Amazing Support!

Only two days to go before the Rob Moore Memorial Regatta, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling stressed. The online auction is drawing quite a bit of interest, and I’ve been adding new items everyday — but there are numerous questions from bidders. We’ve been using email, Facebook, and Twitter to draw attention to the event, but it’s the kindness of friends that has really made a difference. Craig Leweck at Scuttlebutt has promoted the event to his very large audience, Latitude 38 has written about the event in the magazine and on Electronic Latitude, Chris Weaver is covering the event on NorCal Sailing, and Michelle Slade published an article in the Marin IJ. This morning Dee Smith copied me on the email he sent to his friends and colleagues:

“Hi All,

You all know I have tried my best to support cancer research over the last few years.  Mostly from working with the Leukemia Society, we have been able to raise some really good money.  This year I would like to put my efforts, though a bit late into the disease that I went down with, Lung Cancer.  Some of you might know that Lung Cancer is the biggest killer but because most people think it is a self inflicting it does not get much funding as other forms of cancer.  Some of you know my late friend Rob Moore.  He, like myself was a non smoker and he lost his battle over a year ago after a very well fought 2 year battle.  We have a chance to support Lung Cancer in Rob’s name. [Links to the auction site and BayAreaRacingFederation site]

Please feel free to look over the sites and give if you can.  There is a big regatta at Corinthian YC this weekend in San Francisco in Rob’s name.  They have around 140 boats and there will be big parties going on.  I just wish I could be there.

Thanks for your support

Cheers

Dee”

What makes this so special to me is that Dee has been living with lung cancer for five years — initially diagnosed as Stage IV, he now has no evidence of disease (NED as it’s known in these circles). Dee provided great support to Rob during his fight, and is continuing to support efforts that will improve the treatment options and survival rates for everyone who is diagnosed with lung cancer. Dee is a role model of hope for people living with lung cancer – one of the only 15% who live 5+ years.

Thanks to everyone who is helping to make the event, and our fundraising a big success!