Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of Cindy.

My family has been praying for her for quite some time. Unfortunately for us who are left behind, the answer to prayer was not the one we were looking for. Only Cindy truly knows the Glory of the Heavenly Kingdom as she has been "promoted" to eternal bliss (a phrase coined by melanoma victim and close friend Ben Evans). I am never good at "these things", but I felt compelled to let you know how much I appreciated your dedication to MPIP and how incredibly helpful it was to us from the first day of my father's diagnosis. Led by our Glorious God and inspired by Cindy's courageous battle you have provided a ministry to those suffering from this wretched disease. My family will never be able to thank you enough for sharing your talents with those less fortunate than you. Through MPIP, Cindy's memory will be eternal.................... God bless and keep you, Carol Smith

Words cannot alone express how sorry I am to hear this news. Cindy must have been, indeed, a wonderful friend and sister-in-law. The MPIP is truly a fitting tribute to her memory. Pete

I couldnt help thinking of you today and the STORY OF CINDY you had been sharing with us on an on-going basis for some time. I am currently busy directing the stage adaptation of CHARLOTTE'S WEB for my home town community theatre called the Zona Gale Center here in Portage, Wisconsin. Every time I work with this story it reminds me of the TIMELESS or FOREVER quality of a story that is passed on to willing listeners. As a teacher, the TIMELESSNESS aspect of a story became truly clear to me several years ago when I was exploring adapting CHARLOTTES WEB for the stage. I live on Lake Wisconsin and the closest library back then was the one room Lodi Library shared with the city police station where the open hours were posted as WHEN THE LIBRARIAN IS IN. One day I was passing through downtown and saw the librarian moving about, so I parked and went immediately inside. I asked the rhetorical question, Do you have a copy of CHARLOTTES WEB I could sit and reread while Im here. She, of course, had several copies because of its popularity. She told me she was on her way to the elementary school to bring back some third graders participating in a summer book reading program, but that I should make myself comfortable while she was gone. So, I sat down at one of those tiny round tables made for young children and in one of those tiny little chairs with my knees up to my chin and started to read CHARLOTTES WEB, again. Skim-reading most of it and slowing for the parts I enjoyed the most, I was just beginning to read the part where Charlotte tells Wilbur she is soon to die and with a true understanding of friendship asks Wilbur if he will take care of her children. I began to cry. I was so engrossed in the story that I had not heard the third graders enter and begin their browsing about. I was suddenly aware of one little boy staring at me with great concern. I realized he was probably a little disturbed that I was crying as tears were stoically running down my face. Seeing the boy, I felt immediately self conscious. I held up the book to show him what I was reading and said to him, Charlotte died. With a look of relief, the brave boy came to me, but a hand on my shoulder - the shoulder of a total stranger - and said, Its OK, she dies every time. I finally understood the quality of timelessness in a story.

Last night my actors and I were working on that very scene, Charlottes last scene with Wilbur before she dies. I cried again. Every time the story of CHARLOTTES WEB is told, whether through storytelling, theatre, animation, dance, visual arts, or reading, we feel the emotion and we understand a little more about our humanity. Most importantly, we never forget. I had struggled for years to find a way to explain the power, cultural importance, and timelessness of the STORY to my students. A third grader was able to do it perfectly in one attempt, Its OK, she dies every time. He had obviously read this book more than once and HE also was deeply moved every time. Cindys story is just as powerful, important, and timeless. If you keep telling it, we will never forget and Cindy will continue to share with us forever. Stuart

I just wanted to say I am very sorry to hear of your sister-in-law's passing. At the same time I want to thank you for MPIP. I lost my wife earlier this year. But one of the things that helped me through her disease progression was that web page. It gave me knowledge and understanding of the disease, and gave me the peace of mind of knowing that my wife's physician was doing everything she could do to help her. Your sister-in-law, and brother were fortunate to have you in their corner. Phil Costic

You have my heart-felt sympathy for the loss of your sister-in-law. May you find peace with time. Sincerely, Sheila Bostick

I just read of Cindy's passing. My thoughts are with you and Cindy's family. Unfortunatly I know too well the misery caused by this "vile" disease. Please accept my condolences. Mike McNinch President, Melanoma Research Foundation

My heart goes out to you. The MPIP page is the best memorial you could have created, and now that I know the story, I will keep Cindy in my thoughts and prayers each time I visit the site. May you find peace with this tragedy. David

I am so sad that Cindy was unable to be relieved of this disease. Your tribute to her through MPIP is one of the most touching things I've known of. You couldn't do much to cure Cindy, but you have helped so many of us. I personally want to share your loss and thank you for sharing so much with us. Peace to you and the rest of the family. Martha Jondle (Mel-L)

