February 18, 2014
11:17 p.m.

Cancer sucks.

I just found out that a childhood friend, Glorianne Williams Reyes, has died of pancreatic cancer. Gloria was a wonderful, sweet, loving woman who should have been able to stay in this world longer, because the world needs people like her around to set a good example for the rest of us.

I first met Gloria when we were just little grade school girls. She was a grade behind me, so we would talk during recess or at the bus stop.  She didn't live far from my house, so I sometimes also saw her during the summer.

As I have previously revealed, I was a bit of a loner hiding out in the basement storeroom reading and writing and in general avoiding the human race. But once in awhile my sister Melanie would coax me out for a bike ride and we would head over to the Island Park. To get there we would have to pass Gloria's house and if she was out we'd stop and chat with her. She was always so nice and friendly.

After I grew up and got married I didn't see her often, but when I did it was like no time at all had passed. She was one of those people who was always easy to talk to.

I just want to say that Gloria will be greatly missed, and offer my condolences to her family. I would also like to share this information: donations in her memory will be accepted at Gloria Ann Reyes Memorial Fund, c/o Trona Valley Federal Credit Union, 85 Gateway Blvd or 2640 Foothill Blvd. Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901 or 840 Hitching Post, Green River, Wyoming 82935.

I also want to repeat my opening statement: cancer sucks!

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You probably know that pancreatic cancer claimed the lives of actors Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon. It also claimed the life of my beloved uncle, Joseph Ferraro. Now it has taken my dear friend.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most virulent cancers, with a really low cure rate, largely because it is such a sneak. There are no early warning signs. By the time symptoms manifest, it's already got a good start at kicking butt. Unless it is caught in the early stages, it is extremely difficult to cure. In short, it's damned scary:

 Because pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed late into its development, the five-year survival rate after diagnosis is less than 5%. (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/pancreatic-cancer/)

There's information out there for signs, symptoms and treatment options. I don't want to scare anyone, I just want us all to be as informed as we can be.

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Tonight my thoughts are with Gloria's family. Heaven is really lucky to have her now.

Good night.