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Seven short months ago today, the world lost one of the most influential men in my life. My grandfather, Linvel Jones, was a caring father, brother, grandfather, and nephew who was hardworking and steadfast in his actions. For those who knew him, pretty much anyone would say he had a weakness when it came to me. “Papa”, as I called him, was always quick to pick me up from school, slip me a little money whenever he had some cash, play school with me, and even let me dress him up. Perhaps I’m a little biased, but he basically embodies the “World’s Best Grandpa”. College definitely put a strain on our relationship. Although I was still living in the same city, I didn’t have quite the flexibility in my schedule anymore to stay at my grandparents house on weeknights or go over for dinner after school. It was especially hard for Papa and my grandmother, Anne, to understand why I wanted to study abroad.
The first time around, in the summer of 2013, I told my grandpa over the phone that I had purchased my plane tickets to spend nearly two months in Mexico. I distinctly remember him pulling out their set of encyclopedias, circa 1979, to look up the regions where I was to study. It was during that trip, however, that I got the phone call that my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. Sitting in my hotel room in Puerto Vallarta, I made the immediate decision to change my flight and come home to be with Papa. I spent the next several weeks helping drive him to and from radiation and chemo treatments. It was so hard to see such a strong man be so down and dependent, but I knew that my support meant the world to him. My grandfather made a remarkable recovery after undergoing fifteen treatments that enabled him to go back to walking in the park and mall and doing his favorite task – yard work.
In March of 2014, we learned that the cancer had returned, stronger than ever, and had metastasized to his bones and spine. My grandfather was moved from hospital to hospital and eventually to Hospice care at the local VA Hospital where I am proud to say he received some of the best care from the kindest medical professionals. On August 27, 2014, my sweet grandfather passed away after all treatment had been stopped because nothing could prevent the cancer from spreading further. I was with him not even an hour before he took his last breath, and as distraught as I was, I was relieved to know he was finally free from pain. On April 10-11th, I will be participating in Relay for Life at the University of Kentucky. This event is a celebration of life for cancer survivors and a time of remembrance for those we have lost to the disease. The fundraising associated with the event will contribute to cancer research, but also to local patients’ cancer treatment and transportation to and from doctor’s visits. I am so proud of my team that has reached 35% of our goal this far — Kappa Delta is walking on behalf of not only my grandfather, but of other friends and family members who we’ve lost to a disease we’ve yet to cure. Please consider donating to my team, any contribution will help us reach our team goal. With the money raised at our Relay for Life event, in conjunction with numerous others around the country, we can hopefully one day finish the fight — for good.
