Octapeds in November

November is Pancreatic Awareness Month.

I realize that we're already nearly half-way through November, but I suppose that it's better late than never... And so, in honour of such an important topic and such an important month, here is the story of the ever-so-famous Octapeds!

The Octapeds for Langerhans (affectionately known as The Octapeds) is a team that was created in support of Auntie Becky, who was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer on September 17th, 2007. Auntie, you see, is a Marine Biologist by training and has studied octopusus (yes, that really is the plural!) for many, many years. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have been taught by Auntie remember all sorts of fabulous marine bio stories - not the least of which is that of an octopus in Hawaii with an excellent memory and a penchant for trouble.

The Octapeds were created specifically to participate in the first annual Lustgarten Foundation West Coast Walk in Santa Monica, CA. The Lustgarten Foundation is one of two national groups that does patient education and advocacy, as well as sponsoring pancreatic cancer research. (The other really fabulous organization is The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.) Now that all the pieces are in place, here is the etymology of the team name:

Octapeds - Octopods is the generic term of Octopusus. We were walkers so, "OctoPEDS" instead of "OctoPODS". The final name of "OctApeds" came about solely because I can't spell.

Langerhans - Langerhans is merely a shout-out to the pancreas. The Islets of Langerhans are cells in the pancreas. They are not, traditionally, the cells in which pancreatic cancer begins. Still, Langerhans is a cool pancreas-associated word and a great addition to the team name.

Put it all together and what do you have?!

THE OCTAPEDS FOR LANGERHANS!!!!

Yes, it is a fabulous (though nerdy) name and a fabulous team! (A super-big thanks to my friend, Brandon, for the team logo.)

And so, last March, a small handful of us: my cousins, their two children, and my good friend from grad school, all headed to the coastal promenade in Santa Monica for the First Annual West Coast Walk. Armed with loads of monetary pledges in support of the Lustgarten Foundation and really fabulous team t-shirts, we had no idea what to expect. Would other teams show up? Would it be really sad? Would it be really fun? We were so amazingly surprised -- it was a beautiful, clear morning on the Southern California Coast. In total, over 500 people attended the walk, including one team of fire-fighters that had nearly 100 participants. Some teams had special t-shirts, others came as-is. Some people had pictures of their loved ones, others walked anonymously. Everyone, and I mean everyone, came to the walk with stories, memories, and a deep commitment to increase pancreatic cancer awareness -- it was beautiful!

(We were the best dressed team, by far!)

(The walk, itself, was down the coastal promenade starting in ritzy Santa Monica, meandering into hippie Venice Beach, and then returning to Santa Monica. As we approached Venice, the crisp smell of salt-water we could so clearly smell in Santa Monica, was replaced by the sweet smell of pot -- hilarious! You could just close your eyes, take a deep breath and know exactly where you were!)

(Walking along the coastal promenade.)

Perhaps the most touching moment of the walk, for me anyway, was at the end. We had already crossed the finish line and were headed to the beach in a search for seaweed (the kids are obsessed with seaweed). We looked back just in time to see an older gentleman walking all by himself and holding a sign that read, "In memory of my wife [her name]". It was so sad. I had had so much fun that morning at the walk -- seeing that man really brought home the whole point of the walk. Pancreatic cancer -- well, really any kind of cancer -- sucks. We need to do anything and everything we can to fight it!

The 2nd Annual West Coast Walk is scheduled for March 8th, 2009 in Santa Monica, CA. The Octapeds will be there and we'd love for you to join us! Please mark it on your calendar and please come if you can! (We'll give you a fabulous team t-shirt -- promise!!)

And if you can't come, and would like a t-shirt (available in regular or girly-tee styles), we'll be selling them as a fund-raiser for Lustgarten! C'mon you know you want to be cool like us...