A portion of the proceeds will benefit BJALCF. Tickets are $10 (regularly $17). For more information, contact Christine at christine@cancergrief.com or 413.281.1815. Please help us MAKE SOME NOISE FOR LUNG CANCER AWARENESS!

Christine’s Story:  And so it began… MY HOCKEY and Lung Cancer Connection

When I met Brad, I knew nothing about hockey. He taught me about the game and through his passion for it, I learned to love it as well.

Brad was diagnosed with Stage 3B Lung Cancer, September 14, 2005. He fought as hard as he could for almost three months to the day. He died on December 10, 2005. The night before he passed away, he asked me to promise him that I would never, EVER stop helping people touched by cancer. I made that promise and have taken it a step or two further.

I always wanted to find a way to honor my promise to him and create a hockey link to Lung Cancer. Through the AHL’s Springfield Falcons, and with their never ending help and understanding, I have been able to establish that link and have created the Springfield Falcons Lung Cancer Awareness Game.

The first event was held this past April and although it was not a huge financial success, it was a wonderful experience. Just being able to hand out the information about Lung Cancer and educate people about the disease was such a great feeling.  I feel positive that I will be able to touch even more people and raise awareness and funding for this number one cancer killer at November’s game and hope you will all join us.

It is my goal to educate at least one person about the true facts of Lung Cancer. If I can help to erase the stigma so unjustly associated with this disease even in the mind of one, single person–then this event will be a success for me.

Lung Cancer is the number one cancer killer of all the cancers yet it is the least recognized, least funded and most importantly–least accepted. Too many people are made to feel that they are to blame for their Lung Cancer and that is, plain and simple, NOT TRUE.  Lung Cancer does not discriminate. It strikes anyone, anywhere, at any time. Young people who are just entering the prime of their lives are being struck down by this disease. Brad was only 31-years-old. He had his entire life ahead of him and Lung Cancer stole that. Jill Costello was only 22-years-old and a remarkable college athlete. She, too, was taken way too early.

I have lost too many family members and very dear friends to this disease. And for Brad, I am committed to making as much noise as I possibly can, raising as much awareness and funding as I can to make a difference.

I hope that through my hockey awareness games my promises are being upheld and that Brad is somewhere up there smiling down on me and guiding me as I work so hard to make that difference.

Raffle Highlights

Please come back for our online raffle which will be up and running in October. Here is a sneak preview of some of the highlights of amazing items you can win!

• A pair of tickets AND a pair of autographed pucks donated by the Springfield Falcons

• Autographed copy of Jayme Stewart’s book, “Last Trip Home”

• Autographed copy of Cynthia Zahn Siegfried’s book, “Cancer Journey”

• A Cancergrief backpack filled with water bottles, pen, T-shirts, keyrings and an original drawing from Milton Production Studios

• An assortment of greeting cards from Crabby Cards

• Handmade LC awareness necklaces from CG Handcrafted Jewelry

• A beautiful “Scentsy” warmer from Wendy Cook

• A #27 Scott Niedermayer autographed pucture (from the Anaheim Ducks)

• A #5 Luca Sbisa autographed Hat (from the Anaheim Ducks)

• A #22 Todd Marchant autographed puck (from the Anaheim Ducks)

• AND MORE TO COME!!!

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and the Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Fund Join Forces

SAN FRANCISCO, (August 9, 2010) For more than three years, the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation in San Francisco and the Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Fund (formerly Foundation) in Atlanta, have worked tirelessly back and forth across the country in their efforts to eradicate Lung Cancer.

Now, as the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (BJALCF) prepares to celebrate its sixth anniversary in 2011, the organizers of the Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Fund (JGLCF) have agreed to form a strategic alliance and pool their efforts with the California group. A long-time and generous donor to the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI), the Joan Gaeta group was launched as a foundation in 2007 when its namesake lost her courageous battle with Lung Cancer. They are changing their name to the Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Fund, and have agreed to funnel significant amounts of their fundraising profits from their annual gala, “Dancing for Joan,” and other efforts to support the work of ALCMI through BJALCF.

Why BJALCF and ALCMI? “Mom always believed in doing the right thing,” says Joe Gaeta, president of JGLCF.  “I know if she were here right now, she would agree with us that this is the right thing to do. These are the two foundations moving the ball forward at a rapid speed and with the kind of urgency we needed forty years ago. I can’t bring my mom back…but we can fight this disease together and make a real difference in the lives of others.”

Bonnie J. Addario strongly agrees: “History shows that when people feel disconnected and their concerns are going unaddressed, it’s time to coalesce toward victories to right injustices. There’s power in numbers. With power comes influence. And with influence comes success. I have always considered Joe and the Gaeta family as part of our team and now what a great gift to make it official. Together, we are now one giant step closer to increasing the survival of this horrible disease.”

JGLCF and BJALCF are joining their collective energy to change the landscape of Lung Cancer. Joe Gaeta will join the BJALCF Board of Directors and the Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Fund, a BJALCF affiliate, will direct its fundraising efforts toward BJALCF and ALCMI projects and programs.

About Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (http://www.alcmi.net/) Since its inception on March 6, 2006, BJALCF has grown into the first international collaborative entity of its kind, raising over $4 million in its first four years and funding Lung Cancer research and early detection programs in many states and other countries. BJALCF hopes to become the global leader in the Lung Cancer movement. Two years after BJALCF began, the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI) was created to connect the top thought leaders, scientists, researchers, and physicians from eight institutions worldwide, to date, and has engaged community hospitals to lead and empower patients toward better treatment options. Only immediate results-oriented projects or programs promising to catalyze progress through early detection, genetic testing, drug discovery and patient-focused outcomes are considered. The ultimate goal of BJALCF is to increase the inexcusably low survival rate of Lung Cancer by becoming the largest source of non-profit funding dedicated to turning Lung Cancer into a manageable chronic disease in our lifetime.

About the Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Foundation (JGLCF)

Established in the fall of 2007, The Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Fund was created as a foundation by her husband and children to raise awareness of the disease, to educate the public, and to be an advocate for research.  JGLCF also strives to eliminate the stigma of Lung Cancer and to support survivors and their loved ones.

A life long non-smoker, Joan was a devoted wife, teacher, and mother of five. Diagnosed in early 2004, she fought a three and a half year battle before succumbing to the cancer in July of 2007.  During that time, Joan stressed the need for greater awareness of Lung Cancer (the number one cancer killer in the world), its low survival rate, and its tragic lack of research funds. She was most passionate about eliminating the stigma of the disease, since Lung Cancer also strikes non-smokers at a high rate.

In her CaringBridge journal on Sunday, June 20th, four days before she died, Jill not only invited people take part in the upcoming “Jog for Jill” 5k walk/run on September 12, 2010, she also had a challenge for them.

Sunday, June 20, 2010 – Jillian Costello
“On September 12, 2010, the Foundation is having a 5k walk/run in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California and I am inviting all of you to participate in my honor. Last year, ‘Team Jill’ entered and won top fundraising team with over $10,000!!! This year I would like to up the ante and shoot for an even higher goal. I would like “Team Jill’ to hit $25,000!!! Think we can do it?

I have registered ‘Team Jill’ and you are now welcome to join. This way we are all registered together.”

As coxswain for Cal Crew, Jill was extremely competitive. She knew throwing some friendly competition into the “Team Jill” mix would be an extra motivator.

“As groups, we should separate and have different ”Team Jill” affiliations. I recommend each faction of the Team create their own version of a ”Team Jill” shirt. For example, groups may include Cal Crew, Cal Crew Alum, current Kappas, Kappa alumni or Kappa 2010, DG for Jill, Knights of Malta, Fiji for Jill, current SI students, SI 2006, Princesses , Cal Rugby, Whispering Pines People, Camp Mather Gang, distant Caringbridge supporters can make donations to the team in general. I can also give you jpegs from the Foundation and help you with designs. You get the idea!

If you are in Berkeley, I highly recommend using Fantasy T-shirts on University Avenue. The company has agreed to make a large donation to our team if we get a few groups to use their store. I have worked with them on several different occasions and they are dependable with good prices. I typically use their unisex medium weight styles. Contact Arthur Choy: freearthurchoy@gmail.com to get set up or let me know if you have any questions!” – Jill Costello

Yes, Jill…we CAN and WILL do it!!! Here’s how everyone can be part of “Team Jill.”

To create a team, join a team, walk/run or donate to ‘BEAT LUNG CANCER,” please go to www.lungcancerfoundation.org.
For more information, call Sheila at 415.357.1278 or email sheila@lungcancerfoundation.org

“Jog For Jill” 5k Walk/Run
September 12, 2010
Team and Walker/Runner Registration: 4:00 pm
Walk/Run Begins: 5:00 pm
Celebration: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

In her final moments, Jill made sure her family and friends knew her wishes: Do everything you can to BEAT Lung Cancer.

While thousands will be able to attend services for Jill, thousands of family, friends and complete strangers cannot, so we are bringing Jill’s message to the masses by providing a live video stream of Tuesday’s Rosary and Wednesday’s Celebration of Life Mass for Jill.

We will be using a service called Ustream that enables us to provide a live video stream of all the memorial services, as well as upload the video to be viewed at your convenience. During the live stream, you also have the option to chat via Facebook, Twitter, AIM and MySpace. Download the Celebration Program.

Jennifer Windrum, our social media strategist, will be participating in the chat, providing play-by-play of what is taking place, answering any questions and sharing wonderful Jill stories and memories with you.

Here are details on how you can participate:

Procession and Rosary: Live video stream of the Procession and Rosary will begin at 6:45 pm on Tuesday, June 29, 2010. Click on this link to join.
(Procession and Rosary begin at 7pm at St. Ignatius Church • 650 Parker Avenue • San Francisco.)

