Elizabeth's video

This is the video shown at ET's funeral reception. Thanks to Bobby for putting this together!

Thoughts on Elizabeth

ok, I lied about the final two posts! Someone forwarded to me a poem and some thoughts that they wanted to share, so here they are below. Thanks for forwarding! If anyone else has thoughts they want to share on the blog, please forward them to me at the contact address located on the right-hand column of this page. I can post them anonymously or with credit. Or, if you prefer, I can easily set you up to post directly on the blog yourself.

Special thanks to those who have called the 800- number to record thoughts on Elizabeth for the children. What a wonderful gift! I'll leave the number up and running for a while longer - please call if you can.

--jimmy


I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me,
For now I’m free
A friendship shared,
A laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things
I too will miss.
Be not burdened
With times of sorrow,
I wish you
Sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full,
I’ve savored much,
Good friends, good times,
A loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time
Seemed all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now
With undue grief.
Lift up your hearts
And share with me,
God wanted me now;
He set me free.

I truly feel that Elizabeth blessed us all yesterday with such a beautiful day to gather and honor her life. Later in the evening, there was a stunning full bright moon and a clear sky. I felt like that was her light shining down on all of us…as her final gift to us all.

A blog ends, a journey begins...

Today we celebrated ET's life, said our final goodbyes, and let her go. It was said at her service that her "journey" was never about her illness, but always about her faith. That could not be more true. She had strong faith and an unwavering value structure, and she lived her life true to those beliefs. And now her faith has set her on an eternal path, and thus, her journey begins. We are all of us on our own journey, but Elizabeth will be there with us, in our hearts, every step of the way.

I cannot express how grateful I am, and how blessed I feel, to be a part of such a wonderful family. Its been very difficult to lose two cherished sisters in just 10 months, but we've grown stronger and closer as a result. And we all wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for the love and support that this extended community has provided to us. You've all helped ease the pain of this difficult period.

I have plans for only two more blog entries: one to post a link to the slideshow presented today at ET's reception, and one for Rachael's PanCan run. Until then, I thank you all and wish you the very best on your journey.

--jimmy

Why?

That's the question that kept running through my mind tonight as everyone gathered at ET's house to talk, laugh and exchange memories. We sure did laugh a lot. ET would have loved to have been in the thick of things tonight, with people milling all around her house. At the bottom of all the talk and laughter though, is that nagging question - why? Why take someone so beautiful through and through? Someone so sincere and honest and caring? Someone that gave so much to those around her?

Tomorrow will be difficult for sure. Maybe the beginning of really starting to process it all. They're going to play Amazing Grace at the service - Gawd, anything but that. That song tears me up even without a funeral service to deal with. But it was ET's favorite.

It was surreal to go through all the photos and prepare the poster boards. So many memories. And to see the recent photos, you got the sense that ET was just getting started - that her best was yet to come.

Why?

Memories of ET, II

In preparation for the services on Monday, I've been going through boxes and boxes of photographs. So many memories. When I think of Elizabeth, I always consider our heyday to be those early years in Hampton - romping up, down and around Palmer and Sicard streets: a whole pack of kids in scuffed up, hand-me-down or handmade clothes with popsicles in our mouths. We'd be out the door at 8am and wouldn't come home 'til dark. Hm... now that I think of it, where the hell did we eat? Geez, mom. We had a black lab named Cindy that followed us and protected us wherever we went.

I remember once that ET and I lusted after a neighbor's bicycle. We found it in their backyard one day and simply rode it home, took it into the garage, and painted it. Ours. Done deal.

In spite of my bad influence, my sister ET is, and always was, all that is chaste, proper and honorable. She always did the right thing. But she had that Chandler sense of humor (likely cultivated from an entire childhood of apparently eating nothing but popsicles), and she loved to pull a prank. In my thirties, I was living and working in Washington, DC. After Clinton was elected in 1992, ET came to visit over inaugural weekend with sister Pat and friends. I was to meet them at the airport and drive them back to my place. While I was at the rental car counter, ET and the girls ducked into the Women's bathroom to "freshen up". Words cannot describe my horror as they all came strutting out of the bathroom dressed as prostitutes. They were all over me, making quite a scene, and they noisily escorted me through National Airport, completely oblivious to the crowds staring at us. Gawd they were relentless!

