Anne died yesterday, September 2, 2022, peacefully in our home.  She was 49. 

Anne’s life for the past few months has been very difficult, and she mentioned countless times that she was ready to leave us.  Although her pain was managed, she struggled with severe physical disabilities and all the dignity-robbing things that come with them.  I can say confidently that Anne leaving, while terribly painful to us, was a welcomed end for her.  Our family had countless unforgettable moments saying goodbye in the past few weeks, and please know that Anne connected to all of you through the countless emails, texts, cards, and posts.

I haven’t the words to express the emotions I have right now, but I have one story about Anne that I think resonates in this moment.  In all our years together, I have only once seen Anne cry unconsolably.   About a month after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, after absorbing the gravity of that event, she sobbed uncontrollably, and she said through her tears “I am going to cause so much pain.”  Anne’s sentiment moved me greatly, and still does, because she put concern for our grief at the front of her own journey from the very beginning.  But there is another side of this that is more important right now.  Anne knew she would cause such pain because she knew she was so loved.  In this, I find some solace and hope you do as well.  Not only did Anne love us, but she knew that we loved her.

Anne did not want a funeral or memorial service.  Instead, she said “go to a restaurant, eat good food, and have a party.”  She and I discussed that this would not happen soon after her death, so I will, at some point in the next few months, plan this event and spread the word to all of you that are mourning her loss with us.

The support that so many friends and family have shown us and continue to show us is wonderful.  Thank you.

In lieu of flowers or anything for us, you can donate to the Lung Cancer Colorado Fund:  https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/colorado-cancer-center/internal-pages/lung-cancer-colorado-fund