Celebration of Life Mass: Live video stream of the Celebration of Life Mass will begin at 1:15 pm on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. Click on this link to join.
(Celebration of Life Mass begins at 1:30pm at St. Ignatius Church)

Wednesday, June 30, 2010  Begins at approximately 3:30pm
Reception and Jill’s Tea Party has changed locations and will be held at St. Ignatius College Preparatory
2001 37th Street • San Francisco, CA 94116

Each video stream will begin 15 minutes before the live event.

Should you run into issues while viewing the stream, here are some possible reasons/solutions.

Using Chat and Social Stream
The chat room allows anyone with a Ustream account to participate. The Social Stream allows users to log into their Twitter accounts from the Ustream channel page. If users don’t have a Twitter account, they can view the social stream but won’t be able to send Tweets. Broadcasters and viewers alike can use the Social Stream, and the feature allows users to Tweet questions to the broadcaster and will automatically generate a link back to the Ustream show page. Broadcasters can display both chat and the social stream features or one but not the other. Broadcasters can change this setting under the “Advanced” tab within “Your Shows.”

To use the Ustream chat, you will need to sign up for a Ustream account here and log in. Note: You must be logged on in order to participate in the chat room. If you are not logged on, you will still be able to view the chat, but not be able to chat within the room.

Jill graduated with the highest honors from UC Berkeley in May. She led her team, as coxswain on Cal Women’s rowing crew to second place at the NCAA Women’s Division I Rowing Championships…and much, much more.

On behalf of everyone at BJALCF and all of you…let us celebrate Jill’s amazing life together.

Celebration of Jillian Costello’s Life

Wednesday, June 30, 2010  Celebration of Life Mass–1:30pm
St. Ignatius Church (same address as above)

Wednesday, June 30, 2010  Jill’s Tea Party Reception–3:30pm
TBD

Please join us to celebrate Jill’s life and her mission for all of us moving forward to BEAT LUNG CANCER.

“Life is all about how we handle the challenges we are given.” — Jill Costello, June 14, 2009

“My promise to Jill is to work harder, faster and more furiously to find an end to this disease and I know that Jill will be by my side and in my heart the whole way.” —Bonnie J. Addario, June 24, 2010

“Because of ALL OF YOU, Jill didn’t spend her last year dying…she spent it living.” —Mary Costello, Jill’s Mom, June 24, 2010

June 24, 2010—A little over one year ago, 21-years-young—Jillian Costello came into all of our lives, through a shocking diagnosis of Stage IV Lung Cancer. The meaning of courage has never been so profound. With unbearable sadness, we must let you know that Jill is now an angel watching over us and she continues to lead the way from a much more peaceful place. It is not what she wanted. It is not what we wanted. But, God had other plans. In her short time here on Earth, she has done more than anyone has done in the last 40 years. Lung Cancer belongs to all of us–it is our problem to fix. There was never one moment, not even one–that Jill gave up fighting this horrific disease…her own, and all of ours. And, we made her a promise…her fight is not over. It’s ours, ALL of ours–now—and we will continue to make her dream come true…to end Lung Cancer.

Jill’s accomplishments are too many to mention in this post. She graduated with the highest honors from UC Berkeley in May. She led her team, as coxswain on Cal Women’s rowing crew to second place at the NCAA Women’s Division I Rowing Championships. We have a saying here at the Foundation…it’s not always good to be #1. Lung Cancer is the Number 1 Cancer Killer. Perhaps the world will now know through Jill’s legacy that we all must cherish and embrace her dream and fight with the determination that she gave us to understand what is needed. Just last week, Jill was writing to us from her tiny break at home from the hospital, with her idea for the next Lung Cancer campaign. She wants to call it Take 2.

We would like to invite you to join in her campaign. To never forget that Jill will end Lung Cancer as the unforgivable disease it is right now. It doesn’t have to be this way.

A letter from Bonnie J. Addario:

FOR JILL…

I met Jill about a year ago when she was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer…

She had me at “Hello”….

A tiny young lady with more courage and verve than I have ever seen in such a young one. I watched her endure hours, weeks and months of chemotherapy with an attitude I have never before witnessed. She was always convinced that her next scan would bring positive news of NED (No Evidence of Disease).   When the outcome wasn’t what she hoped for, she would just roll up her sleeves (literally and figuratively) and continue to battle the disease.

Lung Cancer finally took her little defenseless body but it did not take her Spirit.

When people remember Jill they will remember the coxswain that led her team to win the finals in Crew…they will remember the first Jog For Jill, which she named and spearheaded with Darby Anderson on February 7, 2010. Jog for Jill led over 900 young students, friends, sorority sisters and fraternity brothers and family to walk and run for her on Super Bowl Sunday at UC Berkeley. Jog for Jill led to all the people following her journey to love their lives just a little bit more because of knowing Jill.

My promise to Jill is to work harder, faster and more furiously to find an end to this disease and I know that Jill will be by my side and in my heart the whole way.