As we drove through town, I recall at one point they rolled down the windows and flashed/mooned Senator Joe Biden as he rode to the Inaugural Ball in his limo. Thankfully, he also has a sense of humor. Anyway, I made the mistake of taking them to see my office downtown. While ET kept me occupied, the rest of them went to the corner office and filled my boss's desk drawers, pencil holders and potted plants with tampons. He had security cameras, but lacked a sense of humor.

ET, I will miss your wonderful, playful sense of humor.

Hampton Beach

I had some questions about the passage used in ET's obituary - the final verse from JG Whittier's poem Hampton Beach. The poem is relevant for several reasons. First, we grew up in Hampton, NH, and spent a great deal of time at Hampton Beach. John Greenleaf Whittier also spent a lot of time in Hampton. He was born in Haverhill, Ma., and lived there most of his life. The Chandler family moved to Haverhill, Ma. when ET was 7 years old. ET and I attended JG Whittier Elementary School in Haverhill. Our grandparents ran a bakery in Haverhill, nearly directly across the street from Whittier's boyhood home. Our grandfather illustrated a book of New England that was printed at Whitter Press. So the connection with Whittier is a strong one for us. I was touched by numerous passages from his poem on Hampton Beach, as they seem to deal with the issue of death, and its impact on how we live our lives.

The picture above is of Great Boar's Head in Hampton Beach, circa 1860, by A. W. Fuller, reprinted here with permission from the town of Hampton, NH, Hampton Library. I have many fond memories of this view, at the beach with Elizabeth and the family.

So here, in its entirety, is Whittier's poem.

HAMPTON BEACH
By John Greenleaf Whittier

   The sunlight glitters keen and bright,
      Where, miles away,
   Lies stretching to my dazzled sight,
   A luminous belt, a misty light,
Beyond the dark pine bluffs and wastes of sandy gray.

   The tremulous shadow of the Sea!
      Against its ground
   Of silvery light, rock, hill, and tree,
   Still as a picture, clear and free,
With varying outline mark the coast for miles around.

   On -- on -- we tread with loose-flung rein
      Our seaward way,
   Through dark-green fields and blossoming grain,
   Where the wild brier-rose skirts the lane,
And bends above our heads the flowering locust spray.

   Ha ! like a kind hand on my brow
      Comes this fresh breeze,
   Cooling its dull and feverish glow,
   While through my being seems to flow,
The breath of a new life,, - the healing of the seas!

   Now rest we, where this grassy mound
      His feet bath set
   In the great waters, which have bound
   His granite ankles greenly round
With long and tangled moss, and weeds with cool spray wet.

   Good by to pain and care! I take
      Mine ease to-day :
   Here where these sunny waters break,
   And ripples this keen breeze, I shake
All burdens from the heart, all weary thoughts away.

   I draw a freer breath -- I seem
      Like all I see --
   Waves in the sun -- the white-winged gleam
   Of sea-birds in the slanting beam --
And far-off sails which flit before the south-wind free.

   So when Time's veil shall fall asunder,
      The soul may know
   No fearful change, nor sudden wonder,
   Nor sink the weight of mystery under,
But with the upward rise, and with the vastness grow.

   And all we shrink from now may seem
      No new revealing;
   Familiar as our childhood's stream,
   Or pleasant memory of a dream
The loved and cherished Past upon the new life stealing.

   Serene and mild the untried light
      May have its dawning;
   And, as in summer's northern night
   The evening and the dawn unite,
The sunset hues of Time blend with the soul's new morning.

   I sit alone ; in foam and spray
      Wave after wave
   Breaks on the rocks which, stern and gray,
   Shoulder the broken tide away,
Or murmers hoarse and strong through mossy cleft and cave.

