Monday, September 14, 2009

Patrick Swayze Dies of Pancreatic Cancer




Hi friends,

I'm so sad to report that Patrick Swayze died today of pancreatic cancer.

I just found out the news, too. When I logged on to Facebook, the first thing I noticed was a friend's wall post: poor Swayz. Out loud I said, "Oh no." A few other Facebook comments confirmed. Another "Oh no" from me. And then a google of "Patrick Swayze" triple-confirmed. I kept wishing the news was wrong.

It's so strange. Pancreatic cancer has such a hard-hit reality, as close to a death sentence as any cancer. Yet when it strikes someone you love or admire, someone who has so much passion and feist, it's so easy to believe they can beat it. So naive to think they could be the 1 in a million who survive. Sometimes I think if I just accepted the reality, it would hurt less. But I also believe it's our faith in our loved ones that gives them the ability to beat the odds. Sally and Patrick both lived way longer than most pancreatic cancer patients, who often pass within 6 months. I think that says a lot about their gusto. (See a clip of Patrick Swayze in his Barbara Walters exclusive interview in January.)

Poor Patrick. And his poor wife. I'm keeping them in my heart tonight.

Love,
Marisa

P.S. Sally, if you're out there reading, this could be your big chance to go Dirty Dancing with Patrick. Keep your eyes peeled for him. Laura will be very jealous!

4 comments:

  1. Marisa....I can so relate to this post! I remember telling my dad about Patrick's diagnosis only a few months before he died. they gave my dad 8 months and he lived 14 months. Longer than they thought.

    So sad....I feel for his wife....I know what its like to be a widow too.

    You got me with your PS note to Sally...I got chills....love it!

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  2. Marisa,

    When I got the news I came right on over to Sally's Circle...you had not post yet...! So I did alitte more work, looked around fb(where I saw Cathy had post), and back on over here...

    The both of you where who I thought of first...

    and your ps got me too...

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  3. Thought of you this morning too... xoxo.

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  4. Patrick died at age 57...Sally was just 59. This awful disease claims most of those afflicted by it. Age doesn't matter. For more information, contact the Lustgarten Foundation, an organization whose mission is to advance the science related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer.
    www.lustgarten.org
    By the way, Sally just loved the movie "Ghost".

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