Jill has already taught the entire world that “Anyone Can Get Lung Cancer”…

I love you Jill…

I had to ask a higher power how this adorable young girl could be afflicted

with such a horrible and insidious disease.

I have yet to have an answer.

–Bonnie J. Addario

On behalf of everyone at BJALCF and all of you…let’s do this for Jill. Jill chose to come and work for the Foundation after she graduated. She asked for the title of Director of Public Awareness. Let’s finish her job. Please be sure to read Jill’s letter on CaringBridge or Facebook. Written on Sunday, June 20^th…four days ago. For further information, please call Sheila at 415.357.1278 or email sheila@lungcancerfoundation.org.

And finally…here is part of a message Jill wrote to Diane Sawyer on May 11, 2010.

“I would be so honored and appreciative if you could help me tell my story to the world.”

The lyrics for ONE DAY…Jill’s favorite song. Thank you Matisyahu, for your permission to share:

sometimes I lay
under the moon
and thank God I’m breathing
then I pray
don’t take me soon
cause I am here for a reason
sometimes in my tears I drown
but I never let it get me down
so when negativity surrounds
I know some day it’ll all turn around
because
all my life I’ve been waiting for
I’ve been praying for
for the people to say
that we don’t wanna fight no more
they’ll be no more wars
and our children will play
one day x6
it’s not about
win or lose
we all lose
when they feed on the souls of the innocent
blood drenched pavement
keep on moving though the waters stay raging
in this maze you can lose your way (your way)
it might drive you crazy but don’t let it faze you no way (no way)
sometimes in my tears I drown
but I never let it get me down
so when negativity surrounds
I know some day it’ll all turn around
because
all my life I’ve been waiting for
I’ve been praying for
for the people to say
that we don’t wanna fight no more
they’ll be no more wars
and our children will play
one day x6
one day this all will change
treat people the same
stop with the violence
down with the hate
one day we’ll all be free
and proud to be
under the same sun
singing songs of freedom like
one day x4
all my life I’ve been waiting for
I’ve been praying for
for the people to say
that we don’t wanna fight no more
they’ll be no more wars
and our children will play
one day x6
ooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

This is a GroupCard we created so we can all send them our best wishes and give them an extra warm welcome home. The card is pretty neat. We can all sign it, add a photo and all of our messages will be sent to them on this one card! Please sign and pass it on!

Group Card for Jack and Jill!

Jill Costello is the NEW face of Lung Cancer…and the star of – and inspiration for – our new “Just Like Jill” Lung Cancer Research Campaign.

Just like Jill, ANYONE can get Lung Cancer. ANYONE! Lung Cancer doesn’t care how old you are, whether you’ve ever smoked or not.
Jill was diagnosed with stage IV Lung Cancer at the age of 21. She has never smoked. She is not alone.

Jill recently graduated from UC Berkeley, where she was coxswain on Cal’s Women’s (rowing) Crew, and despite 20+ rounds of chemo and 14 radiation treatments, she coxed the Cal Bears to a second place slot at the NCAA Women’s Division I Rowing Championships.

Precious little Jack, a maltese, was her graduation gift…and has been by her side ever since!

Jack and Jill in the hospital

The Bonnie J Addario Lung Cancer Foundation’s “Just Like Jill” Lung Cancer Research Campaign offers a rare glimpse into the lives of those with Lung Cancer—showing what the disease truly is—and what it isn’t.

Lung Cancer is no longer just a smoker’s disease. In fact, 60% of new Lung Cancer patients have never smoked (Just like Jill) or are former smokers who quit decades ago. Yet, Lung Cancer remains the nation’s the #1 cancer killer of both men and women is the LEAST funded of the four major cancers? Lung Cancer’s 5-year survival rate has remained unchanged for more than 40 years—at only 15.5%? Unacceptable. That’s why real change starts NOW.

You will get to know Jill very well, and many others just like her. You will fall in love with all of them. Your heart will break many times. You will be forever inspired by their strength and courage. You will be shocked. You will be outraged. You will better understand. You will want change…just like Jill does.

“One Day” there will be no more lung cancer.

We cannot thank artist Matisyahu, his manager Jason Rogoff and Arjun Pulijal of Sony Music Entertainment enough for granting us full permission of the beautiful song, “One Day,” in this video and for supporting the fight against lung cancer. “One Day” is Jill’s favorite song. Thanks a million!

Please donate for Lung Cancer research today!

Think You Know Lung Cancer? Think Again!

Many people think they know what Lung Cancer is – who gets it – and who doesn’t. Throw everything you think out the window. Time. For. A. Major. Update. Actually, way beyond time.

This is 22 year-old Jill Costello. This is the NEW face of Lung Cancer.

That’s right, Lung Cancer doesn’t care how old you are, whether you’ve ever smoked or not.  Just like Jill, ANYONE can get Lung Cancer. ANYONE!