   What heed I of the dusty land
      And noisy town?
   I see the mighty deep expand
   From its white line of glimmering sand
To where the blue of heaven on bluer waves shuts down!

   In listless quietude of mind,
      I yield to all
   The change of cloud and wave and wind
   And passive on the flood reclined,
I wander with the waves, and with them rise and fall.

   But look, thou dreamer! -- wave and shore
      In shadow lie;
   The night-wind warns me back once more
   To where, my native hilltops o'er,
Bends like an arch of fire glowing sunset sky.

   So then, beach, bluff, and wave, farewell !
      I bear with me
   No token stone nor glittering shell,
   But long and oft shall Memory tell
Of this brief thoughtful hour of musing by the Sea.

ET's Obituary

Please view ET's obituary at http://www.falardeaufh.com/obituaries/obit.php?id=2007-188. It will appear in print in tomorrow's edition of the Syracuse Post Standard (www.syracuse.com).

Elizabeth Ann “ET” Tillery, age 47, Baldwinsville, NY

So then, beach, bluff and wave, farewell!
I bear with me
No token stone nor glittering shell,
But long and oft shall Memory tell
Of this brief thoughtful hour of musing by the sea.

- John Greenleaf Whittier, from the poem Hampton Beach


At 2:45 am on Monday, August 20, 2007, we bade farewell to a dear friend, a loving mother and cherished sister. ET endured her painful illness with a strength and grace that inspires us all.

Elizabeth’s journey began in Hampton, NH on March 29, 1960. She paused in Haverhill, Ma. and Alexandria, Va., resting finally in Baldwinsville, NY. Her path has touched the lives of so many, and she leaves an enduring legacy in her children, and in the loving memory of all who knew her. Although our lives will never be the same, her touch has set us all on a better course.

ET is survived by her children, Rachael Tillery, Aaron Tillery, Brandon Smith and Austin Smith, all of Baldwinsville, NY; mother Marion Chandler, Baldwinsville, NY; sisters Patricia Nelson, Sanford, Me. and Jody Chandler, Maynard, Ma.; brothers Robert Chandler, Great Mills, Md., James Chandler, Highland, Md., and Michael Chandler, Portland, Or.; fiancé Michael Smith, Baldwinsville, NY.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and countless friends and colleagues.

Elizabeth, in life you taught us the value of kindness, honesty and humility. In your passing you teach us the beauty of strength and grace. May we all live our lives with the kindness that you’ve shown us, and leave this earth with the grace that you have borne. Ever present in all our hearts, you will be long missed, never forgotten, always cherished.

Services will be held at 12:00 on Monday, August 27, at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church, 47 Syracuse Street, Baldwinsville, NY, with interment at Riverview Cemetery, Baldwinsville. Following interment, a reception for family and friends will be held at St. Mary’s, followed by a gathering at ET’s home in Baldwinsville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Palliative Care Unit of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY, or to Hospice Care of Central New York.

Memories of ET

I've retired ET's phone messaging system, and deleted all the messages you sent to her. Thanks to everyone who sent them - what a smile they brought to her day!

Before shutting the system down completely, I thought it would be a useful way to record memories of her life. Please call the number and share your memories of ET. The recordings will be kept as gifts that ET's children Rachael, Aaron, Austin and Brandon can listen to over the years. What an incredible way to help them understand the positive impact that their mother had on so many people.

At your instruction, I could also post your message on the website as a public testimonial to ET, and/or play your recording at ET's memorial service.


So please call the number and share your thoughts, say goodbye, or say whatever you'd like to say. If you have specific instructions for your recording, you can email me at the contact address located on the right-hand column of this website's homepage. For example, if you'd like to post your message on the website, and/or if you'd like to have your message played at ET's service, just let me know via email. Otherwise, I'll just save them for the children.

Remember that the messaging system gives you some very flexible menu options to help you get your message just the way you want it. After recording your message, use menu option #3 to listen to your message before saving it. You can also use menu option #4 to rerecord your message. When you are done, just remember to press menu option #1 to save and deliver your message.

