A Warrior at Peace

This topic has 93 replies, 30 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 5 months ago by boot2aboot.

Post

- November 3, 2011 at 3:27 pm
- Quote
shellebrownies
Participant
I am sorry to report that Don was called home to heaven late Tuesday night, November 1st. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

May God bless each and every one of you, whether warrior, caregiver, or loved one no matter what part of the journey you are on. Hoping you each have your own personal miracle.

I will still be on here, but I may need to be away for a little while or I may be on sporadically for a bit.

Michelle, wife of Don always.

I am sorry to report that Don was called home to heaven late Tuesday night, November 1st. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

May God bless each and every one of you, whether warrior, caregiver, or loved one no matter what part of the journey you are on. Hoping you each have your own personal miracle.

I will still be on here, but I may need to be away for a little while or I may be on sporadically for a bit.

Michelle, wife of Don always.

Viewing 80 reply threads

Replies

- - November 3, 2011 at 3:34 pm
  - Quote
  justlittleoleme
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  So sorry for your loss. He was a valiant warrior.
  
  May God comfort you and your family during this season of grief.
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:34 pm
  - Quote
  justlittleoleme
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  So sorry for your loss. He was a valiant warrior.
  
  May God comfort you and your family during this season of grief.
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:34 pm
  - Quote
  justlittleoleme
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  So sorry for your loss. He was a valiant warrior.
  
  May God comfort you and your family during this season of grief.
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:47 pm
  - Quote
  dearfoam
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  So sorry for your loss. Thankful that he passed peacefully knowing your love and comfort.
  
  DF
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:47 pm
  - Quote
  dearfoam
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  So sorry for your loss. Thankful that he passed peacefully knowing your love and comfort.
  
  DF
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:47 pm
  - Quote
  dearfoam
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  So sorry for your loss. Thankful that he passed peacefully knowing your love and comfort.
  
  DF
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:53 pm
  - Quote
  o2bcheri
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  sending prayers and hugs.. so sorry to hear this… He was lucky to have had you in his life…
  
  Don is an angel now… he will be at your side always..
  
  much love
  
  Michele
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:53 pm
  - Quote
  o2bcheri
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  sending prayers and hugs.. so sorry to hear this… He was lucky to have had you in his life…
  
  Don is an angel now… he will be at your side always..
  
  much love
  
  Michele
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:53 pm
  - Quote
  o2bcheri
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  sending prayers and hugs.. so sorry to hear this… He was lucky to have had you in his life…
  
  Don is an angel now… he will be at your side always..
  
  much love
  
  Michele
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:54 pm
  - Quote
  hope4cure1
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I'm so sorry to hear this news. You have been absolutely amazing during this whole journey. Don was so blessed to have your support and love. I hope you have emotional support at this time. If not, I feel certain that many on this site would gladly "sit by your side" as you pour your heart out….myself included. You guys have been in my prayers, and will remain there.
  
  hope
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:54 pm
  - Quote
  hope4cure1
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I'm so sorry to hear this news. You have been absolutely amazing during this whole journey. Don was so blessed to have your support and love. I hope you have emotional support at this time. If not, I feel certain that many on this site would gladly "sit by your side" as you pour your heart out….myself included. You guys have been in my prayers, and will remain there.
  
  hope
- - November 3, 2011 at 3:54 pm
  - Quote
  hope4cure1
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I'm so sorry to hear this news. You have been absolutely amazing during this whole journey. Don was so blessed to have your support and love. I hope you have emotional support at this time. If not, I feel certain that many on this site would gladly "sit by your side" as you pour your heart out….myself included. You guys have been in my prayers, and will remain there.
  
  hope
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:23 pm
  - Quote
  Lori C
  Participant
  I am very sorry to hear this. May you find great comfort and peace.
  
  Lori
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:23 pm
  - Quote
  Lori C
  Participant
  I am very sorry to hear this. May you find great comfort and peace.
  
  Lori
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:23 pm
  - Quote
  Lori C
  Participant
  I am very sorry to hear this. May you find great comfort and peace.
  