Jill’s diagnosis isn’t a fluke and her story, unfortunately, isn’t one we had to dig deep to find. In fact, 60% of new Lung Cancer patients have never smoked (Just like Jill) or are former smokers who quit decades ago. Lung Cancer is no longer just a smoker’s disease. It is now “equal opp.”

So, how can it be that the nation’s the #1 cancer killer of both men and women is still the LEAST funded of the four major cancers? How can it be that Lung Cancer’s 5-year survival rate has remained unchanged for more than 40 years—at only 15.5%?

We can no longer ignore Lung Cancer or use the myth of smoking to blame. We have an epidemic on our hands that needs to take center stage on the global cancer agenda. This is exactly what Jill Costello wants to do, by graciously sharing her Lung Cancer journey and lending her name to this campaign for change.

"Jack" and Jill

Jill was diagnosed with stage IV Lung Cancer at the age of 21. She has never smoked. Jill recently graduated from UC Berkeley, where she was coxswain on Cal’s Women’s (rowing) Crew, and despite 20+ rounds of chemo and 14 radiation treatments, she coxed the Cal Bears to a second place slot at the NCAA Women’s Division I Rowing Championships.

Not only does Jill never give up. She never stops smiling.

The “Just Like Jill” Lung Cancer Research Campaign will offer a rare glimpse into the lives of those with Lung Cancer—showing what the disease truly is—and what it isn’t . You will get to know Jill very well, and many others just like her. You will fall in love with all of them. Your heart will break many times. You will be forever inspired by their strength and courage. You will be shocked. You will be outraged. You will better understand. You will want change…just like Jill does.

“Just Like Jill” Lung Cancer Research Campaign from James Hall on Vimeo.

Please donate for Lung Cancer research today!

We cannot thank artist Matisyahu, his manager Jason Rogoff and Arjun Pulijal of Sony Music Entertainment enough for granting us full permission of the beautiful song, “One Day,” in this video and for supporting the fight against lung cancer. “One Day” is Jill’s favorite song. Thanks a million!

What does your dad mean to you?
What makes him so special to you and to others?
Many have lost their dads to Lung Cancer. Many ARE dads with Lung Cancer.
How has Lung Cancer impacted your life—and those around you?

Through these Father’s Day stories of tremendous courage, love and amazing grace, we are challenging everyone to donate $20 to lung cancer research, just like we did for Mother’s Day.

Here’s the direct link to donate.

In addition, our affiliate “WTF? (Where’s the Funding) for Lung Cancer? created this group card that we can all sign to collectively celebrate and/or remember those Lung Cancer warrior dads. You can upload a photo as well. It’s pretty cool. Be sure to sign it.

Father's Day Group Card

While we know our fathers are worth more than any amount of money, we need them HERE and healthy. We can’t continue to let Lung Cancer come into our homes and families, yet still be ignored by the outside world. There are great advances in Lung Cancer research taking place, but without funding, these advances remain behind lab doors. With Lung Cancer remaining the #1 cancer killer and the LEAST funded that ANYONE can get, we won’t and can’t settle for this.

Where Does The Money Go?

The BJALCF has created the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI), where the field’s foremost researchers, clinicians, etc., are working hard to develop, and speed up the delivery of, new and more effective treatment options for Lung Cancer patients.

In a nutshell, ALCMI is creating “personalized medicine” for Lung Cancer patients…and it is working. But, again, research takes funding. Here’s a fantastic video on what ALCMI is doing.

So, this Father’s Day, let’s celebrate and remember the immeasurable acts of love and kindness, as well as take action:

Twenty dollars really CAN make a difference for a disease that no longer discriminates.

Let’s DO it!
Please donate today.

Susie is survived by her parents, as well as her husband, Amit, 48; son Ishan, 20; and daughter Shriya, 16. Susie was Jayshree’s Ullal’s sister—but she was a sister to many.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 31, 2010 from 4-6pm at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, California.

Dedicated To My Mamma on Mother’s Day by her daughter, Shriya Nagpal

You have always preached there is nothing special about this holiday,
Taught me that this is simply just Hallmark’s biggest pay day.
Nonetheless, I would like to dedicate this day to you,
For all the things you have and will always pursue.

Through thick and thin you are always there,
To share a laugh, or a simple word of care.
No one can replace a mother’s love and affection,
Good thing I will always have your sense of direction.

Though your views on the holes in my jeans are traditional,
I know that your love is absolutely unconditional.
You diligently dealt with my attitude after games,
Never failing to support me and my ridiculous claims.

At various parties, you were always the first to break out in dance,
I will never quite understand yours and dada’s library romance.
Although we might not approve of each other’s fashion,
I can only hope that I have inherited a portion of your undying passion.

People always state how we are carbon copies of each other,
What do they expect? After all, you are my one and only mother.
I have always admired your confidence and boldness that you hold,
And no one can ever deny your heart pure of gold.

I know this poem can never compare
To the timeless memories we will always share.
And if the day comes that will keep us apart,
I want you to know you will forever be in my heart.

So on mother’s day, I would like to dedicate this poem to all the things you do,
And for you to know, that I truly do love you.

Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I’m here with you every morning noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.”
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day’s chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you…in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over,
I’m closer to you now, than I was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it’s time for you to go…from that body to be free.
Remember you’re not going…you’re coming here to me.
—author unknown

From Many Who Loved Susie…

“We cherish the memory of the Susie we knew: an extraordinary human being with her infectious energy, her indomitable spirit, her character and values, her passion and commitment to her family, her zest for life and her desire to make a meaningful difference in public policy. Susie has touched so many people in so many transformative ways. Susie will live forever in our hearts and memories and remain a shining star who will burn ever more brightly to light our paths.”
—Ram Shriram, Family Relative and High Tech Entrepreneur

“Susie was a genuine person, a wonderful human being.—a caring and compassionate human being. She did not have two faces. She was thoroughly professional. I firmly believe that she enhanced the reputation of her employer company and her profession by her very professional and intelligent approach and attitude. I never saw Susie dull. She was full of energy no matter what time of the day you met her. Susie was a courageous and fearless, confident and an egoless person, a leader. Susie possessed clear conscience and a pure and pious mind. Susie was that rare individual you don’t come across in life too often. I will personally miss Susie—my best friend, sister and a professional colleague.”
—Mukesh Jani,Torrent Laboratory, Inc.

“Susie’s heart was like an ocean, her smile so welcome and warm
You would be her friend for life, and she couldn’t love you more
Greeted with hugs that couldn’t be more sincere
You were always welcome in her home, whenever she was near
Everyone that met her once, knew that they were her friends
She’ll remain in our hearts forever, long past her end
Although she’s moved on, her spirit is still intact
We will all remember Susie, as one incredible class act.”
—John Livingstone, Community Director

“Susie was a peacemaker. She was kind of the glue that kept us all together.She could get to the heart of an issue and figure out what was best for everyone. Susie was the kind of person who wanted to help everyone else be a better person, I know she made me a better person.”
—Kathleen King, Mayor of Saratoga

“I will always cherish my memories of Susie as a warm, friendly, considerate, and ever-cheerful human being, who was, in particular, passionate about the classical arts of India. Never missing a single dance concert, she was always generous with her praise, her ideas, and her time for community and cultural events. Her spirit and life will forever be an inspiration to all of us.”
—Mythili Kumar, Director of Abhinaya School of Dance

“As I watched Susie begin her Planning Commission duties, I was immediately impressed not only with her depth of knowledge about issues but her skill with people.  As a leader, she had the ability to listen and find a potential middle ground of compromise.  In the midst of angry partisanship, she would calmly find the nuggets of information while ignoring the drama.  As she grew in ability and went on to the City Council, she brought those skills with her. She was in that stage of life where she was caring for children and older parents, so she instantly responded to the needs of Saratoga’s children and older adults. One of her last acts as the liaison to the Senior Center was to bring together an active group of her friends to put on a Dandia event, fund raiser for the Senior Center.  I will be forever grateful for her cheerful heart, caring spirit, active mind and her responsive leadership skills.  She was an outstanding woman and citizen.
Her friendship meant a lot to me.”
—Ann Waltonsmith, former Mayor and City Council member

“When I first met Susie on the planning commission, I thought that we ‘clicked’ and had a special relationship.  As I got to know her better and worked on her campaign, I realized that everyone felt they had a special relationship with Susie.  It was a gift she had for making people feel special and important.  There’s an old song lyric, ‘To know her is to love her’ that certainly describes Susie.”
—Joyce Hlava, Planning Commissioner and former Mayor

“Susie, you have touched my life in many ways. When we were still strangers, you spent time with me to tell me about the Planning Commission; you
mentored me when I was first appointed; and you encouraged me to take on greater things for our community. You were a role model to us and you will be deeply missed by all.”
—Yan Zhao, Planning Commissioner

“Susie was one of Saratoga’s leading citizens;  she was a ‘public servant’ in the true sense of the word. She will live in our hearts forever.”
—Jill Hunter, Vice Mayor Saratoga

“Susie radiated love and warmth. She was a natural ‘includer’ who constantly sought out ways to bring people together. Susie not only made those around her feel welcomed by her family, she made them feel like they were lifelong family members.”
—Brian Safine, Assistant Principal, Saratoga High School

“Susie was an inspiration as a friend, mother and most importantly a community leader. She was my role model and always encouraged me and others to give back to the community. Susie was always thinking about what was best for everyone, not just one group. We will miss her but I am certain we will all keep Susie’s spirit alive.”
—Pragati Grover, Saratoga Union School District Board