Again, thanks so much for all your support!
--jimmy

Donations

Later in life, Elizabeth became an avid gardner. She loved her flowers. I was amazed to see how she'd transformed her beautiful home with all her gardening. However, in lieu of flowers, Elizabeth asked that donations be made to one of the following organizations:

Palliative Care Unit, St. Joseph's Hospital

Make checks payable to St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation/Palliative Care Unit
Send to:
Palliative Care Unit, c/o
St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation
973 James Street, Suite 250
Syracuse, NY 13203-9907

Hospice of Central New York
To donate, visit their website at:
http://www.hospicecny.org/donate.html

Pancreatic Cancer Research
To donate, visit their website at:
https://netcommunity.pancan.org/NETCOMMUNITY/SSLPage.aspx?&pid=218&srcid=178


Thank you for your kind consideration...

Together again

Thank you, Austin, for your beautiful post. You are right that she was a wonderful mother, wife, sister and friend. She was a dear person who loved life and loved people and gave so much of herself to everyone she met. I've spent an entire lifetime trying to be more like her. You are so lucky to have had seven years so close to her. She talked about you and Brandon a lot, and loved you both the same way she loved Rachael and Aaron, which is dearly.

When you all came to visit, I loved having you stay here at the house. ET loved to be in the middle of things, and never was much for hotel rooms - she wanted to be where everyone else was, even if it meant sleeping on the porch with Hannah. You all are welcome back here anytime. You'll always be a special part of this family.

I loved your mom more than anything, and I can't describe how much I will miss her. I know that you will too. We can all take comfort that her suffering is over, and she is at peace with Barbara. They are probably cooking up some practical joke to play on Grammy.

God bless you and Brandon and Rachael and Aaron - stay strong and do well.

--uncle jimmy

Her Journey Ends...:(

Elizabeth has passed away today early morning at 2:45 AM. She was a dear mother, dear friend, and dear wife. She made me and my brother have another loving mother while our mom moved away form us. She payed for all those trips to Darien Lake Theme Park. She was always right there when you needed her. Now she can rest in peace, with her sister Barbara, and she can run whenever she wants too. All I can say is that I love you, Elizabeth. I will miss you very much. Say hello to Barabara for me! =)

Special thanks to the following family members:
Aunt Jodie
Uncle Jimmy
Mary Augustus

Peace.

Another Day, Another Dollar

Well, today Elizabeth has been eating again, but she wanted McDonalds! :D I had my first ride on my Dad's lawn mower today and I did a good job. I just wish Elizabeth was standing out there to view out my progress. We also had a "maid" come in today and do the chores...we are so greatful to have people come over here and help out. Special thanks to Aunt Jodie, Unlce Jimmy, and Unlce Bobby for all of your support. Again, thank you. =)

Riding for ET

I hope you enjoy watching Tim Smith's video of the PMC. I think he captured the sheer magnitude of the incredible efforts of so many people. Although each is uniquely inspired, and each has their own story to tell, they all bond together toward the common goal of fighting back against cancer. ET was among their number last year, and was there in spirit this year.

She'll be there again next year, and I hope you will too...

It just ain't right

I'm not saying anything.

Roughing it

I'm afraid our ET has been having a rough time of it these past few days. Its really been like a rollercoaster - now she's up, now she's down. Right now, she's down. Its tough to talk, to eat, to just breathe. Bt she's a fighter. She's doing a lot of listening. When you're in the room talking, assuming that she's out of it, she'll smile at something you say. So you'd better be saying nice things, or next time she's up, you'll pay!

Team Chandler - PMC Ride a success!

Thanks to the spirit and dedication of Tim Smith, Caitlin Moore and Jeff Moore, Team Chandler has raised more than eight thousand dollars for cancer research through the Dana Farber Institute. Thanks so much guys!




