Memorials

I am still working on memorial service details, and I hope to have them wrapped up today. I can tell you that there will be both a Washington D.C. service and a Montana service.  The Washington service will be in early January; the details of a Montana service are still being worked out.

For those of you who are wanting to send flowers or cards, or just to do something - thank you. Please, in lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of generosity that was so much a part of Kurt's heart, consider making a donation to one of the two organizations listed below. Kurt was a big supporter of both, and it would mean a lot to him to have their work supported. I am leaving town for a few weeks, so there won't be anyone here to receive flowers.

I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation
http://i2y.org/

I2Y is the only organization we found dedicated to cancer in young adults. As you all probably know, esophageal cancer is generally diagnosed late in life; it is unusual for someone as young as Kurt to face it. However, esophageal cancer is on the rise, and that increase is predominately in young men around Kurt's age.  Raising awareness about the unique issues young adults face when battling cancer is critical; Kurt and I encountered that lack of knowledge very often. Everything from fertility to long-term side effects to the emotional turmoil....it isn't like pediatric cancer and it isn't like cancer diagnosed late in life. I2Y is working to fill the gap, and Kurt was a fan of the group.

Personal checks can be mailed to I2Y along with a donor form, which can be downloaded here:

http://i2y.com/media/collateral/i2y_donate.pdf

Make sure to put Kurt's name in the memo of the check if you do not use the donor form – I2Y will account for every dollar given in his honor. The mailing address is:

I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation
40 Worth Street
Suite 801
New York, NY 10013

Alternatively, you can donate online through Network For Good.  Here is the shortcut link:

http://bit.ly/8SKIo6



Imerman Angels
http://imermanangels.org/index.php

Imerman Angels exists to make sure no one goes through cancer alone. The organization connects people to others battling the same disease, so that cancer fighters have someone who understands the experience. As close as Kurt and I are, there are some parts of his battle against cancer that I just can't understand. Imerman Angels works to bridge that gap by making connections all around the country.  Kurt reached out to Imerman Angels often, and was so looking forward to the day when he beat his cancer and could be a cheerleader and supporter for someone else. He wanted a victory story to share with the world. I know he would the work of Imerman Angels to be supported, even if he can't himself. 

Donations can be made on-line in memory of Kurt at http://imermanangels.org/make_a_donation/online_donation.php.

Checks, including a note indicating it is in memory of Kurt Owen, can be mailed to:

Imerman Angels

400 W. Erie Street, Suite 405
Chicago, IL  60654

A donor form for personal checks can be downloaded at http://imermanangels.org/make_a_donation/offline_donation.php.