December 29, 2010
Well, it's hard to believe that another year has gone by. I wish I could say some of the pain of losing my Mom has eased, but it would not be true. The truth is that I miss her every single day and still have to fight the urge to call or go hang out with her. My only consolation is that I will see her again in Heaven...
February 24, 2010
Dear Family and Friends:
I am running the Great Race of Agoura Hills 10K on March 27, 2010 in memory of my Mom and on behalf of a wonderful organization, the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF). My Mom was extremely excited when I discovered the CFCF organization and I would like your help in continuing to raise awareness and money to research finding a cure for this deadly disease.
My goal is to raise $10,000 for the cause and to continue to fight this disease that robbed us of so many years and memories that we should have had with my Mom!!
Additionally, you are more than welcome to join my wonderful and supportive friends Ty and Carolyn, Antoinette and I as we run for Mary!! You can find the information on how to register at: http://www.greatraceofagoura.com/. Please let me know ASAP if you plan on running/walking with us, as I am having shirts made to show our support and remembering Mary!!
Some background about the foundation:
CFCF is the leading non-profit working to find a cure for carcinoid cancer and providing support services and awareness to patients and physicians. CFCF’s mission is urgent. Metastatic carcinoid is a deadly cancer with few treatments available. Most existing treatments only alleviate metastatic carcinoid symptoms, such as flushing and diarrhea, but are not proven to reduce or eliminate carcinoid tumors. CFCF is the only non-profit dedicated to discovering a cure for carcinoid and related neuroendocrine tumors.
Thank you so much for your kind consideration and support of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation. Help us to end the suffering of carcinoid patients and their families.
Please feel free to forward this message and info along to anyone else you think might be interested in participating and/or donating!!!!!
All my best,
Alan Kaatz
714-747-0170
Updated: 5/12/09
Thank you all so much for all of the love and support!!
As I'm sure most of you have heard by now and it pains me terribly to say that we lost my Mom, Mary, on Sunday.....She fought a courageous battle all the way until the end. Her body was tired and God said it was her time to come home to Heaven.
My Mom was so special to me and so many of us!! Her and I had a special bond that was amazing and indescribable. She was not only my Mom, but also my best friend in the whole world, my hero and now my Angel in Heaven.
Losing her has left an unimaginiable void in my heart that will never be complete again :( She will be missed dearly by her family and all of her friends.
She is now in a much better place, free from any pain or suffering, and some day I will get to hold her hand and give her a hug again.
Thank you to all of the folks at the Nestle Purina organization, my Mom loved her work and more importantly all of you that she worked with. Her work was such a big part of her life and it truly kept her going over the last couple of years.
Mom...I love and miss you more than words can describe. Thank you...thank you for the love and memories that will never fade with time.
REST IN PEACE MOM!!!!!
Love,
Alan
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." ~From a headstone in Ireland
March 2009
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!
My mom, Mary, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called Neuroendocrine (carcinoid) Tumors in May 2006. Her cancer (we constantly remind her that she has cancer...the cancer does not have her!!) is located primarily in her liver.
As most of you know, it has been quite the fight for the past 3 years and my Mom has proved over and over again that she is as strong, tough and stubborn as it gets!! She has endured the rigors of long-term chemotherapy treatments and all of the complications from her cancer, but maintains a positive attitude and continues to show that she is the epitomy of a fighter!!!
Through research funded by Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF), we believe a cure can be found to make a difference in Mary's life and the lives of thousands of others living with Carcinoid Cancer. Please visit www.caringforcarcinoid.org for more information.
Due to the rare nature of this cancer, there is very little research being conducted and 100% of all donations will go directly to researching and developing cures.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
LiveStrong and Carpe Diem!!!
Thanks,
Alan