott in SLC. I can’t remember the excuse given for why “they” did not come, that is something they will have to live with.
Sue and Susan were fantastic hosts and coping skills were again ever present-- with good food, conversation, and stories; and for the few times when the harsh reality of Mr. Jones’s condition slipped in, I was aided with help from my “nurse” who made the name “Collins” proud.
To all Scott’s nieces and nephews you were huge to come and show your uncle how much you care. In the end it is your family that will always come through. After the party, Mr. J and I paid our respects to Daniel at his grave and he reflected on his own loss, losing Daniel. The mystery of his nephew’s life and death still haunts him. The sun began to fall and cast long shadows on the tombstones as we left, That moment will remain with me forever.

Finally, how will I ever forget looking into the eyes of a grieving mother struggling with the loss of her only son? Nadine, you will always be in my heart. If the miracle you want happens I will sign up with Mr. Smith. Your bran muffins and carrot cake are made with huge love, and as I walked by the pan of carrot cake and stole another fraction of your cake, each time I realized food is yet another coping program. It is also comforting, knowing it was made by you with love. Nadine, I love you for your honesty and admire your faith.
More importantly, thank you for giving me the pleasure of knowing your son.
I hope to one day share all your infinite wisdom with my own family, along with my many memories of your son.

Sheri and Steph* – thank you for your hospitality again – I love you both!
Mr. Jones….. I am always listening. NO pain please! Do what ever it takes….but please…no pain for you.

FGC

Posted by Mr. Jones at 10:33 PM



2 COMMENTS:

Slarry said...
Dear Mr. Frank:

I am a grieving sister and you, the loyal and ultimate ( grieving) friend. We were as one, under the full moon that night; our tears flowing freely, taking solace in each other’s company. Completely unified in the knowledge, that he, Mr. Jones, is unique in all the world. The thought of him not being available to learn, love and laugh with, the loss of Scott--- the most unbearable pain we could imagine. 

You are like my “other brother”--
such fine and similar characteristics; characteristics and gifts that Mr. Jones has always freely, unconditionally provided and offered me: feelings of safety, a sense of calm and stability, keeping me grounded and the warmth and comfort that can come, when one feels understood by a sibling and a loyal friend. I thank both you and Scott for that-- for years of making me feel understood and loved.

What a gift you are ... such joy, comfort and renewed strength you brought with you from New York, showering it on every one of us. For Steph and I, you truly are our favorite. Not only a term of endearment that we have always said concerning you; you are the real deal, our dear, dear friend, and for me personally, like a second brother. Thank you for that. We love you more than we can articulate, probably more than you know.

Your genuine attentiveness, concern and admiration towards our Mother, probably added years to her life. I want to thank you for that and more. Sometimes the one’s who deserve our admiration the most, the people who teach and love us unconditionally, get thanked less often. Thank you for appreciating and enjoying Scott’s Mom, my Mom, as we do. She is a Saint and does make the best Bran muffins. But you also scored a full pan of carrot cake as well. : ) That is huge, my friend.

Other than mine and Steph’s love and gratitude for you and how you have helped us through many emotional and difficult moments, I mostly want to thank you and acknowledge the great friendship you and Scott share. It is a thing of sheer beauty-- and helps this grieving sister, feel a little less anxious about my brother’s impending death. 

I try not to think about it-- try and stay present in the here and now, but the fact remains that my favorite person is suffering unimaginable pain and having his beautiful life, his beautiful mind cut far too short. This is where the senselessness comes, my trying to understand and believe that this is really happening. And it does bring with it questions about the meaning and purpose of life--- why Scott? Why a terminal cancer? He is the healthiest man I know. And especially, why my favorite person, the one I lean on and learn from the most? The one person in our family, other than our Mother, who has the most to offer this world.
I will never understand.

And to my brother: reading, hearing about and observing, at times, your level of discomfort, anguish and pain, is so harsh and unbearable. I hate the pain. I hate that you are suffering and that there is not one stinking thing I can do about it. I can’t fix it. But I am here and I can listen, always.

Thank you Mr. Frank for writing your third guest blog. For stepping up and having the courage to tell it like it is. The “no shows,” the absent and anonymous father--- but also, and most importantly, appreciating the greatness and unique impact that my brother has on others. Also, for the perfect example and a testament to true friendship. You are a class act, my friend. Selfless, and darn influential as well. You too, leaving your mark- imprints in the hearts of many.

