Ricky's Victory

Memorial Golf Tournament

Jerry Smith — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:54:00 GMT

Memorial Golf Tournament details

Amazing friends and family

Jerry Smith — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:34:00 GMT

What amazing friends and family... I’ve been overwhelmed by emails, letters, cards, flowers, well wishes, etc. And even more by the concern for me. The latter has been a bit awkward. Like Ricky – or maybe because of Ricky – it’s more my nature to care for others. I’m not comfortable being the focal point.

The most common question is “how are you doing”. To be honest, I don’t know the answer and from what I’m told, no two people grieve the same. If not sleeping, having no focus and wanting to talk/read/think about Ricky are normal at this stage than I guess I'm doing fine. It’s just a stage I need to go through.

Someone quite close to me used to be annoyed by her husband’s efforts to “take care of her.” I would not brand her a feminist, but she was of the opinion that she was quite capable of taking care of herself. I tried without much success to convince her that marriage was about the strength of the partnership. I tried to explain to her how I woke up each day with a desire to make Ricky’s day better, happier, easier. I know that Ricky did the same. The miracle of marriage is that two together are stronger than either would be alone. I think she finally understands what I was talking about.

I was thirty years old when I married Ricky, and I was doing an okay job on my own. I know that I’ll be okay, and also that I’ll never really be alone. Now I will wake each day with an unending desire to keep Ricky’s legacy alive. So, on that note, how are you? Please let me know.

Love and gratitude,
Gael

Tough Day...

Jerry Smith — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:35:00 GMT

Today was tough. I met with the Lions to review benefits, pension, etc. I know I’m lucky to even have these things to discus… but still it was difficult. Even more difficult was cleaning out Ricky’s personal items from his office. I was not prepared for this. I guess I just didn’t want to think about it.

I’m getting used to the loneliness. It’s the emptiness that is unexpected. I thought I would be overcome with memories and emotion. But I’m not… there’s just an emptiness and sadness. Even Wow-ee and Gidget feel it. They are usually bouncing off the walls by 6:00 am… Today at 11:30 I had to make them get up and eat. I guess this too will pass in time.

One of the things that Ricky struggled with the last few months was the feeling that he was failing in his promise to take care of me. This bothered him a lot, regardless of how much I assured him that he had more than lived up to his promise. To “take care” of someone can be defined in so many ways…the most obvious of which is in the material sense. But Ricky took care of me in a much more remarkable way… with a love that was all encompassing and unconditional. He continues to keep his promise as his love – which remains forever in my heart – has made me a better person.

The last promise that I made to Ricky was that I would be okay and that he didn’t have to worry about me. Today, I can’t tell you when I will “feel okay” or how I will do it. But a promise made is a promise kept and I will be okay.

Love to all,
Gael

Hundreds remember, mourn Ricky Sandoval (JO-ANN BARNAS • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER)

Jerry Smith — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:57:00 GMT

Link to article

Funeral Arrangements

Jerry Smith — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:27:00 GMT

Funeral arrangements are as follows (addresses listed below):

MONDAY – JULY 6
AJ Desmond & Sons Funeral Home
Visitation: 2-8 p.m.
Scripture Readings: 6:30 p.m.
Eulogies: 7 p.m.

TUESDAY – JULY 7
St. Thomas Moore Church
Visitation at Church: 9:30 a.m.
Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m.
Reception Following Mass: TBD

FRIDAY - JULY 10
Burial Service: 9:00 a.m. St. Francis Cemetery, Phoenix
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. St. Gregory, Phoenix

AJ DESMOND & SONS FUNERAL HOME
www.desmondfuneralhome.com
2600 Crooks Road, Troy, MI -- ¼ mile south of Big Beaver Road
248-362-2500

ST. THOMAS MOORE CHURCH
4580 North Adams Road, Troy, MI – just south of Long Lake Road
248-647-2222

ST. FRANCIS CEMETERY
2033 N 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008-3347
(602) 267-1329

ST. GREGORY
3424 N 18th Ave, Phoenix, AZ
(602) 264-4488

All information also will be available at www.desmondfuneralhome.com.

