Support Leslie in LA Cancer Challenge 2021

Brett & I at the 2017 LACC

My dad passed away July 5th, 2020 from pancreatic cancer. He was my hero. He wasn't my hero because he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. He wasn't my hero because he beat the odds and lived 4 1/2 years post diagnosis. He was my hero because of how he lived during that period of time.

My father, a retired doctor was 82 years old when he received his diagnosis. That first year included an aborted attempt at surgery followed by 8 months of crippling chemotherapy and finally a successful whipple surgery. During this time he never complained. My father refused to stop living life, sailing, sitting on his boat, reading, spending time with friends and family, and fulfilling the role of patriarch, Papa, handy man and all around Mayven (man who knows all).

Most people diagnosed with a terminal illness spend time planning for the end. He spent his time planning how he was going to continue to live. He never looked at himself as a victim and refused to accept that there wouldn't be a tomorrow. He wasn't in denial. He simply chose not to waste the time he had worrying about what couldn't or wouldn't be.

My father was fortunate to enjoy two years of remission at which time he put aside his diagnosis and forged ahead. He travelled, sailed, added to his collections of pottery, artwork and model ships. He spent hours building his own model ships, analyzed the stock market, dabbled in medicine when asked by friends and family and enjoyed every minute of life when he felt well enough to do so.

When his remission ended he once again began chemotherapy. As the chemo weakened him and made it more difficult to function he continued living. He attended three graduations: one middle school, one high school and one college. Seeing his first grandchild to graduate college was something he wouldn't miss even though it meant travelling to Boston when he didnt feel well enough to do so.

Unfortunately this time there was no conquering the monster. My father didn't want to give up but his body could no longer tolerate treatment. That was the moment the light turned off. He fought to live and lived life to the fullest, his way until he had nothing left.

My father hung on long enough to see his second granddaughter graduate high school and celebrate his 10th anniversary with the woman he loved. During this entire 4 1/2 year journey my father, never complained once. My father, Norman Carabet was 86 when he passed on July 5, 2020.

You are and will always be my father, my confidant, my HERO

Leslie

Dedicated To My Dad...your are and always will be my father, my confidant, my HERO