Letter from Tim Smith:

August 15, 2007


Dear Friends and Supporters -


What can I say, but Wow! 5000 cyclists and 2500 volunteers came together for 2 days. Our mission: to raise funds and help those suffering from cancer's devastating effects. How did we do? To date my overall fund raising goal including pledges, stands at over eight thousand dollars - a worthy and humble contribution towards the PMC goal of 28 million.

There were many wonderful memories made in two days. Besides the typical sore legs and a few hot spots from the saddle, no injuries to report. The opening ceremonies on Friday night tugged at the heart strings of everyone attending - poignantly sending the message that the work we are doing is important AND is making a difference. Saturdays ride was hot, hot, hot, and I readily admit that discretion was the better part of valor as I covered the first 60 miles at a moderate pace.

The last 40 miles were spent with a fellow rider - taking turns facing the wind and urging each other to push ahead. Day two brought cooler weather and, as promised - I "rode my ass off" - taking the lead in many pace lines and enduring some of the physical pain that brings with it a sense of accomplishment and cathartic connection with those facing the far greater challenge of enduring cancer.

Many of the riders I will never see again - but for two days, we were a unified team pulling together for a common goal. The cheering stations along the route, particularly the children extending their hands for high-fives were a constant reminder that all of us benefit from support and encouragement in whatever endeavors we pursue.

Reflecting on the weekend journey three things come to mind. First, I feel incredibly honored to have so many wonderful friends, family, and colleagues who emotionally support me and financially give to this important cause! With over $8,000 raised we are closing in on the $10,000 goal! Second I am so very proud of Elizabeth Tillery who inspired me to ride and has been incredibly strong, courageous, and optimistic as she faces her own journey. Third, as much as I like the idea of taking a break from training, I'm thrilled to say I am committing to ride again in 2008 and would love to bring more people along. So please contact me if you or someone you know is interested! And if cycling for a weekend in August isn't your cup of tea, no worries, I'll still need lots of donors and volunteer opportunities with this extraordinary event abound.

I come away from this weekend with a renewed trust and optimism in the human spirit.

Thank-you for your generous support!

Yours Truly,

Tim


Contributions can be made until October 1 at the following link:
link: http://www.pmc.org/mypmc/profiles.asp?eGiftID=TS0104

Strength, in numbers...

This family is loaded with strong women. Here are two of them.


I don't know what made me happier - ET coming home, or Mom watching it...

Nurse Mary

Wed, 15 August, 2007 (Day 2 @ home)

Mom is so happy to finally be back home again. In addition to visits by several close friends today, we had a surprise visit from Mom's close friend "Nurse Mary", who until yesterday, was relatively unknown to any of us. We thought that she was only acting, but found out later that she really is a nurse who acts for a mortgage broker company during the daytime in order to maintain professional privacy.

Mom also had a very special visit yesterday from Chaplain David Pasinski. A wondlerful man who is the Senior Chaplain from the local Hospice Care Organization. We are so blessed to have him on our team.

Austin/uncle Bobby

Section 1-8 - We Miss You

The staff in Section 1-8 at St. Josephs are some of the finest, most sincere and caring people I've ever met. Every one of them gave 100% of themselves to ET and the family. What a great group of caring people.

As ET was preparing for her departure, they came into the room wearing Hawaiian leis and funky sunglasses, plugged in a boom box and danced for ET. It was priceless.

We'll miss them all.

IT JUST ISN'T THE SAME...

Now you've gone and done it Elizabeth. The relationship that Haagen Dazs 'Extra Rich Light' (bit of an oxymoron there isn't it?) vanilla bean ice cream and I used to have - is gone. Kaput! It's just not as good without you in the bed next to me and we're chomping down at least a half pint each. I guess I'm just going to have to get my butt back to Syracuse so I can continue this fine relationship that Vanilla Bean and I have had for the past few years.

I'll be back soon...

Love You

Pat

ET's House of Guests

Today, ET got home quite nicely. Helping her move was our neighbor, John Triyniski, and she is very thankfull to have such support. Also, John's daughter...and my 4th grade teacher =P, Sue Allen, gave us some food and has planned a week course meal for us, so that's good! We also got a visit from Elizabeth's friends Cherie & Bradd Walker. We would like to thank you for stopping by and giving us and especially ET for your strong support.

