My best friend from grade school, Betsy, called me one night near Thanksgiving 2000 -  to tell me she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She said she didn't want to call but her husband made her.

(I'm a nurse so she knew I'd take things seriously)

We've been typical best friends -  jumping on trampolines, going out to her family's farm, ogling boys at both of our schools, playing sports, getting into all sorts of shenanigans, watching each other get married, have kids - the usual events that happen in life.

This was the first friend I knew who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I told her I would do anything to help her.

High School Betsy

Betsy before diagnosis

Betsy's sister Cathy and me  (we all hung out together)

Our early 20's

2000

I got the call 2000