Our mother was recently diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. We are devastated by this diagnosis as we have only known our mom as a tireless, energetic, fiercely independent woman with an insatiable curiosity and a zest for life. She had recently ventured into solo travel and had started big with a trip to New Zealand, planning her own route and exploring at will.

Our time as swimmers on Tide Swim Team introduced mom to the swimming world and led to full time employment for her after we had left home. Tide is not just a job to her, it is her second family.

She devoted her life to us as a stay at home mom and was a constant for us, despite the many moves we made when we were young. Mom is now "Grams" to two energetic little preschoolers and does not hesitate to visit them whenever she can, despite the 320 mile trip.

The path forward will certainly involve difficult medical treatments. Mom is in excellent health otherwise and she is not one to give up when she puts her mind to something so we know she will fight as long as she can. We will be right there with her, the way she has always been there for us.

(This photo captures our life growing up - Mom was always up for a good explore! Here we were exploring Old San Juan.)