“I first met Susie when I started working with her eight years ago. Having just arrived from overseas, only a person like Susie could make me feel so welcome and supported on my first days on the job. While I sat in the office next to her, I could hear her phone conversations with colleagues and clients and the first impression I got is was how energetic and diplomatic this woman was. A few years later, and after my wife started working for her as well, we got to know her a lot better and realized how Susie has touched a lot of people’s hearts and lives in many different ways, including ours. Being a very successful businesswoman, a friend, a mentor, a community leader, a sister, a mother and wife, she is a great role model to many. Although she was very proud of her great achievements in her short lived years, she could not be more humble, friendly, and selfless in her manners and attitude toward others. Whether it was offering her own house to host farewell and Christmas parties for her colleagues, holding and playing with her colleagues kids at a company picnic, or walking around the picnic tables to make sure everyone was having a good time, we will always remember and learn from Susie’s self-less and loving approach to life. Her presence will be greatly missed.”
—Chadi and Rema Chazbek

“In 2001, I met Susie Nagpal (as Ishan’s 6th grade teacher) and I can think of only one word that describes her—Vibrant. From her warm disposition to
her boundless enthusiasm, to her selfless acts of giving, to her beautiful eyes—she exuded a positive energy that affected everyone that knew her.  Her lasting vibrance lives on in the hearts and minds of the entire Saratoga school community.”
—Joe Christie, Redwood Middle School, Saratoga

“We will always remember Susie s enthusiastic cheering and support of our team. Her smiling face in the stands was an inspiration. She was truly one of our most generous and loving fans!  We see her strength and determination in Shriya and we would like to dedicate our 2010-2011 season to Susie.”
—Maya Baba, SHS Varsity Basketball Team

“I cherish every day I knew Susie and consider myself lucky to have been regarded a friend. Having served on the Planning Commission with Susie for five years, I developed an admiration and deep fondness for her.  She inspired me with her intellect, warm heart and capacity to give.  Susie always put others first and continued with that philosophy until the day she passed. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the loss of such a beautiful person, I consider
myself blessed to have been in her presence.”
—Manny Cappello, Saratoga Planning Commissioner

“Susie was my office mom. She always worried about every employee’s health and well-being, and gave great professional and personal advice. She was a role model who was looked up to by many. She was the only woman on this planet who could pull off a pant suit with flip flops and still look fabulous.
To my co-founder of “Flip Flop Friday” your presence will be greatly missed.”
–Sarah Christensen, URS Corporation

“Susie’s life reflected her love of family, friends, people, and work. The light of her Spirit shone through her eyes and illuminated everyone within her reach. She was as strong and courageous as a lioness, yet as humble and meek as a child. She had the unique capability of making you feel that you were the most
important person on the earth and yet never took credit for the lives she changed. Rarely did you walk away from a mentoring session without a greater sense of well being and a renewed image of who you could become. While she will be remembered for many accomplishments, I will always remember her giant Spirit clothed in a tabernacle of clay. The clay has returned to earth, but her Spirit will live forever.”
—Lynn Melendez, URS Corporation

“Susie personified professional integrity with compassion and grace. As part of the City of San Jose’s Watson Park team, she brought technical credibility in her abilities to work with regulatory agencies, elected official, residents and city staff. What set her apart though was her calm embrace for others and her inner drive to do what was “right”. Her strength of character, work ethic and approachable style was a tremendous asset to our project team.The remediation of Watson Park will be completed in the next 6 months, and though she won’t be at the ribbon cutting, she will be part of our celebration and remembered for her
significant contributions and lasting friendship.”
—Katy Allen, URS Corporation

“Susie has always been understanding, caring and giving. As my supervisor for just over two years, her support and confidence will continue to be a beacon. A Thanksgiving e-message I received last year was so typical of Susie—she wrote, ‘Just wanted to know that I am thankful for many things—including you ….
Hope you have some quality time with your family…. S’”
—John Chamberlain, URS Corporation

“For me, Susie is and always will be a strong, fearless leader and mentor. I learned more from her professionally in five years than during any other time in my career. Her knowledge and experience was vast, but she also had a way with people that was compassionate but also confident and direct. She was a bright and innovative scientist, a fantastic and unique manager, and an ambitious business woman. Susie could do it all. And most of all she treated myself and everyone around her with great respect and love. She made us all feel like part of her family and I will miss her very much.”
—Joe Mangine, PG, URS Corporation

Memories of Susie from Bob Healy, URS Corporation
•     I first met Susie when URS acquired Dames and Moore. She was a bridge builder from the beginning. These types of transitions can sometimes be fraught with much rancor and animosity. Susie approached it with collegiality and a sense of opportunity to pool resources and build a new group together. She suggested that we would colead/co-manage the environmental group together.
•     Susie was all-inclusive in her way of thinking, acting, and living. After the 9/11 disaster in 2001, she invited and encouraged other staff at the office to join in the community prayer service/mass, together, held at the Catholic Cathedral in downtown San Jose. There we were, some 15 or so Catholics, Hindus, Mormons Evangelicals, non-denominationalists, and agnostics gathered together in support of those who died on 9/11. Each being present to the moment, each in our very different ways in a Catholic church in solidarity for our fellow Americans that lost their lives and loved ones. Susie was the instigator…
•     Susie ALWAYS saw the good and value and the potential in every person and in every situation. She brought the best out in everyone she met and worked with and for. She found solutions not differences. She looked for common ground that everyone could live with. She thought completely outside the box of ‘this is the way things are done.’ Never boxed in by protocols. She also approached religions in a similar way. She didn’t see differences between religions as important but all the things, the basic truths of faith, that each held in common with each other as well as the overarching spirituality in all of them that connected all of them and made them all more similar than they were different.
•     I had no sisters and she no brothers, but we became that which we did not have for each other.
•     Susie supported me through difficult personal situations, how to deal with death in our families and in the families of close friends, and helped each other in dealing with parenting challenges; how to choose best high schools and colleges for our sons…
•     Susie was a very integrated woman; mind, body, emotion, spirit. She also brought that integrity to all aspects of her life; family, work, local community, Indian community, spiritual community.

