Stand up and FIGHT

I have to confess: the last four-plus days have been quite difficult.

Two people that I have been associated in some form or fashion in my life have passed away within days of each other. The father of a dear friend who was recently diagnosed of Stage 4 lung cancer, and a dear family friend who fought breast cancer for the last 15+ years.

On top of this, it was the 15-yr 'anniversary' since my grandmother's passing on Jan. 3 (who did not pass of cancer, but of heart disease).

This last week has reinforced the mortality of us all, as well as the importance of these:

1) never hold a grudge

2) keep in touch in some form or fashion those you have cared about in the past and will care about in the future

3) think about how you want others to remember you; the dash between your birth date and death is more than just a dash - it's what represents what you did during your time on Earth

Sorry to be Debby Downer, but two funerals in a week will knock some mortality into a person.

And damn it, with cancer taking these two lives so close together, it only makes one want to fight harder and support those who are fighting the same fight. Some of my favorite causes are doing just that, and it's important for everyone - EVERYONE - to do something. I'm in awe of people like Lance Armstrong who are able to pull together a huge coalition of fighters across the globe to make a difference, and am excited to be a part of it and anxious to do so much more.

DO SOMETHING. If it's not cancer, there are many other organizations out there that are doing good. JUST DO IT.

I'm proud to say that throughout my life I've done something to help, but I'm going to do more in 2009 and beyond than I have done in the past. Below are three causes that are dear to my heart and I follow and support every day.

http://www.livestrong.org/

http://www.teamintraining.org/

http://www.komen-dallas.org/