Unfortunately, I am facing a health condition requiring me to give up my thirty-plus years leading SALT advocacy efforts.   I  have been dealing with this for the past few weeks, getting many CT’s and biopsies and conferring with an oncologist, numerous doctors, hospice nurses and social workers; and, because of all this, I could not have talked to you about this sooner.  

It has been determined that I have Stage 4 cancer, a condition starting in the bladder and lymph nodes, then spreading throughout my body.  It is terminal, unfortunately, so I have opted only for palliative treatments, since other options would only extend my life for a short while without addressing the suffering.  All this has happened very quickly.  As of now, I am in good spirits and feeling well, although I don’t have much of an appetite, losing weight, and tire easily.  The good news is that I am not yet experiencing pain.

I am now registered in hospice, and the hospice team is preparing me for the inevitable.  Currently, my primary goal is to use this  precious time to work on plans for SALT to endure and continue to be an advocacy force for vulnerable families and criminal justice.  It has been my honor and pleasure to work with all of you for the just causes we so deeply believe in.  It is my everlasting wish that you continue advocating for those needing you to plead their case for justice to those controlling the levers of power. 

I am not afraid of dying, and have tried to live a good life, a full life.  Nothing is left to do on my personal “bucket list.”  I believe in God and what is said in the funeral liturgy of my church: “In death life is changed, not ended.” After passing from this life, I look forward to seeing my mom, whom I haven’t seen since I was three.  

Please keep Mariann and me in your prayers/good thoughts, that we be given the love and grace and courage needed during the months remaining.  

Again, thank you for being such faithful SALT advocates for justice.