I am truly sorry for your loss and for the rest of Cindy's family. I can't tell you how bad I feel to have to add another name to the deceased list. I know that we all must die once, but still it is hard to let go of those we love and spend so much of our lives with. God bless you dear Jeff and thank you for passing along the information. In Christ's love, Chanty

Jeff - I'm so sorry - when you have been relatively quiet, I feared that Cindy was not bouncing back. Although I was raised and continue to be a Christian - since I lost my Mom at a young age, I have envisioned heaven as anything from a cotton candy cloud world with gardens and flowing streams to reincarnation as a daisy in a field somewhere. Of course none of us knows what we go to - but I remain fast in my belief that God did a great job with this existence in so many ways that what comes next must be perfect - free of disease and pain and separation. I hope you share a belief that Cindy's spirit has survived to a better existence that you'll share and reunite in some day. But of course this leaves those of us who have to deal with some nasty realities and how you and your family will have to reorder life around the gaping hole Cindy has left. I'm certain the next few days will be filled with condolences and much to do - but in the weeks to follow as that reordering inevitably begins, please know of the caring from people who are so grateful for what you have given in Cindy's honor. Few people get a glimpse of their impact on others - your creation and maintenance of this forum and the availability of a mm resource are a tremendous gift to so very many people and your gift in her honor is good medicine and may even be a life saver to some because it may help them to seek and understand the kind of care they can/should get for this silent killer. I know this may be painful and frustrating for you - it wasn't enough to keep Cindy alive, the thing I'm sure you wanted most of all. I watched the frustration my Dad's oncologist faced last year when the treatment she managed for my Dad led to an extension and increase in the quality of my Dad's life while she and her Dad's other doctors were unable to save her own father from the same disease. I've been forever impressed by her courage to keep going when I think I might have walked away from medicine for a while. She's Jewish and doesn't believe in an afterlife - just knows that her actions and conduct are a reflection of the life her father gave her and thru her actions she can honor his memory. It's just not fair - the amount YOU put in SHOULD BE equalled by what YOU get back. When you enable an answer to someone else's prayers you should have your own met. I wish there

was something we could all give back to have made that possible for you Jeff. You and your family are in my prayers. Gail Gill Turek

We mourn with you and your family. Your pages are indeed a memorial for Cindy, but it would be far better to have her with you, I know. You are all in my heart, Susan Houghton

This is just terrible, terrible, terrible. I know you have been "on the list but not of the list" so to speak and with only a few brief mentions of her, this is really a sad moment for me, and I don't know you much or don't know her at all. Thank you for all you have done to put together so much helpful information. I just feel so bad that all this work and effort and thought and prayer did not pull her from melsuckanoma's grasp. I am just so sorry for you, her husband and boys. Mark

I don't know what hurts worse. Deleting a name from the prayer list and putting them on the dearly beloved list. Or, adding to the list new names of victims of the "Vile Disease." The blessing of this disease is that it has brought many good people together for a common cause. But,it ends there. This is a vile and mean cancer. But, I praise God that Cindy no longer suffers this disease. In Christ's love, All of my love, Chanty

I am so so sorry. My heart aches for you and your family. When will this ever stop? Love and prayers, Penny Benson

My eyes are filled with tears as I write this. I am truly sorry for your loss, please read that , our loss of Cindy. I feel it was God's plan she pass on when she did, he must have sorely missed her in heaven above. I am for one certainly glad the MPIP was initiated, think of all the M.M. patients and families that have been helped by this site, it has certainly helped to inform me concerning the disease we "share". Remember what Paul said in 1Corinthians15:50-55. I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inhert the kintgdom of God, nor does the

perishable inherit the imperishable. ....."Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?" (NIV). Thank you Lord for sharing Cindy with us, even though it was such a short time. She touched many lives with a gentle, kind touch. Thank you for Cindy, and Jeff's decision to start this page, it has helped countless families, and will continue to provide support for those of us still on this Earthly plane. Thank you for all the prayers answered. For we know your will is best, for no "man" can truly know what is best, for although we are knowledgeable, you have provided what little knowledge man has. For many things are still hidden from our eyes, that will be revealed when we too join you in your kingdom. We hope our attempt to serve you is pleasing to you, and Father we pray that you guide, and continue to protect us from the evil one, who is trying so hard to get us to give up on all your promises, and "settle" for what this World can provide. Father we know that way lies in certain separation from you, which is the second death. Father thanks again for the support and comfort we can find on this page. Thank you for your Perfect Son Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for all our sins, that we may stand before you blameless, and live forever with you in Heaven above. In your Son's name We pray, Amen. I am so very sorry to hear about Cindy although I'm sure her soul and body are at rest now. Please tell her family how many people's prayers are with them right now. I thank God for you and Pete everyday. You can't imagine how much y'all have helped me and my family. Take care, Paige

