In Memoriam

All of us on this team have been touched by cancer. We have lost a friend, parent, family member — or we are battling, or are a survivor. But the founders of this team were blessed to have met a man here in Second Life named Julian.

Julian was the image of love. He supported us through life’s battles in real life and in Second Life. He had so many people who loved him. He was a big supporter of Relay For Life — he was active and on a team. When he was diagnosed with cancer it didn’t stop him from asking how we are and wanting to take care of us. He battled hard but ultimately lost the battle, leaving us lost.

We want to end “Normal”.

We have come to accept cancer as a “normal” part of our world. Let us tell you there was nothing normal about going through treatments, all the side effects that last a lifetime. There is nothing normal about the battle Julian had and lost.

While we have made some great strides, the American Cancer Society still has a lot to accomplish. A few of us wanted to do something to honour him so we decided to start a team in his memory. Now we knew if we called it “Julian’s”, he would haunt us — he never wanted to be in the spotlight — but a few close to him called him Jules. We decided we would be his Gems. We still miss him and always will, but his memory will continue to live with Relay For Life.

I remember coming on to my beach in the morning. Lighting the campfire and putting on a pot of coffee. Then I would greet my group.

“Good Morning everyone!”

Lily would always be one of the first to pipe up.

“Morning Mr. Piano man!”

Lily loved my piano and would often come and listen to me play. I never knew the woman behind the keyboard. I knew a free-spirited and vivacious little girl. Full of sunshine and giggles and maybe just a little bit of mischief, just a little.

We lost Lily to lung cancer last year. So many of us gathered around the piano that night. We laughed, we cried, and remembered a little girl that we shall all miss dearly.

We won’t forget Lily. We won’t stop fighting either.

- Andyrook