ET Comes Home

Welcome to my first post. I'm ET's son Austin Smith. I'm here to inform you that ET's room is finally up and reading for her arrival. Guests are welcome at our house anytime, but just beware of the oxygen tank. =P

She's almost on her way, along with Uncle Jimmy. I'll post pictures of her in her "new" room later today.

Room Sweet Room

Michael has been hard at work making things just right for ET to come home - he's created a real nice space for her hospital bed, complete with privacy curtain and wall-mounted television.

The countdown continues....

Home Sweet Home

We're still on schedule for tomorrow, sometime around 12 o'clock -ish. I was back at the house today and I just marvel at what ET has done with her house - its so cozy and homey. Everywhere you look the house says "E T" - it needs her back there.

Most of these pictures show work that she did while undergoing chemotherapy for the first diagnosis, months ago. Talk about a trooper.

Move day approaches...

I know it just looks like a bunch of Hawaiian Punch Green Berry Rush boxes, but it really represents FREEDOM! Green for "green light"; Berry for "going home berry soon"; and Rush for "get me the hell out of here now". If all goes as planned, ET will be packing up tomorrow for her trip home on Monday. She's had a great day today - eating well, resting, and watching the Red Sox win. Let's keep our fingers crossed. For tomorrow's Red Sox win, that is.

Bobby sure was a big help getting things going though. That military background comes in real handy when you need to get the troops working...

Section 1-8

The caretakers here in Section 1-8 at St. Joseph's Hospital are all aces. They all take such loving care of Elizabeth - its like family. The finest kind...

Keep 'em coming...

I can't tell you how much ET enjoys her voice messages. It is a real connection for her - please keep them coming. I won't be able to update her iPod with new podcasts until I return to Maryland on Monday. Until then - call early and call often!

--jimmy

Saturday, 8/11 - afternoon

ET is resting comfortably this afternoon, having devoured a glazed donut and a mocha coolata from Dunkin' Donuts. It took us a while to calm her down - she was ranting and raving all morning about those Red Sox blowing a 4 run lead in the last inning!

She gets the rare opportunity to spend the night with the brothers this weekend. Gawd she'll be looking forward to Jody coming back on Monday!

Team Blue Thunder - Hood to Coast

Coming on August 25, brother Michael and 11 other members of the Portland Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing will run the 197-mile Mount Hood to Coast race. Their run is designed to raise money for the American Cancer Society in memory of Barbara and on behalf of Elizabeth. Michael's team has been running the race since 1992.

More information will follow. We plan to podcast live updates throughout the race - stay tuned!

WATCHING OVER ELIZABETH

As Elizabeth and I were talking this morning about ideas to use on this blog today I swear the third bear from the left started to wave it's hand in the air. I'm not kidding. That one right there with the brown nose that's looking right at the camera. Next thing we know all the bears were waving their hands. "OK, OK", Elizabeth and I said, "we can take a hint". Seriously though these loving characters are taking such great care of Elizabeth. Everyone that comes into the room smiles when they see them. They've been lined up on the wall next to the left side of Elizabeth's bed since she came into the hospital. Sometimes one of them goes for a ride with her if she has to leave the room. The two little monkeys in the front are from her nephews Kyle and Josh. How cool is it that these boys actually gave up their favorite stuffed animals for Aunt Elizabeth.

Elizabeth has had a quiet day. Still eating very well but more tired today. Her breathing is a little more labored than yesterday which could be from being so tired. So right now she is napping comfortably and I'm typing away. We're looking forward to her friend Mary coming to visit this afternoon with our new supply of Hagen Daaz Vanilla Bean ice cream. A pint for Elizabeth and a pint for me. Doesn't get any better!