You -- and Cindy -- have been an inspiration us all. You, in particular, are an example of turning a negative into a positive. God bless you and may Cindy be aglow in his adorable presence. Pat

My prayers, my thoughts, my tears, my heart, go out to you and Cindy's family. Just received a card for Dan and the poem on it by Mary Alice Michaels, as follows: Behind every cloud There's a rainbow with sunshine And skies of blue So always remember that if you have faith Peace will come to you. I'm sure that Cindy is at peace now, and hopefully you will be at peace knowing that. Love, Prayers, and (((hugs))) Arlene

I am so sorry to hear of your, and your whole family's loss. I personally feel strange knowing that I have benefitted greatly from your dedication to mm patients. It was because of Cindy's struggle that you became involved. While I know, from personal experience, how truly important MPIP is to melanoma patients who are struggling to find their way, I can't help but feel that our help came at way too high a price. With great sadness, Lisa Boone

I am very sorry - know that Cindy and her close ones are in my prayers. Thank you for all you have done to help others. With sympathy, Sherry

I am so sad for you and your family. Cindy will remain in my thoughts. Your unselfish love for her is testimony to me of the wonderful person she was. My sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Pam Purcel

I said a rosary for Cindy today...something I haven't done in years...I will continue to remember her (and you) in my prayers. Pam Purcell

I have felt Cindy's loving-kindness expressed through you and your work here, and I am thankful. My thoughts are with you and her husband, children, parents, and other family during this very difficult time. Jean (wife of Steve who had a recurrence in March '96)

Jeff, As many blessings as I can possibly give to you and your family. I hope Cindy knew before she left her family how much this bulletin board has helped those afflicted with MM. Please take care of yourself, our thoughts are with you. Stephen Beyer

Life is about the struggle and with Cindy's help, we have found a place, through you Jeff, that reminds us that we are not alone in this particular struggle. My thoughts and best wishes are with you and your loved ones. Stuart

I was very saddened when I heard about Cindy's passing. This must be a terrible loss to you and her family and friends. Your response to her disease was to create this center of

knowlwdge, and we are all thankful for that. Abe

Four weeks ago today I found out I had MM. I am recuperating and have an excellent prognosis. I have only known about the MPIP for about 2 weeks. The feelings of each and every person on this b.board comes through loud & clear. I have been deeply touched by the comments in only two weeks. I will continue to pray for the mm patients and their families in the days ahead. God bless you. Grant

May the love and prayers of all those you have helped, myself included, give you strength now. How lucky Cindy was to have you in her life, and how blessed you were to have her in your life. Joanne Ontko

My sincere sympathies to you and Cindy's family. My blessings to all you who try and fight this disease with all your might. My husband, Mike, died Apr 11, 1996 after being disease-free of melanoma for over 26 years. MPIP gave me much needed info and support when we needed it most, and with the knowledge I gained, gave me confidence Mike was being treated correctly. I often wondered why you were the keeper of the board, and now I know. God bless. Peace and love, Melanie

I send my heartfelt condolences to your family. Thank you for honoring Cindy and blessing so many lives by starting MPIP Gerry Baumgarten

I'm so sorry Jeff! Let me take this opportunity to thank you for MPIP, without which I may have missed MEL-L,and certainly would be less informed. eliz

I am so sorry to hear about Cindy. I know it must be hard for you and your family, especially for the children to lose their mother. We are just beginning this battle and am eternally grateful for this MPIP as well as the Mel-L. It has certainly gotten me through many rough moments this past month. I just hope you can find some solace in the fact that her struggle has helped others. God Bless you and yours.

My heart goes out to you ,but you must realize that God's plan for Cindy is done here. She will go to A better place without pain to rest. I would like to pray for the ones left behind because they have the pain now. I have never met any of you, but I cry along with you as I write this. My love and wishes for those Cindy left behind. Ronnie Smith

What can anyone say at a time like this? Those of us and our loved ones who live under the shadow of this monster know how fragile and precious life can be. But when the beast takes one of our beloved ones that fact is brought home with painful force My heart aches for you and the rest of Cindy's family and my prayers are with you all -- especially for that bright new star in the sky tonight. Please know what your efforts and dedication to the BB have meant to all of us. God Bless. Still keeping the faith, even when it's so hard to do, Bill R.