Dear Friends and Family,

Year 23??!!  It can’t be!!  Twenty three years we have all been helping each other in this fight against cancer!  Twenty three years you have all shared your personal stories with me and I with you.  We have seen triumphs and challenges with regard to cancer, and we have helped to make a better world for our children, grandchildren, and loved ones.  I am always honored and humbled to stand with all of you in the name of HOPE - HOPE for a better tomorrow.  

To that end, my kids & I will be joining my sister, Janice Kueppers, again at the Los Angeles PurpleStride walk for Pancreatic Cancer on April 29th at the Santa Monica Pier.  Most of you know mine & my family’s story with regard to cancer.  After all these decades, I still cannot say the word “cancer” without tears coming to my eyes. That word, alone, signifies much more than just the disease to me, as I know it does for most of you as well.  It signifies the struggles we have either been through ourselves or the struggles we have seen our loved ones go through as a result of cancer.  It signifies the moment life changed not only for our loved one but for their caregivers and/or family members as well.  Yet, ironically, in those moments, it is also when we found strength we did not know we had - strength to endure a diagnosis, strength to assist as a caregiver, strength to be the one to lean on no matter how difficult-at-heart that task may be. We remembered to love with all our hearts, to share a hug, smile or joke simply to bring a smile to the face of our loved ones.  We remembered that it is our family & friends that matter above all else.  For me, this year, it is still about my sister - my best friend whom I laugh with, share family time with, talk about life with, make the best memories with, and share our hearts without limit.   

We will walk on April 29th for pancreatic cancer research to help bring hope and assistance to those fighting this disease.  I am hoping the funds raised will help in the development of screening and improved treatment so that a higher than 12% 5-year survival rate may be achieved in the not-too-distant future.  I am also hoping that through research & trials, others will be able to make more memories with their loved ones as these trials have allowed for my sister and our family. 

Our team name, Harmony Heals, stems from my sister’s love of music & singing. She has touched so many lives through her teachings and through her love for music.  I am asking you to help make April 29th amazing for her and for so many fighting this disease.  It does not get any more personal than this for me...my last surviving family member.  I am looking to TEAR THE HOUSE DOWN again with our fundraising!!  I am looking to help others at a time when I truly feel so helpless. 

Thank you for your continued support and for continuing to help make a difference in the fight against cancer.  It is my hope that our children and grandchildren will never have to know this disease, in any of its forms, and that one day, we will all walk (or run) in celebration of having found a cure.  No Surrender, my friends, No Surrender!

With Love & Appreciation,

Gail Strohmeyer