In Memory, and in Debt

I received an e-mail this morning with the subject line "In Memory of Randi Rosenberg" and froze in shock.

Randi was one of the founders of the Young Survival Coalition and a past president of the organization. I knew her slightly when I was active in the YSC, back in 2002. She was full of energy and determination, and a lovely person besides.

This is the second time I've received word of the passing of a YSC acquaintance—a fellow "young survivor" who survived years instead of decades. It is impossible to describe the particular form of grief that accompanies such news.

Both women worked tirelessly on behalf of their peers—including me—"to increase the quality and quantity of life" for young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

In both cases, the quantity was much too small.

Randi leaves an incredible legacy as an activist, and an incredible void in the lives of those who knew and loved her best. I expect that there will be many remembrances of her in the coming days and weeks. Here is one on the LIVESTRONG blog.

The YSC is accepting donations for the Randi Rosenberg Young Women's Leadership Fund. I just made a contribution in her memory, and I will do my best to honor and remember the contribution she made to the much-too-large—and still growing—community of young women contending with breast cancer.