Last summer, I was searching for blog posts on gamma knife surgery, and I came across a post by a woman in Texas, Kate Boone, whose metastatic melanoma trajectory was similar to mine.

I came to her blog for the solidarity, but I stayed for the quirky humor. This was someone I hoped I could get to know, felt like I knew already. Familiar, even though I’ve never heard the sound of her voice. I was so relieved to find someone else who was not painting their cancer in pastel hues, or talking about how everything happens for a reason.

I think the hardest and most unsettling thing to accept is that things happen at random. And that things can happen which we cannot look back on and laugh, because nothing – nothing – is funny about someone, especially someone so very young, being all out of chances. Yet that is what Kate’s oncologist has just pronounced.

Tears are falling for you, Kate – here in Brooklyn, and everywhere else your wonderful energy has reached. I’m wishing you an easing of your excruciating pain, and you and your loved ones peaceful time together.

To support Kate and her husband Dennis through this very hard time, please see their fundraiser page. Thank you.