
Three 'gingers' -- JD, Casey and Patti -- say the pledge of allegiance before the walk.
Two weeks ago, Patti, Casey, JD and I participated in the Pancreatic Cancer Fun Run/Walk on a Saturday morning in downtown Austin. We were joined by friends Mike, Jess, Kaedon, Brady, Mason and Mary.
We were also joined by a the spirits of a number of contributors. When we announced that we were going to participate in the fun run/walk, we gathered contributions and raised just about $1,000 for the walk and pancreatic cancer research. God bless you all for your generous contributions.
It was a real blast to do this. For participating, everyone got a dark purple Purple Stride T-shirt and a number. But not me. I got a light lavender “Survivor” shirt and a number. I wore the shirt proudly that day and I wear it now. There is something about “survivor” that is really comforting. They even took a photo. There were 7-8 of us that were survivors of the 600 that gathered for the walk.
And, as you might imagine, it was a very emotional walk. Walking along the 3-mile course, I noticed that many of the folks who were walking with purple shirts, had special paper placards pinned to their shirts. “I am walking/running for …” Then, the individual used a Sharpie to write in the name of the person, past or present, for whom they are walking.
Just about every walker had a placard. Most were walking for close friends or relatives who were presently undergoing treatment or had died from the disease. Frankly, it was a little disturbing to see people walk by enjoying the cool Fall weather, chatting with friends, walking with pets, but doing so with the name of a loved one attached to them. These folks have a common purpose. They will do what they can to rid the world of this terrible disease.
I am a very lucky man. I know it. To have been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer over a year ago, been told that I had less than 3-months to live, I thank God every day for each day. But on this walk, I saw reminders all around me of those for whom “every day” has run out. But there were definite bright spots.
This is the main one. The fact that there were 7-8 survivors in this group is amazing. A year ago, three years ago, there wouldn’t have been 7-8 folks in that category. There would have been fewer.
And, today, the world is a much smaller place. Our FDA is not the be-all and end-all for treatment regulation. Some here will argue that we will see cures when the drug companies want there to be a cure. Maybe.
There are treatments occurring in other countries that are recording amazing results. And, remarkable activities are taking place here in the U.S. that are seeing real results — many of a homeopathic nature. So

Casey and Kaedon are getting ready for the walk
far, I have been fortunate not to have radiation or chemotherapy.
I celebrate every day with faith and laughter. Patti and I joke that laughing kills cancer cells. She gives me something to cause laughter every day. So, together we’re killing the cancer cells, slowly but surely. And, I absolutely believe that every day I am here is a blessing from God.
But enough about philosophy, here are some photos from the fun run/walk in Austin. God bless you all and your loved ones.

Kaedon and Casey lasso a colorful steer along the route

I just wanted to thank the important people
- I left a memory note, along with many other walkers

Mason and Jess finished with great vigor

Kaedon and Patti walk through the finish line

JD and I cross the finish line

Brady, Jess, Kaedon, Casey, Mary and Patti take to the streets

Mary and Casey were happy to walk

Brady shares a secret with Dad along the course

Mike, Brady, Jess, Kaedon and Mason are ready to walk

Mason is just ready for someone to push him along the course.
December 23, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Hi Derek! I want to check in to see how you are doing? My kids have been praying for you and were wondering how you are coming along.
Hope all is well.
Steve
847-630-5347
December 31, 2011 at 8:37 PM
Hi, Steve. So good to hear from you. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas holiday and enjoy a restful new year’s tonight. So far, things are going well for me — health wise. My next appt is in early January. The doctor moved my appointments from every six weeks to every three months. I still feel very good, have no pain or discomfort and am so blessed to be able to enjoy the second Christmas since my diagnosis.
I think of you and other Segal cohorts and pray you are all doing well. I hope your 2012 is the best year ever for you and your family. Congratulations on that hole in one.
December 31, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Thanks Derek! I am glad you are doing well! Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year! Please keep me posted on your progress. I think about you every day. My sister moved to Houston this past April in the Kingswood area. I really miss working with you. You were very unique in both character and ability.
Thanks again! I hope to connect with you again!
Steve
October 4, 2012 at 1:28 AM
Pancreatic cancer can easily be detected by modern radiological detectors such as x-rays and mri imaging. Thus early detection is quite possible. :*;`*
Have a great day!
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