I would like to take a moment to honor my old childhood friend Leigh Sakoda who died today at 34 from cervical cancer. She had a very rare type, small cell neuroendocrine cancer of the cervix, caused supposedly by HPV-strain 16 that is fast moving and very aggressive. While she fought hard and tried just about ever therapy known to have any success. Sadly, she did not make it and has passed on to a peaceful place where she will be free of this terrible disease. I have great memories of baking cookies and then watching James Bond movies in her father’s office as well as singing our hearts out and re-enacting Madonna videos in her guesthouse. She will be missed and I just wanted to take a moment to honor her. She is survived by her dog Wasabi, her loving husband Harry, her parents and brother. They have set up a non-profit organization in her honor to help women with rare forms of cancer called The Leigh Sakoda Foundation. Please visit her website for more information on how you can give and make a difference.
A tribute to my childhood friend
October 20th, 2009 · 7 Comments
Tags: Uncategorized · Vintage Tuesday
7 responses so far ↓
1 sara // Oct 20, 2009 at 10:27 pm
That is a very sad news. My heart goes out to you. We really have to bring more awareness into this world about HPV.
May your friend rest in peace.
2 ecomamasguide // Oct 21, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I'm sorry for your loss.
xo
Eco Mama
3 Julia // Oct 25, 2009 at 7:08 pm
I couldn't read this without commenting. I hope her family can find some peace with her passing.
4 Christie // Oct 28, 2009 at 11:11 am
So sorry to hear of you loss.
She was a beautiful person.
5 bueller // Oct 29, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Thank you for all your kind comments! Much appreciated!
xoxo
Bueller
6 ajaypowell // Oct 31, 2009 at 10:18 am
I want to give my condolences to the loss of such a good friend. No matter where she is right now, she's very happy knowing that her family established a foundation that would help others who suffer from cervical cancer.
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7 Dead Sea Mineral Cosmetics // Mar 16, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Although quite some time, your loss is also felt by your readers. It's sad to note that rare diseases still cut short the life of helpless victims. The more we should not take for granted our health-only consume toxic-free food. Refrain from preservatives that likely trigger the disease to spread quickly.
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