Strength in Numbers

The theme for this year's Livestrong Challenge was "Strength in Numbers." One of the things I thought of as I ran through the course was how appropriate that was.  I finally got around to wearing the "official" shirt today, and I thought about Strength in Numbers as I ran around the neighborhood. 

Dan appreciated the power of strength in numbers. From eight years of playing football, from many years in the Scouts, and his time at Penn State, he knew how important it was to be a part of a team.

When Dan was diagnosed with cancer (twice!) he had an incredible support system, starting with his immediate family:

But the support extended out to our grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and cousins-in-law...

Through our vast family network, Dan was the recipient of countless good wishes and prayers, from people of many creeds and from all over the world.  Support also came in the form of e mails, jokes, and deliveries of food. (At one point, while Dan was in the ICU, we had a huge pile of fruit, snacks, and a crock pot. There was enough food that we were able to share with other families.) Dan looked around the hospital and saw many who didn't get any visitors at all, and he knew how lucky he was to have a family like ours. It is rare to see so tangibly that you are loved.

Dan also had an incredible group of friends from Olney, from football, wresting, and Scouts...

They got together at least once a year to celebrate Festivus.  But many of them played softball and football together as well.

... and from Penn State...

One of the "bright spots" in Dan's final hospital stay was to see his friends "sneak" a cake into his room to sing Happy Birthday. (The nurses knew EXACTLY what was going on and pretended to not notice.) One of the most touching moments for me at Dan's funeral was when I saw his Penn State roommates walk in... and when I realised that one of them flew in from Afghanistan to attend the service.

I am still not used to life without Dan.  But when I look back, I see that he taught us how to move on: Take strength from those around you.  The actions of those around me have helped to pick me up when I have felt so sad.

My family showed strength when they honored Dan and the Unker during the 2014 Red Baron Memorial Fishing Trip.

We showed this strength when we raised over $4,000 for the Livestrong Foundation in August.(Thanks to Wendy for organizing!)

We showed this strength when the Hellfish held a memorial softball game for Dan on Labor Day weekend (Thanks to Slag for organizing):

And in early September, I gained strength when I met with others who have dealt with the fibolamellar beast... and I met the doctors who are researching a future cure.

We are strong- so much stronger than we know.  In our strength, we will find healing.  And maybe, by focusing our energy... a cure.