  Lori
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:24 pm
  - Quote
  Phil S
  Participant
  Michelle. I am so very sorry for your loss but I am glad Don is finally at peace and done fighting this awful disease. I will say a prayer for you and your children, you were the ultimate caregiver and Don was truly blessed to have you with him along the way. Please take care of yourself, and give the kids plenty of hugs, you will need each other now. God bless and stay in touch. Valerie (Phil’s wife)
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:24 pm
  - Quote
  Phil S
  Participant
  Michelle. I am so very sorry for your loss but I am glad Don is finally at peace and done fighting this awful disease. I will say a prayer for you and your children, you were the ultimate caregiver and Don was truly blessed to have you with him along the way. Please take care of yourself, and give the kids plenty of hugs, you will need each other now. God bless and stay in touch. Valerie (Phil’s wife)
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:24 pm
  - Quote
  Phil S
  Participant
  Michelle. I am so very sorry for your loss but I am glad Don is finally at peace and done fighting this awful disease. I will say a prayer for you and your children, you were the ultimate caregiver and Don was truly blessed to have you with him along the way. Please take care of yourself, and give the kids plenty of hugs, you will need each other now. God bless and stay in touch. Valerie (Phil’s wife)
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:41 pm
  - Quote
  yensidw
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I am so sorry for your loss. I do know what you are going through and am here if you need to talk. Know that he is now free of the terrible beast of melanoma. Perhaps he will meet my husband on the other side.
  
  I wish you peace,
  
  Janis
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:41 pm
  - Quote
  yensidw
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I am so sorry for your loss. I do know what you are going through and am here if you need to talk. Know that he is now free of the terrible beast of melanoma. Perhaps he will meet my husband on the other side.
  
  I wish you peace,
  
  Janis
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:41 pm
  - Quote
  yensidw
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I am so sorry for your loss. I do know what you are going through and am here if you need to talk. Know that he is now free of the terrible beast of melanoma. Perhaps he will meet my husband on the other side.
  
  I wish you peace,
  
  Janis
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:44 pm
  - Quote
  Jim M.
  Participant
  Hi Michelle,
  
  I am saddened by your news. I pray that God gives you strength, guidance and especially His peace.
  
  God Bless you,
  
  Jim M.
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:44 pm
  - Quote
  Jim M.
  Participant
  Hi Michelle,
  
  I am saddened by your news. I pray that God gives you strength, guidance and especially His peace.
  
  God Bless you,
  
  Jim M.
- - November 3, 2011 at 4:44 pm
  - Quote
  Jim M.
  Participant
  Hi Michelle,
  
  I am saddened by your news. I pray that God gives you strength, guidance and especially His peace.
  
  God Bless you,
  
  Jim M.
- - November 3, 2011 at 5:31 pm
  - Quote
  lhaley
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  Don is at peace after such a difficult fight. Give yourself time as well as your family.
  
  You have been such a wonderful advocate for Don. I'm so sorry.
  
  linda
- - November 3, 2011 at 5:31 pm
  - Quote
  lhaley
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  Don is at peace after such a difficult fight. Give yourself time as well as your family.
  
  You have been such a wonderful advocate for Don. I'm so sorry.
  
  linda
- - November 3, 2011 at 5:31 pm
  - Quote
  lhaley
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  Don is at peace after such a difficult fight. Give yourself time as well as your family.
  
  You have been such a wonderful advocate for Don. I'm so sorry.
  
  linda
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:15 pm
  - Quote
  Linny
  Participant
  Dear Michelle,
  
  I am so sorry for your loss. You and Don were both such fighters! Do give your heart time to heal and know that Don will always be by your side.
  
  Linda
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:15 pm
  - Quote
  Linny
  Participant
  Dear Michelle,
  
  I am so sorry for your loss. You and Don were both such fighters! Do give your heart time to heal and know that Don will always be by your side.
  
  Linda
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:15 pm
  - Quote
  Linny
  Participant
  Dear Michelle,
  
  I am so sorry for your loss. You and Don were both such fighters! Do give your heart time to heal and know that Don will always be by your side.
  
  Linda
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:18 pm
  - Quote
  Kosta
  Participant
  and prayerWe are so sorry for your loss, you have our deepest Sympathy and prayers
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:18 pm
  - Quote
  Kosta
  Participant
  and prayerWe are so sorry for your loss, you have our deepest Sympathy and prayers
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:18 pm
  - Quote
  Kosta
  Participant
  and prayerWe are so sorry for your loss, you have our deepest Sympathy and prayers
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:49 pm
  - Quote
  Joyce
  Participant
  Dick and I are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
  
  Joyce from Ma
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:49 pm
  - Quote
  Joyce
  Participant
  Dick and I are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
  
  Joyce from Ma
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:49 pm
  - Quote
  Joyce
  Participant
  Dick and I are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
  
  Joyce from Ma
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:49 pm
  - Quote
  Joyce
  Participant
  Dick and I are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
  
  Joyce from Ma
  - November 3, 2011 at 8:30 pm
    
    Quote
    Karin L
    Participant
    
    My heart breaks for you Michelle. I hope you find peace and comfort knowing there will be no more suffering. My prayers are with you.
    