You are huge Franky and we love you. Can’t wait to see you again.
This is not good-bye. My plan is to be wherever my brother is. So I will hook up with you there soon. Hopefully, there will be a hot tub for you to splash around in. I’ll try not to peek. : )

 Big, big love to my brother. And to Ms. X, I congratulate and celebrate you too.
Scott, you have some great and supportive friends. So loving, so loyal, so cool. But really, how could one not be drawn to you?
Don’t worry-- I won’t do the pedestal thing. It is just that I love and care for you so much and for so many reasons. You have been an unequalled gift in my life, equally as long. You remain so, and always and forever, will be my most precious. 


Thank you again, franky. And love you most and infinitely my brother.

 xo, Sheri


Give Gill, the Princess and Ted a hug for me.

8:28 AM, August 23, 2006
34DD said...
Wow! - it's hard to top that comment so I won't dare try. I'm just glad that Francis was able to write down his thoughts about the trip to see Mr. J - the stories have been spilling out all week. Thanks to S & S for taking such great care of my boy & your boy & to your mom who kept them well fed! Everyone needs a little comfort food now and then. 

Mr Jonsey - I'm psyched that yesterday was an 8. I hope today is an 11. No more pain. Please tell Miss K we said HEEEEYYYYY and give her a squeeze for me (wink wink :) oxoxoxo lot's of love and good thoughts from NY.


ADDENDUM: Sir Frank, thank you for this and many, many other acts of unconditional loveand Grace. Scott loved you so much- but you already know that. Please know that we do too. Hope this finds you well.  

Forever & Always, you truly are our FAVORITE! loves, Sheri and Steph*

* deleted. 03/28/09

Photos Speak a Thousand Words

Various photos of Mr. Jones (aka Scott.) Happy times, filled with fond memories.

He flies.

He eats.

He talks.

He reads.

Our Beloved Mom, Nadine Swaner

January 13, 2009

TWO YEARS AGO TODAY:
We lost our beloved Mother:

NADINE COX SWANER

September 13, 1927 ---- January 13, 2006

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Dear family, friends and loved ones,
Today, at 3:25 p.m., our wonderful, beautiful Mother, Spouse, Grandmother,
Aunt and friend,
Nadine Cox Swaner, died at the Huntsman Cancer Institute;
Surrounded by her family.

We held her hands, sang to her, and read her stories.
Stories, that for years and years she read to us.
We stood around her, listening to her breathe-
Even, and especially, as it became less frequent and more shallow.
Thinking, just how beautiful and complete she was.
How formidable, how strong, how determined and selfless.
And yes, she did make the best Carrot Cake.


It was only one week ago that we were together with many of you,
As we grieved, honored and paid tribute to our brother, her son, Scott.
They were such dear and tender friends;
Their bond and love for one another was deeper and stronger
than one could imagine.
This is a tragic and unexpected loss.
We can only hope they are together,
now both free from pain-
Together, continuing to make a difference.
Together, glowing,
Together, teaching.

The loss of our Mom, the loss of a Mother is especially difficult.
She has loved, protected and taught us so much.
She is unique in all the world.
We count ourselves particularly lucky and blessed to have been hers.

She is grand, eloquent, beautiful, selfless and long suffering.
She will be remembered most for her graciousness, generosity,
unconditional love and magnificent strength.
She lived a determined and purposeful life. Always.
She is the strongest woman we know.
Her faith and love for her Heavenly Father is unparalleled.

Our Mom was a gentle woman, with a twinkle in her eyes
And a smile that could light up every room and brighten any heart.
She brightened all of ours.

We love you Mom! Infinitely and Eternally.
We will miss you more than you will ever know.
Our hearts are broken and we are so sad.

No one, and nothing prepares one adequately for the loss, the death of your Mother.
We promise that we will love and cling to each other, forever and always
And think of you every minute of every day-
We are grateful for every moment and memory we shared with you.

Loves,

Hal, Sue, Sheri, Stacey ( and Scott )


Please feel free to contact us and we will help as best we can.

Sue Swaner: albeez_90@hotmail.com
Sheri Swaner: sschapin50@gmail.com
Stacey Swaner Moore: pancreasboy@comcast.net
Harold Swaner: hbswaner1@gmail.com

A Mother's Love
~
A mother's love determines how
 we love ourselves and others.

There is no sky we'll ever see

Not lit by that first love.
Stripped of love, the universe

Would drive us mad with pain;

But we are born into a world

That greets our cries with joy.
How much I owe you for the kiss

That told me who I was.

The greatest gift--a love of life--
Lay laughing in your eyes.

Because of you my world still has

The soft grace of your smile;

And every wind of fortune bears

The scent of your caress.

Nicholas Gordon