In early 2011 we shared Jessica + Claire’s story about how they were coping with grief following the death of their father, Hal Hecht, in August 2010 from pancreatic cancer. Since we last heard from them, they have devoted themselves to helping find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
They have become actively involved at a local and national level with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. From meeting with legislators in Washington D.C for more funding for research to raising funds for today’s PurpleStride race (Houston’s first), the sisters are dedicated to the cause.
One of Claire’s friends had this to say about grief just after Hal’s death, “The journey of grief is a very long, hard journey. I often describe my grief as the ocean–some days the waves are so calm and far away & other days they are so very, very strong.”
Admittedly Claire and Jessica have had their share of days when the waves are strong, but also days filled with so much joy. I hope today is a joyous one.
After this morning’s race in Houston, the sisters are hosting the 'Purplepalooza' party which takes donations for their endowment fund. During Hal’s life, he was very vocal about being a proud father. Days before his death he told Claire, “I could not possibly be more proud of you.” I think today he would be.
Thank you to Jessica and Claire for their commitment to finding a cure and for continuing to share an honest picture of grief.
Would you like to share your story? Please get in touch with Kate's Club! KC has free grief support with grief resources, grief counseling resources, grief training, and volunteer work in Atlanta and surrounding places in Georgia. Kate's Club is a growing nonprofit in Atlanta with grief specialists for kids and young adults going through bereavement. Our goal is to make a world where it is okay to grieve.