Once again from downtown Syracuse

Sister

Pat

ELIZABETH'S WALL

I'm back! Big sister, (hmmm, now that didn't sound too good), ok then how about older sister, (nope, that doesn't work for me), so let's just say that other sister - the one from Maine is back and relieving Jody, et al. I'm staying at the hospital with Elizabeth. The picture I've posted is of her 'wall' - this is what she looks at every moment she is awake. It is filled with cards of encouragement and love from family, friends, community members, and oh yeah, from the Red Sox owner :) There are pictures of her family at all stages of their lives and smack dab in the middle is the framed picture of her at the finish line of her 2005 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. People at the hospital have told me that they love peeking in this room because it is so interesting and cozy. Elizabeth loves to have her Red Sox blanket displayed on her bed - yep, right here in Yankee Land - her eyes sparkle mischievously as each person comments on the blanket and the rivalry of the teams. After they finish with their comments she zaps them with the existence of the signed baseball. Oh baby, oh baby, how she enjoys that one!

Elizabeth's radiation is completed. She had a very restful night and is doing well so far today. Her appetite is voracious and the motto of the day is: why not eat dessert first! The goal now is to keep her stabilized and comfortable so that she can go home. At this point it might take a couple of U-Haul trucks to move her out of here but everyone is working towards making her wish come true very soon.

Keeping you posted from downtown Syracuse...

The Other Sister

Pat

Rachael's 5K Pan Can Run

Most of you know ET's daughter Rachael - you know, the geeky one with the "grill". Uh... seriously, the sweetest daughter, friend and niece in the world. Rachael is organizing the 1st Annual B'ville Pan Can 5K run - an event to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. Rachael began this endeavor back when ET was battling pancreatic cancer, and she's really put a lot of work into it.

Please help Rachael support this worthwhile cause. Even if you don't run (and I count myself among your number), you can easily walk the 5k. Bring the kids!

Registration is $15 if received by August 30, $19 on the day of the race. To register, complete the form below and mail to Rachael.

Date:
   Saturday, 9/22/2007
Times:
   Registration and Check-in 7:30am - 8:30am
   5k Run Start 9am
   5k Run Walk Start 10am
Age Groups:
   14 and under
   15-19
   20-29
   30-39
   40-49
   50-59
   60 and over (ie: most of my brothers and sisters)

The race will be held at the Van Buren Highway Barn and continue down West Dead Creek Road. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Rachael at the number/address on the registration form.

Let's all support Rachael and ET, and keep the hope alive!

5K Pan Can Run and Fun Walk registration form.

Team Chandler at the finish line

As Jeff says: "Here is one tired puppy after nearly 200 miles in 2 days." Way to go Caitlin!


I can't tell you how much pride and comfort it brings the family to have Caitlin, Tim and Jeff ride the PMC race in Barbara's memory and for ET's courage and spirit. Someday there WILL be a cure for cancer, and this is how we'll get there. Thank you all for your dedication.

--jimmy

Photos from the race

Here are some photos of Team Chandler members Jeff Moore and his daughter Caitlin. Jeff is a friend of the family, and it would be impossible to describe how much he has done to help us all get through the past two difficult years. For those of you who haven't met Jeff, he is the finest kind. Thanks for riding on behalf of Team Chandler, Jeff and Caitlin!

--jimmy

Jeff and Caitlin at the starting line

Caitlin's Ribbons

Jeff and Caitlin in Orleans, Day 2

Caitlin in Orleans, Day 2

Larry Lucchino looking on

11:00 am - PMC race update

Hear the latest race message from Team Chandler.

Message from the race

Listen to Tim Smith's latest message from the PMC race.

ET is there in spirit

Here is a photo of ET riding in last year's challenge with fiance Michael Smith. ET is the last one in this line of riders.

Team Chandler - 2006

Left to right -
  - Michael Smith
  - Elizabeth Chandler (ET)
  - Caitlin Moore
  - Jeff Moore
  - Tim Smith
  - Jennifer (Tim's friend)

Team Chandler - update

Hear the latest message from the race!

Support Team Chandler!