“As a colleague, I was most fortunate to have worked closely with Susie at various times over the years. From the start she was a highly accomplished
professional, with a warm unassuming manner, who treated all others with equal respect. Our friendship was immediate and certain; so that however long it had been since we talked we were picking up the conversation from yesterday. You never know when someone will pull you to them. For me Susie was one of those constants, where you always felt better about the world just knowing she was out there…a little smile for the heart. Like others, I’m forever blessed for
the impression Susie made and friendship that we shared.”
—George Muehleck, URS Corporation

“My favorite memory of Susie is from October 2008. She was supposed to be telling me off for something stupid I’d done on a project, but it was Halloween… so Susie was dressed as Sarah Palin, and I was dressed as a plateful of spaghetti & meatballs… she couldn’t keep a straight face!!!”
Emma Rawnsley, URS Corporation

“Susie was my friend and also my supervisor at work. In essence, she was my guiding light, my cheerleader, and my mentor. Always positive, always seeing the best in people and the potential in people. She had the ultimate faith that I could achieve whatever I set out to do and was there to cheer me on and encourage me during the hard times. She was also amazing at what she did and a joy to watch. Once after a difficult negotiation on a project where she was smooth, diplomatic, and yet very assertive, Susie said, ‘that was like haggling in the markets in India,’ and she had a reminiscent and excited glow in her eyes.  She was in her element. I will miss her dearly and think about her daily.”
—Ann Sansevero, AICP, URS Corporation

“My opinions about a person have never gone 180 degrees in such a short time, as they did with Susie. When I moved to San Jose, I was very nervous,
and my first encounters with Susie only added to that, because she was extremely dynamic, and demanding, compared to my bosses in Austin. She also was the most straightfoward person you could hope to meet. My first week on the job, when I was quiet and still stressed over the move, she kept offering to let us borrow tables and chairs until our furniture arrived. I was so cynical that I assumed that this was some sort of game she was playing with me! Of course in reality, she just really wanted to help me adjust. Within a few months I had improved as an engineer by a huge degree, thanks to the leadership of Susie. Within a year I couldn’t imagine working for anyone else. She is the most supportive person in the world, even if it was going to (possibly) detract from work. She supported me fully when I was considering going to night business school, and she has supported me 100% in getting into local politics. I will never forget her.”
—Patrick Walz, P.E., URS Corporation

“There is so much I can say about Susie… Few people in the world have accomplished what Susie managed to accomplish in a single lifetime—and with such grace and humanity. I am one of many who had the fortune to work with Susie over the years. Like many, I have benefited from her brilliance, kindness, and wisdom.  Her advice to me was invaluable and all who have been blessed by the opportunity to work with her feel the same way.  She treated everybody with dignity and grace. She had a great outlook on life and could diffuse any difficult situation with a positive remark and the greatest smile. I am very grateful for her gift of friendship, and grieve deeply for her loss.”
—William Hadaya, WMH Corporation

Acknowledgments

Susie’s family gratefully acknowledges the tremendous support received from family, friends, and hospital staff.

We would like to especially thank the staff and doctors of Good Samaritan Hospital, UCSF and San Jose Red Cross Blood Bank for their medical support. Caring doctors helped Susie in her battle against cancer emotionally and physically. Thank you Dr. Adour Adrouny, Dr. Sangeeta Aggarwal, Dr. Sanjiv Sam Gambhir,
Dr. Thierry Jahan, Dr. Fred Marcus, Dr. Abhinand Peddada, and Dr. Jagat B. Satia.

SITA Foundation is honored to set up a Susie Vedantham Nagpal Leadership Scholarship at Saratoga High School for a student contributing
outstanding community service.

Donations

All donations may be made to the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation whose mission is to eradicate Lung Cancer with patients, survivors, and their families through research, early detection, education, prevention and treatment at www.lungcancerfoundation.org
415.357.1278 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              415.357.1278      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
1100 Industrial Road, Suite 1
San Carlos, CA 94070

Special thanks to Bonnie J. Addario and Sheila Von Driska for their dedication to this cause and helping Susie.

There will be a Blood Drive for Susie on June 8, 2010 12 noon to 6pm at Saratoga Federated Church.