In memory

On Sept 23rd 2010, my childhood friend Laurel Maki, forever Laurie to me, died from breast cancer.  It's been 3 years and a lifetime ago.

Laurie lost her mother to breast cancer when we were seniors in high school, and when she died she left 3 boys - the youngest still in high school.

Laurie was a warrior - a true fighter in the war against breast cancer.  She battled, survived, battled, survived and finally, ever so finally, lost her battle.

Over 230,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013; that's second only to prostate cancer.  But thanks to the high visibility which organizations like Susan G Komen, and warriors like Laurie have brought to this disease, breast cancer is caught earlier, treated more effectively and survived far more often.

And for that, I am eternally grateful.