Gratitude

Thanks to Susie, Gayle, Barbara, Nancy, Jen and Flynn!

Tonight, hundreds of friends, family members, colleagues, and community members dined out at Michael's Red Hots in Highland Park to show their support for Derek and our family while raising money for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Derek and I were overwhelmed as we read the texts, emails and Facebook posts that streamed through our phones tonight describing the incredible turnout at Michael's. We want to thank our loving family members, cousins Susie and Jen along with our aunts Nancy, Barbara, and Gayle, for taking the initiative to organize tonight's event. The donations collected by our family alone totaled $4,415! We also want to thank Michael's for generously contributing a portion of the proceeds from their sales this evening to Pancreatic Cancer Research.

While we deeply appreciate every single person who braved the cold weather to come to Michael's to show their support for Derek and our family, we would be remiss if we did not mention how honored we are to be a part of this fundraising effort. Our community truly made a difference tonight. Every single dollar raised could lead to better outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. We are humbled by the generosity so many have shown and feel immense gratitude for every ounce of hope and positivity being sent our way.

Right now, fear and worry take a backseat to love and support. A night like tonight reminds us to cherish our family and friends who have helped us accept this adventure and embrace the ride. We are overflowing with love, gratitude, and appreciation for everyone who has opened their hearts up to our family. All of the thank-you's in the world will never be enough.