Ride, Jim, Ride
After I published the last entry, 1 in 7.53 Billion, I realized how my view of who B was is so grounded in my own experience of him. When B was sick and after he died, the kids and I got to learn so many more dimensions of B by hearing about who he was before we knew him and what he meant to other people. Fortunately, all of these dimensions made us see him better and love him more.
Some of you may remember B’s friend, Jim, who worked with B and spoke at the memorial service back in January (Here’s a link to Jim’s amazing remarks). Jim stayed close with B throughout his cancer journey, continuing to treat B as a trusted colleague and friend, and always seeing his mind, spirit, and humor despite the changes in B’s body and prognosis. It’s hard to put into words what a gift this was.
Jim is riding in the PanMass challenge this summer in honor of B and others in Jim’s life who have been affected by cancer. You can read Jim’s comments below.
I am grateful that, through B, now Jim and his amazing wife, Kyoko, are good friends to me, the kids, and crazy Callie too. I had hoped to try to ride the PanMass challenge this year but it doesn’t work for me with our family’s travel. Hopefully next year, and hopefully some of you will join me. Until then, no pressure, but if you feel so inclined, please consider supporting Jim in his quest.
Peace and love,
NW
Here’s Jim’s note:
Dear Friends, Colleagues, Family, and Community Members,
Cancer takes no vacation and really doesn't care. Last year, I wrote requesting donations so I could ride to honor two people dear to me: a young relative and a close work colleague. I promised not to become a serial rider pestering you for annual donations. Many of you responded and helped me raise a signficant number of charity dollars for the cause. I'm happy to report that my relative is doing well after receiving treatment at DF.
Bart Wise, my close colleague and friend, lost his life to pancreatic cancer in late December 2018 leaving a lovely wife and two young and bright children. Bart wasn’t just committed to his work and colleagues, he was committed to a mission of developing new and effective treatments for serious diseases. His continued efforts even as his own disease borne down on him shows that his mind and heart were always set beyond just thinking of himself. During 2018, in addition to treatment, his days were filled with numerous interactions with lawyers, scientists, and business people. He promised he could maintain focus throughout and was adamant that we not make a big deal about his battle with cancer. He proved true to his word, helping his colleagues reach lofty goals. Bart was integral to these successes and he never missed a beat. Neither chemotherapy, its side effects, nor his multiple painful procedures prevented him from meeting his professional commitments with integrity, grit, and humor. He asked me to ride one more time in his honor and that, I will do.
Hoping you can support the memory of my colleague and friend, Bart Wise, one more time.
Thank you,
Jim Weissman