Day 2 of my journey was spent in Boston. My tour around the city started with lunch at a place called Joe’s. I was there to meet David Starmer, who used to live in Charlottesville. Both his mom and dad are cancer survivors. His mom had breast cancer and has been cancer free for 20+ years. His dad had prostate cancer and melanoma. I asked him how those experiences have changed him and changed his parents.
His parent now spend more time traveling together, focusing on the experiences as opposed to the possessions. That’s something that I can relate to, as, before mom died, she said she wished she had been able to travel more. David said it’s changed him in that you’ve got to cherish the present and what you have now. Yes, it’s important to plan for the future, but not at the expense of the present. He said, “the attitude about illness makes all the difference” and I agree with him completely!!!
After lunch I headed out on a walking tour of the city, starting with a stop at a Boston Fire House (Ladder 15/Engine 33). It’s the busiest house in Boston and I spoke with Lt. Mark Corwin. He told me a GREAT story about the Kenney Quinn Ford Foundation. 3 members of the Boston FD have had family members that have been affected by brain cancer. The foundation raises money that goes directly to brain cancer research. It’s a GREAT story the hits close to home for me, not only because of the brain cancer connection, but also the FD connection.
The day ended with a stop at Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox. While I was there I met someone who has a good friend who was recently diagnosed with spinal cancer. He’s been going thru treatments and is responding well and everyone is optimistic. The cool part is that his friend may be in LA this weekend at the same time that I’m there, so it would be great if I could meet him!
Thanks again to everyone for spreading the word and supporting my journey; I’m only on day 3 and it’s been an amazing experience! Talk to you tomorrow from New Orleans!