A special hotel room rate of $39.00/night plus tax, has been arranged at the:
Doubletree Hotel Dearborn
5801 Southfield Expressway, Detroit
(313) 336-3340
www.doubletree1.hilton.com

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Ricky's name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).

Ricky is home...

Jerry Smith — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:07:00 GMT

Earlier this morning, Thursday, July 2, 2009, 2:19 AM Eastern, the love of my life went home to Heaven. Hallelujah! Praise God.

Services will be held next week in Detroit and in Phoenix. Details will be shared once finalized.

Ricky Sandoval: 1960-2009 by Tom Leyden

Jerry Smith — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:53:00 GMT

Life is defined by moments when the winds change and unforeseen obstacles present themselves. For Ricky Sandoval, his moment was the afternoon of May 30, 2006, when doctors told him he had 3-5 months to live.
How do you absorb a blow like that? What in life prepares you to shoulder such news?
Ricky breathed deeply, digested the diagnosis and figuratively shoved it back in the doctor’s face. He grabbed his pancreatic cancer by the neck, strangled it with all his might and cracked open a beer five months later to celebrate what seemed at the time like a notable accomplishment.

It was just the start.

Today, 37 months after the initial diagnosis and two days after his 49th birthday, Ricky Sandoval went home to God.

I can’t bear to write the words “lost his battle or succumbed to cancer,” with any form of sincerity. Growing as close to Ricky as I have in the last three years, I know he’d cringe at the notion.

At some point during this fight, Ricky separated mind and body. He coupled his warrior spirit with an implausible attitude to motivate, inspire and amaze thousands of people.

No matter how lousy he felt, he did everything in his power to make sure you didn’t know. Ricky was more interested in your life, your journey.

“How are the girls?” was his favorite question whenever we talked. He loved to hear stories about my daughters, and if he didn’t, he faked it pretty well.

Tuesday, I joined many others in wishing Ricky a happy birthday in his hospital room. Though he was physically ravaged, Ricky still managed to smile, laugh and acknowledge the kindness of everyone in the room.

Through hacking coughs and winces of pain, every request was accompanied by a please and thank you.

He was overwhelmed by a level of excitement his body couldn’t handle anymore, but his mind cherished. He lit up when his dogs, Gidget and Wowee, paid him a final visit.

The body lying in the hospital bed betrayed a mind that changed lives. Ricky was always positive, thinking about the next challenge, the next round of chemo, the next trip up north with his wife, Gael.

He took countless phone calls from other people fighting cancer, offered them encouragement and passed along words of wisdom. In February, he told me the toughest part of being so generous with his time was growing close to people and sharing in their pain when they said goodbye to loved ones.

Now I know how he felt. Today, we’re sharing in Gael’s pain as we say goodbye to a dear friend and professional colleague.

“Fighting to Live” were the words that fueled Ricky Sandoval, but a simple slogan can’t capture his impact on those around him. The trail of inspiration he left behind is sprinkled with lessons each of us should remember when it’s our time to fight.

As I left Ricky’s room Tuesday, figuring it would be our last time together, I grabbed his hand, kissed him on the forehead and said, “I love you. You’re an amazing guy.”

He responded by saying, “We’ll see you soon. Say hi to the girls for me.”

What else did I expect to hear?

Ricky Update

Jerry Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:11:00 GMT

Ricky is beginning to slip away. The signs were apparent this morning. His breathing is much slower, he is sleeping significantly more. When awake, he is at times sharp as a tack and other times a bit disoriented. He is comfortable and is not in pain.

This is a day I prayed would never come. But while my heart breaks, I know that this is a journey that will not end in sadness. He is going home to our Lord and for this I rejoice. I hope you will join me.

…the time has come for my departure.
I have fought the good fight.
I have finished the race.
I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.
2 Timothy 4: 6-8

All our love,
Gael and Ricky

Happy 49th!

Jerry Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:06:00 GMT

It has been quite a special birthday for Ricky. Friends have been stopping by with cards, a cake, crawfish pie, and even a teddy bear; calling and texting and emailing—sending wishes in a multitude of ways. The biggest surprise for Ricky was a visit from Gidget and Wowee! Yes, we actually got permission from the hospital to bring our golden retrievers up for a visit. My sister and her family also arrived (anticlimactic to the dogs).