    Karin
  - November 3, 2011 at 8:30 pm
    
    Quote
    Karin L
    Participant
    
    My heart breaks for you Michelle. I hope you find peace and comfort knowing there will be no more suffering. My prayers are with you.
    
    Karin
  - November 3, 2011 at 9:04 pm
    
    Quote
    deardad
    Participant
    
    Im so sorry Michelle to hear that Don has passed. My thoughts are with you and your family.
    
    Nahmi from Melbourne
  - November 3, 2011 at 9:04 pm
    
    Quote
    deardad
    Participant
    
    Im so sorry Michelle to hear that Don has passed. My thoughts are with you and your family.
    
    Nahmi from Melbourne
  - November 3, 2011 at 9:04 pm
    
    Quote
    deardad
    Participant
    
    Im so sorry Michelle to hear that Don has passed. My thoughts are with you and your family.
    
    Nahmi from Melbourne
  - November 3, 2011 at 8:30 pm
    
    Quote
    Karin L
    Participant
    
    My heart breaks for you Michelle. I hope you find peace and comfort knowing there will be no more suffering. My prayers are with you.
    
    Karin
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:49 pm
  - Quote
  Joyce
  Participant
  Dick and I are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
  
  Joyce from Ma
- - November 3, 2011 at 6:49 pm
  - Quote
  Joyce
  Participant
  Dick and I are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
  
  Joyce from Ma
- - November 3, 2011 at 9:04 pm
  - Quote
  MariaH
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I was so saddened to read this. You both have fought such a brave battle. May God give you peace and comfort in the coming days for both you and your children.
  
  I'm so, so sorry.
  
  (((HUGS)))
  
  Maria
- - November 3, 2011 at 9:04 pm
  - Quote
  MariaH
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I was so saddened to read this. You both have fought such a brave battle. May God give you peace and comfort in the coming days for both you and your children.
  
  I'm so, so sorry.
  
  (((HUGS)))
  
  Maria
- - November 3, 2011 at 9:04 pm
  - Quote
  MariaH
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I was so saddened to read this. You both have fought such a brave battle. May God give you peace and comfort in the coming days for both you and your children.
  
  I'm so, so sorry.
  
  (((HUGS)))
  
  Maria
  - November 3, 2011 at 9:54 pm
    
    Quote
    NYKaren
    Participant
    
    Dear Michelle,
    
    My very deepest condolonces. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    
    karen
  - November 3, 2011 at 9:54 pm
    
    Quote
    NYKaren
    Participant
    
    Dear Michelle,
    
    My very deepest condolonces. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    
    karen
  - November 3, 2011 at 9:54 pm
    
    Quote
    NYKaren
    Participant
    
    Dear Michelle,
    
    My very deepest condolonces. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    
    karen
- - November 3, 2011 at 10:18 pm
  - Quote
  triciad
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  My heart is broken. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Physically, Don is gone; however, his spirit will live on with you and your family. You were an amazing caretaker…and he knew it!
  
  Tricia
- - November 3, 2011 at 10:18 pm
  - Quote
  triciad
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  My heart is broken. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Physically, Don is gone; however, his spirit will live on with you and your family. You were an amazing caretaker…and he knew it!
  
  Tricia
- - November 3, 2011 at 10:18 pm
  - Quote
  triciad
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  My heart is broken. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Physically, Don is gone; however, his spirit will live on with you and your family. You were an amazing caretaker…and he knew it!
  
  Tricia
- - November 3, 2011 at 11:17 pm
  - Quote
  momof2kids
  Participant
  I'm so sorry for your loss.
  
  My thoughts are with you & your dear children!
- - November 3, 2011 at 11:17 pm
  - Quote
  momof2kids
  Participant
  I'm so sorry for your loss.
  
  My thoughts are with you & your dear children!
- - November 3, 2011 at 11:17 pm
  - Quote
  momof2kids
  Participant
  I'm so sorry for your loss.
  
  My thoughts are with you & your dear children!
- - November 3, 2011 at 11:38 pm
  - Quote
  Cate
  Participant
  I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
- - November 3, 2011 at 11:38 pm
  - Quote
  Cate
  Participant
  I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
- - November 3, 2011 at 11:38 pm
  - Quote
  Cate
  Participant
  I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
- - November 3, 2011 at 11:57 pm
  - Quote
  Rocco
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  My deepest condolences. I was so saddened to read that Don had passed. I know how hard the two of you fought this terrible disease. May your loving memories of him surround you during this most difficult time.
  
