Miles for Brian

Tonight my friend Sarah, who did the San Diego season with me, posted a link with an update on her cousin, Brian, who was her inspiration for her TNT marathon experience. Brian was diagnosed a few years ago with Stage IV soft tissue sarcoma; the cancer progressed to his brain, and things are not looking good. For the full story, please read their blog update on Caring Bridge:  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brianmichaelschultz

It's heartbreaking. Brian has a matter of months at this point. He has a wife and baby daughter, and the reality of the situation is that he's likely going to have to leave them. Miracles do happen and no one should EVER give up hope, but it's equally important to accept the gravity of the situation and do what you can here and now to make sure whatever time he has is as wonderful as it can be; it's precious time, for certain. The blog talks about how the family is pursuing palliative care, which is such a great decision. I wish we had known a little bit more about some of the options for palliative care for Grandpa. We were fortunate that he wasn't in severe pain for long, but the benefits of palliative and hospice care are undeniable, and the sooner you begin it, the more comfortable the person will be for a longer period of time. There is a wonderful book called Final Journeys that is written by a hospice nurse named Maggie Callahan. She passes along amazing advice and lessons to families tending to a dying person. It's something I wish I'd read in June, though when I read it in August I did find some comfort. I hope this book makes it into the hands of Brian and his family, if for no other reason than to help them feel like they're not alone.

When Grandpa was diagnosed back in January, we were told he only had months. Grandpa said it was a time for tears and prayer. I think now is that time for Brian.

Miles for Brian tomorrow.

The wall of Grandpa's oncology floor at UMass Memorial in Worcester