Ricky’s spirit is undaunted by the battle waging in his body. Even as he struggles to clear the thickening mucus from his throat so he can speak a few words, his unique sense of humor is still present and he shows us how to walk this path. His birthday is nearing its end and he is tired from all the excitement and just keeping up the fight.

Once again we are so grateful for the love demonstrated in the care and support of Ricky’s “family.”

Love,
Gael and Ricky

Late Night

Jerry Smith — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:05:00 GMT

Good morning everyone,

A comfortable evening for Ricky made better with visits from several friends turned into a tough late night in Karmanos Room 9217. A two hour battle with congestion that Ricky could not clear - no matter how hard he coughed - caused his oxygen levels to plunge. His breathing finally stabilized shortly after 4:00 A.M., but continues to be monitored closely.

I wish I could respond to all of the wonderful posts and emails. One day soon I will give it my best try. Ricky and I read and appreciate them all, from the ones that make us laugh to the ones that make us wonder can they really be writing such nice things about us.

In reading the posts and emails it is evident that all those who know Ricky know that he is a fighter. His dedication in this toughest of fights has already made him a winner in countless ways. And I think we are all winners for having him in our lives. (Bias admitted!!)

Sixteen years ago in front of God I vowed “in sickness and in health”, and more recently, I made a promise to Ricky to keep him comfortable and as pain free as possible. This is my singular focus and an honor I do with all the love my heart and soul can give. I can only hope that I do as well as Ricky would most certainly do for me and I will be eternally grateful to all those that are supporting us in this journey.

Updates will continue…

Love,
Gael

Hospital stay continues

Jerry Smith — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:13:00 GMT

It took until nearly midnight to get Ricky fully settled in with all the blood work, catheter, morphine pump, medications, etc., but he was able to get a good night’s rest and his blood pressure has improved to a much more stable 110/56.

Kidney function remains a concern and Ricky will stay in the hospital where this can be monitored. Medically, there is nothing they can do so this is in God’s hands... where of course it has always been. The focus is on keeping him comfortable and the Karmanos staff is doing a very good job.

Jr. and Jessie - Ricky’s brother and nephew – delayed their return to Phoenix and are here, as are Steve, Tracey and my niece Marcie, so Ricky is surrounded with family and love.

It’s impossible not to feel all the love in the messages that are posted, the calls and emails, and from your prayers.

All our love and gratitude,
Gael and Ricky

Low blood pressure has landed Ricky in the hospital.

Jerry Smith — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Hi everyone,

Earlier this afternoon, I called the visiting nurse because his
legs began weeping from the swelling. When she came out to assess
his legs she also checked his vitals. His blood pressure was
alarmingly low – 50/76 – and she urged us to go to the emergency
room.

Ricky is stable and comfortable at Karmanos. They will keep him
overnight to monitor, possibly longer.

I’ll post an update later this evening or in the morning.

Please keep those prayers...

Fluid

Jerry Smith — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:53:00 GMT

They drained three liters from Ricky’s abdomen today, providing some relief, although it looks like it will only be temporary. The fluid build-up is affecting not just his breathing, but also mobility and pain levels. Really need this chemo drug to kick-in!
Terry Foster wrote a nice story on Ricky in The Detroit News today. I can't post a link from CarePages, but if you go to www.detnews.com and checkout the sports section you can read the article. The headline is "This Lions Official Beats Odds."
Earlier this week we received an email from a woman that was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in Sept 06, just a few months after Ricky. She too was given just months to live and she accepted it. Two months later she read the feature article that Jarrett Bell wrote about Ricky for USA Today. She decided if he could fight so could she. Two years and nine months later her scans are clean. No cancer.
As any loved one does, I wonder why. We are both very strong in our faith, and believe that God has a purpose, although one we might not ever fully understand.
Through emails such as hers I see how Ricky has given hope to others through his personal battle. I wish more than anything that we had never heard of pancreatic cancer (and we hadn’t prior to his dx!!!) but, if his fight can help others in their fight, praise God.