  Prayers and ((hugs)),
  
  Rocco, Stage IV
- - November 3, 2011 at 11:57 pm
  - Quote
  Rocco
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  My deepest condolences. I was so saddened to read that Don had passed. I know how hard the two of you fought this terrible disease. May your loving memories of him surround you during this most difficult time.
  
  Prayers and ((hugs)),
  
  Rocco, Stage IV
- - November 3, 2011 at 11:57 pm
  - Quote
  Rocco
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  My deepest condolences. I was so saddened to read that Don had passed. I know how hard the two of you fought this terrible disease. May your loving memories of him surround you during this most difficult time.
  
  Prayers and ((hugs)),
  
  Rocco, Stage IV
- - November 4, 2011 at 12:38 am
  - Quote
  mombase
  Participant
  Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss!
  
  Cristy
- - November 4, 2011 at 12:38 am
  - Quote
  mombase
  Participant
  Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss!
  
  Cristy
- - November 4, 2011 at 12:38 am
  - Quote
  mombase
  Participant
  Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss!
  
  Cristy
- - November 4, 2011 at 1:29 am
  - Quote
  FormerCaregiver
  Participant
  Michelle, I am deeply saddened to read of Don's passing.
  
  It has been said that life has changed but not ended. Those who have passed away are only as far away as God, and that is not far away at all.
  
  May God give you and your family peace and consolation.
  
  Take care
  
  Frank from Australia
- - November 4, 2011 at 1:29 am
  - Quote
  FormerCaregiver
  Participant
  Michelle, I am deeply saddened to read of Don's passing.
  
  It has been said that life has changed but not ended. Those who have passed away are only as far away as God, and that is not far away at all.
  
  May God give you and your family peace and consolation.
  
  Take care
  
  Frank from Australia
- - November 4, 2011 at 1:29 am
  - Quote
  FormerCaregiver
  Participant
  Michelle, I am deeply saddened to read of Don's passing.
  
  It has been said that life has changed but not ended. Those who have passed away are only as far away as God, and that is not far away at all.
  
  May God give you and your family peace and consolation.
  
  Take care
  
  Frank from Australia
- - November 4, 2011 at 5:10 am
  - Quote
  JerryfromFauq
  Participant
  Sorry to hear of your loss. Don put up a valiant fight, with your great aid. Nothing can fill the hole left in your life at present, but time will help ease the intensity of the pain of Don's absence. our thoughts and condolences are with you.
- - November 4, 2011 at 5:10 am
  - Quote
  JerryfromFauq
  Participant
  Sorry to hear of your loss. Don put up a valiant fight, with your great aid. Nothing can fill the hole left in your life at present, but time will help ease the intensity of the pain of Don's absence. our thoughts and condolences are with you.
- - November 4, 2011 at 5:10 am
  - Quote
  JerryfromFauq
  Participant
  Sorry to hear of your loss. Don put up a valiant fight, with your great aid. Nothing can fill the hole left in your life at present, but time will help ease the intensity of the pain of Don's absence. our thoughts and condolences are with you.
- - November 4, 2011 at 10:25 am
  - Quote
  Majalist
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I hardly know your story since I am very new to this community.
  
  But I read you were a great caretaker and Don faught a brave battle, that he unfortunately didn't win.
  
  I believe you both did evertything possible, please find comfort in this fact.
  
  I am glad Don is without pain now, and I hope you and your children can find help in God and everyone who is supporting, caring and loving you these days.
  
  So sorry for your loss,
  
  Marleen
- - November 4, 2011 at 10:25 am
  - Quote
  Majalist
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I hardly know your story since I am very new to this community.
  
  But I read you were a great caretaker and Don faught a brave battle, that he unfortunately didn't win.
  
  I believe you both did evertything possible, please find comfort in this fact.
  
  I am glad Don is without pain now, and I hope you and your children can find help in God and everyone who is supporting, caring and loving you these days.
  