Lately, it feels as though everyone I know has cancer. When I meet someone new, I'm sometimes tempted to say "Hi, I'm Jim. What kind of cancer do you have?" Cancer has touched my life in more ways than I care to count these past two years.

To borrow a theme from the book "The Final Gift", when cancer strikes its like a stone tossed into a still pond - the ripples represent all the lives that are significantly impacted. So when I look around at all the people I know who have cancer, and reflect that I am merely one of the many, many ripples in each pond, it is staggering. If it hasn't already, having cancer touch your life is simply a matter of time.

That's what makes the work of the PMC so important - the search for a cure is the only way out of this. There are two things we can all do to support this search. The first, and in my opinion, most significant way we can support the search for a cure is to support stem cell research. Many people have religious issues with stem cell research, and that's understandable. Fortunately, there is another way to support the search - through financial donations to support traditional cancer research. And for that, there is no better method than the Pan Mass Challenge.

On behalf of Team Chandler through the PMC, please consider making a donation to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Simply click on the link below to pledge support for Tim Smith's "Team Chandler" ride.

Contribute to Tim Smith's PMC ride for cancer, on behalf of Team Chandler.

Click the link in the sentence above, and follow the instructions. The easiest method is to fill in an amount in the "gift amount" box, and click on the "eGift" link.

Note - Tim's "story" page was created on July 1, before he'd learned the devastating news of ET's recent diagnosis.

Pan Mass Challenge

For those of you who don't know Tim Smith, he is a friend of the family who has arranged "Team Chandler" participation in the Pan Mass Challenge these past two years. For those of you who've never met Tim Smith, let me tell you he is the best of the best.

The Pan Mass Challenge is a 200-mile bicycle ride to raise money for cancer research. More than 4,800 cyclists will participate this year, raising an estimated $27 million dollars. All money benefits cancer reseach at the Dana Farber Institute, where Barbara received her treatment. Cyclists begin their ride in Wellesley Ma., and trek to Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod. When Larry Lucchino mentioned "Team 9" in his letter to ET, he was referring to the team of Red Sox wives, staff and family members that participate in the race.

Last year, ET and Michael Smith participated in the ride, under sponsorship from another family friend. She and Michael are on the left in this photo from last year's ride:


Today, the ride commenced bright and early. Tim Smith called ET's message line to provide the first of his updates from the seat of his bicycle - the pre-dawn kickoff with the National Anthem.

Stay tuned. And Go Team Chandler!

[listen to Tim's update message]

View from the top of Red Sox Nation...

A few days ago I posted a plea to help contact the Red Sox on behalf of ET. Well, Jeff Moore and Billy Starr took the plea straight to the top. Yesterday, ET received a package from Larry Lucchino, President, CEO and member of the Red Sox Owner's Group. It contained a personal letter from Larry, along with a baseball signed by Jon Lester.

Here is the transcript of the letter:


Dear Elizabeth -

On behalf of all of us here at the Red Sox and on Team 9, we want to thank you for your past participation in the Pan Mass Challenge, and let you know that we're thinking of you here at Fenway. We are proud to have you and your family as ardent supporters of the Red Sox, and we wish you the best in your current hospital stay. As you know, one of our pitchers Jon Lester battled cancer this past year and just recently rejoined our roster. We are proud of his positive attitude and determination during his comeback, and thought a signed ball by Jon might lift your spirits during your treatment. Thank you again for the dedication you have shown as a Red Sox fan and PMC rider. We wish you all the best, and GO SOX!

Sincerely,
Larry Lucchino


Thanks to Jeff and Billy for making this happen - this was a wonderful surprise for Elizabeth, and really made her day.

--jimmy

Pictures from the Past

Hi,
Thank you mom, Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Jody for helping the blog challenged. I think I figured it out now.

Looking at all the pictures on the site inspired me to look through all of my photos for some good pictures of Aunt Elizabeth. Here are two good ones I found. It was funny going through some many pictures from the past. In every picture I found of Aunt Elizabeth or Aunt Barbara they were always smiling and enjoying their surroundings. They always knew how to make the most of every situation.

Kristy