Christmas 2010

At the end of each year and at the beginning of a new one, I’m always a little reflective. As I think about how PC Project has influenced my life, my greatest feeling is that of gratitude.  While I have spent less time this past year with PC Project, Mary has continued to work countless hours each week running the charity, helping patients, networking with doctors and coordinating research efforts. Mary never gives up and is always striving forwards and upwards.  Research for PC therapeutics is as strong, or stronger, than it’s ever been. While most PCers may not hear on a daily basis what’s happening with the research, trust me – it’s happening. To this day, I still can’t get over the fact that it IS happening.

As I reflect, I particularly think of my two teenage sons who have PC. I still see them come in the door and fall to their knees in pain after too much time on their feet. And yet their outlook about their lives is positive, in spite of their daily struggles with pain. They have a confidence in themselves knowing their PC is simply a little gene mutation. They know who they are, they know what they have and they know they are not alone. They know they are extremely blessed. That knowledge has made a world of difference in their lives.

My boys hope for a pain-free life, but they aren’t planning on it. They work hard in school and other activities in pursuit of future careers and opportunities that won’t be affected by their feet. I owe this positive outlook to PC Project, as well as people with PC they’ve met through patient meetings. These PCers are great role models of people who haven’t let a painful disorder get them down. Don’t get me wrong, my boys still have rough days and still get discouraged from time to time (like we all do!), but what a difference the influence of PC Project and PC people have made in their lives!  And of course, they’ve blessed my life too.

It’s been another amazing year. I fully expect 2011 will be no less amazing. And it’s all thanks to Mary, to the researchers, to the doctors, and of course, to my fellow PCers, who make all the difference in the world!

Merry Christmas –and Happy New Year!