A final thank you, in Duncan’s words:

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It has taken me awhile to gain the strength. I hope I have the words.

Tuesday Sept 23rd at 6:49pm, the source of light in my life and the joy in my heart left this mortal plane. It happened quickly, sparing her the gradual mental and physical deterioration and the ever-increasing pain which is cancer's wont and every cancer patient's fear. A blessing I suppose.

Cancer killed my wife yes, but it did not defeat her; she died on her terms and by her design, as she had discussed for the 2 years since her cancer was deemed terminal.

Her family made it 300 miles in time to be present for her, to bear witness to the too early ending of a beautiful story of strength and perseverance and accomplishment.

Our house is very quiet now. I've been asked why I would want to stay in our little home surrounded by our memories and I can only wonder, why would I not want the echoes of our life together. They are what I carry, they are what will give me the strength to make through today and tomorrow, the strength to resist the despair that waits around the corner, that I have promised I would not listen to, a siren calling me to the rocks.

She was 42, was only just hitting her stride, ready and eager to continue her studies for her next degree and the next, the next, recognizing her limitless capabilities and having the confidence to accomplish whatever she chose. Because she already was. She would have ruled whatever corner of the world she chose. Because she already was.

She had my heart in her hands and I hers, we held them tight, treasured and precious, oh tender mercies. We burned so bright.

It is so quiet in our home.

My gratitude, the thanks of her sister, her parents, her aunt and uncle, grandmother back home, we extend it to you all who have spoken and written, who have kept us in your thoughts, helped the GoFundMe our dearest friends started, any and all for helping us to realize how many more lives she touched than was known. This will not soon be forgotten.

At some point she said to write this: "In lieu of flowers, please adopt a cat."

Get to it.

-Duncan

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Hello everyone,

In this final update, Hillarie and I would like to say that it’s been an honor to be a part of what is possibly the most intimate and vulnerable part of someone’s life - their death.

Words truly cannot express how grateful we are to all of you who have so compassionately and selflessly donated your time and money to support two people whom we both love deeply.

There have been many tears and also some joy as a bit of their financial burden has been alleviated. Ivana and Duncan were able to spend her final days and hours together; your donations made that possible. YOU did that.

Thank you.

Jess and Hillarie