  So sorry for your loss,
  
  Marleen
  - November 4, 2011 at 12:06 pm
    
    Quote
    Laurie from maine
    Participant
    
    Hi Michelle,
    
    I am so saddened to see this. My heart breaks for you, you both fought so hard. I hope you have family to surround you at this time. He was a true warrior.
    
    laurie from maine
  - November 4, 2011 at 12:06 pm
    
    Quote
    Laurie from maine
    Participant
    
    Hi Michelle,
    
    I am so saddened to see this. My heart breaks for you, you both fought so hard. I hope you have family to surround you at this time. He was a true warrior.
    
    laurie from maine
  - November 4, 2011 at 12:06 pm
    
    Quote
    Laurie from maine
    Participant
    
    Hi Michelle,
    
    I am so saddened to see this. My heart breaks for you, you both fought so hard. I hope you have family to surround you at this time. He was a true warrior.
    
    laurie from maine
- - November 4, 2011 at 10:25 am
  - Quote
  Majalist
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I hardly know your story since I am very new to this community.
  
  But I read you were a great caretaker and Don faught a brave battle, that he unfortunately didn't win.
  
  I believe you both did evertything possible, please find comfort in this fact.
  
  I am glad Don is without pain now, and I hope you and your children can find help in God and everyone who is supporting, caring and loving you these days.
  
  So sorry for your loss,
  
  Marleen
- - November 4, 2011 at 2:06 pm
  - Quote
  JuleFL
  Participant
  My deepest sympathies for you during this sad time. I lost my husband to this disease, but can still feel his love. That love will get you through this. Prayers going out for you and your family.
  
  Jule (Cal’s wife)
- - November 4, 2011 at 2:06 pm
  - Quote
  JuleFL
  Participant
  My deepest sympathies for you during this sad time. I lost my husband to this disease, but can still feel his love. That love will get you through this. Prayers going out for you and your family.
  
  Jule (Cal’s wife)
- - November 4, 2011 at 2:06 pm
  - Quote
  JuleFL
  Participant
  My deepest sympathies for you during this sad time. I lost my husband to this disease, but can still feel his love. That love will get you through this. Prayers going out for you and your family.
  
  Jule (Cal’s wife)
- - November 4, 2011 at 2:59 pm
  - Quote
  MichaelFL
  Participant
  My condolences to you and your family. May Don rest in peace free of melanoma.
  
  Michael
- - November 4, 2011 at 2:59 pm
  - Quote
  MichaelFL
  Participant
  My condolences to you and your family. May Don rest in peace free of melanoma.
  
  Michael
- - November 4, 2011 at 2:59 pm
  - Quote
  MichaelFL
  Participant
  My condolences to you and your family. May Don rest in peace free of melanoma.
  
  Michael
- - November 4, 2011 at 3:06 pm
  - Quote
  Gene_S
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. My thoughts and prayers will be directed to you and the family at this time. I have followed Don's story and he was blessed to have you by his side. What a great warrior he was.
  
  Judy (wife of Gene)
- - November 4, 2011 at 3:06 pm
  - Quote
  Gene_S
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. My thoughts and prayers will be directed to you and the family at this time. I have followed Don's story and he was blessed to have you by his side. What a great warrior he was.
  
  Judy (wife of Gene)
- - November 4, 2011 at 3:06 pm
  - Quote
  Gene_S
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. My thoughts and prayers will be directed to you and the family at this time. I have followed Don's story and he was blessed to have you by his side. What a great warrior he was.
  
  Judy (wife of Gene)
- - November 4, 2011 at 5:33 pm
  - Quote
  shelbug66
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  So very sorry for your loss. May God's love comfort you and your children through this difficult time.
  
  Shelley
- - November 4, 2011 at 5:33 pm
  - Quote
  shelbug66
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  So very sorry for your loss. May God's love comfort you and your children through this difficult time.
  
  Shelley
- - November 4, 2011 at 5:33 pm
  - Quote
  shelbug66
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  So very sorry for your loss. May God's love comfort you and your children through this difficult time.
  
  Shelley
- - November 7, 2011 at 5:18 pm
  - Quote
  boot2aboot
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  i am saddened to hear this…you were an exceptional advocate and wife for Don…
  
  i hope in the future you can use your skills to keep advocating on behalf of others with melanoma in memory of Don
  
  boots
- - November 7, 2011 at 5:18 pm
  - Quote
  boot2aboot
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  i am saddened to hear this…you were an exceptional advocate and wife for Don…
  
  i hope in the future you can use your skills to keep advocating on behalf of others with melanoma in memory of Don
  
  boots
- - November 7, 2011 at 5:18 pm
  - Quote
  boot2aboot
  Participant
  Michelle,
  
  i am saddened to hear this…you were an exceptional advocate and wife for Don…
  
  i hope in the future you can use your skills to keep advocating on behalf of others with melanoma in memory of Don
  
  boots