As has become my annual tradition on 9/11, I will take the time to remember and know Raymond Rocha from Melrose Mass.  Ray was lost in the World Trade Center as he started his day at work for Cantor Fitzgerald.  I've read the stories of his life, the comments from his community and felt the loss of family and friends.  He was the All America kid!

Ray was a 1990 graduate of Melrose High School; an honor student, an athlete and a good friend.

According to Ray’s mother, Ann, her son would write those two words wherever he could — typed on unattended computers for users to find upon their return, scribbled on notebooks and even etched into wet concrete.  Through his friends and family Ray continues to "live."

Rocha played football in high school and at Brown University before moving to New York City. His number is retired at the Melrose High football field, and a replica of his jersey was placed in a wall at the middle school. Rocha wore number 17. 

Rocha accomplished much in his too-brief life. After excelling at Melrose High, he stood out at Brown University academically and athletically, and eventually took a job with prestigious financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald as a bond trader, working on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower.

Above all Ray was a friend ... He once told his friend, Andrea:

"our lives were shaped by each other, through thick and thin--we will always be there for each other, friend."

Those who wish may send donations in Ray Rocha's memory to either of the two scholarship funds:

The Ray Rocha Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Friends of Melrose Football, P.O. Box 1461, Melrose, MA 02176; or The Ray Rocha Scholarship Fund, c/o Melrose High School, 360 Lynn Fells Parkway, Melrose, MA 02176.

To particpate in Project 2,996 and honor someone lost go to:  http://project2996.wordpress.com/

Since my cancer diagnosis I have started to take a number of supplements to help strengthen my immune system.  Each night I take one that causes me problems!  It tastes yucky.  I have a hard time swallowing. I just don't like it! 

Last night after again suffering through this stupid pill I asked "why am I doing this?"  I honestly couldn't remember why I was torturing myself with this stupid supplement! 

So I did a little bit of research and was reminded that Glutamine is known to protect the intestinal system from the ill-effects of chemo and radiation.  It is also helps to support muscle function and contributes to healing after surgery, especially abdominal surgery.

OH ... that's why!  I think I will now take that supplement FIRST and look forward to it!

In the past month I have been in contact with so many women who have inspired me, strengthened me and supported me as I find my way through the process of living life with cancer.  While I get to spend the next 4-6 months killing this monster, so many of them have spent far longer.  My six weeks of chemo is nothing compared to their 6 months or worse yet 2 years! 

I have a support system - many of them do not!

I have decent insurance - many of them do not!

I have found this monster early and he has been contained - for them, the story is much different.

So as I sit here today, I realize that I am one of the lucky ones.  I have a cancer that can be cured.

I have spent time getting to know Raymond Rocha from Melrose Mass.  I've read the stories of his life, the comments from his community and felt the loss of family and friends.  He was the All America kid!

Ray was a 1990 graduate of Melrose High School.  An honor student, an athletic and a good friend.

According to Ray’s mother, Ann, her son would write those two words wherever he could — typed on unattended computers for users to find upon their return, scribbled on notebooks and even etched into wet concrete.  Through his friends and family Ray continues to "live."

Rocha accomplished much in his too-brief life. After excelling at Melrose High, he stood out at Brown University academically and athletically, and eventually took a job with prestigious financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald as a bond trader, working on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower.

Above all Ray was a friend ... He once told his friend, Andrea:

"our lives were shaped by each other, through thick and thin--we will always be there for each other, friend."

Those who wish may send donations in Ray Rocha's memory to either of the two scholarship funds:

The Ray Rocha Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Friends of Melrose Football, P.O. Box 1461, Melrose, MA 02176; or The Ray Rocha Scholarship Fund, c/o Melrose High School, 360 Lynn Fells Parkway, Melrose, MA 02176.