In Memoriam
I am sad to write that Dr. Randy Pausch passed away today (July 25, 2008) due to complications to his pancreas cancer. As many of you know, Dr. Pausch’s battle with cancer has been a source of inspiration to me. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet or talk with Dr. Pausch; to have experienced first hand his zeal life.
Dr. Pausch, in many ways, beat the odds of this pernicious form of cancer. Most people diagnosed with pancreas cancer are not eligible for surgery; Dr. Pausch was able to get the Whipple procedure (something only 20% of patients with pancreas cancer are able to do). Unfortunately, they found out later that the cancer had metastisized. He continued to fight the disease, seeking out various chemo and radiation therapies (some of which were particularly toxic). In August of 2007, Dr. Pausch was given 3-6 months of “good health” left. In September, 2007, Dr. Pausch delivered his “Last Lecture.” In the end, Dr. Pausch defied the doctor’s predictions living almost 11 months.
I have already been contacted by friends who were concerned that I would be terribly upset by this news. While I am saddened by Dr. Pausch’s passing, it was not unexpected. I had chatted with friends who had noticed, as had I, that Dr. Pausch had not updated his blog in almost a month. I had, in fact, searched for news of his passing just last week.
I was reminded today of two very important facts: (a) The ending to Dr. Pausch’s battle is NOT (necessarily) predictive of my outcome; and (b) The odds of me beating this disease remain ’0′ or ’1′.
I can only hope that whatever news I get next Monday, I can live my life as fully as Dr. Pausch did these past 2 years. He did not hide from his illness, but used as a motivation to embrace his life and squeeze out every last moment of the time he had left. Rest in peace, Dr. Pausch.
Merle
You know what I think? I think Dr. Pausch would have liked to have met you and experienced first hand your zeal for life. Seriously. — Patty