Best,
Gael

Mitomycin Round II

Jerry Smith — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:50:00 GMT

Ricky had chemo as scheduled today. The protocol calls for chemo week one and then three to four weeks off before the next infusion. We’re at three weeks off and with Ricky’s insistence they went ahead with treatment. I think at least one member of our medical team wanted to wait another week or halt treatment entirely. This is not where Ricky is in his game plan.
Breathing remains the biggest concern, along with the accompanying inconveniences and frustration. Our other issue is that neither of our vehicles is equipped to deal with this. His F150 is too high and my car is too low and won’t fit a wheelchair or even a walker. (I feel Goldilocks pain!) We’re working to get this resolved.
It’s hard on a beautiful spring day for Ricky to see others do what he so enjoyed doing and not be able to join in. And it’s hard to watch as well.
Dr. P commented that Ricky continues to surprise him. Just when he expects him to take a turn for the worse he comes in better than expected. That’s what we’re praying for. Better days.

Our love and thanks to all those praying alongside us.

Gael and Ricky

Status quo...

Jerry Smith — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:07:00 GMT

Not much new to report… Ricky had a check-up today and he seems to be tolerating the chemo well with fatigue being the major side effect. Infusions are spaced three to four weeks apart based on his cell counts so his next treatment will be June 10th or June 17th. Hoping for June 10th!

The fluid build-up in his abdomen and legs continues. It’s causing significant discomfort and unfortunately there are not many options to eliminate this. If the chemo works it should also get this under control. Time will tell.

On the home front, our friends have rallied around us with amazing support – lots of visits and food and most importantly prayers! All are welcome and appreciated. And our other Siamese, Nanny-cat, continues to look for Harley.

Every day brings both joy and sadness. I’ve come to realize you wouldn’t recognize one without the other.

Love,
Gael

Scan results...

Jerry Smith — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:04:00 GMT

The CT scan results brought bad news. The cancer has progressed, most significantly in Ricky’s right lung. They’ve taken him out of the clinical trial and we will meet with Dr. Philip tomorrow to discuss what options might be available.

To make a difficult day even sadder, this afternoon, we put Harley, our beloved 14 year old Siamese cat to sleep. It was time, but so incredibly hard to do.

I’ll post an update later this week once we have a better understanding of what lies ahead.

Thanks for the continued love and prayers. They’re needed now more than ever.

Love,
Gael and Ricky

Giving thanks

Jerry Smith — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:03:00 GMT

Giving thanks

This update starts off with a HUGE THANK YOU! I’ve always said that we have been blessed with some of the best neighbors in the world. Well, yesterday afternoon nearly two dozen of our friends descended on our yard to do an amazing spring clean-up. To everyone that was here, I can’t express how much this touched us both. You mean the world to us. A special thank you to Marianne and Beth for instigating this!

We’re also thankful that Ricky does not have lymphedema. Without going into a medical explanation – for once! – the fluid build-up in his legs should be treatable using compression tights and wrapping. They hope over the next couple of weeks that the fluid can be moved out of his legs into an area that can be drained, i.e. the lungs or the abdomen.

This week is a scheduled off week in the clinical trial. No chemo and only a brief appointment for lab work. Definitely thankful for that!

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and we are both especially thankful that we had incredible moms. We lost Ricky’s mom in 2006 and mine in 2007 yet we still feel their presence every day. So to all the moms out there, we wish you a very special day.

And most importantly, we are thankful for our faith. It is the foundation of our fight. Your prayers and your friendship sustain us.

Love,
Gael and Ricky

RICKY AND GAEL ARE EMMY-NOMINATED!!!!

Jerry Smith — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:48:00 GMT

by Tom Leyden

I'm happy to let all of Ricky's friends know the story of his valiant fight is now an Emmy-Nominated feature.
I submitted Ricky and Gael's story (the 2nd of three we've done, which we produced and aired in February, 2008) to the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences - Michigan Chapter for local Emmy consideration.
I found out tonight the profile, entitled "Ricky's Victory," has been nominated for an Emmy.
In my experience, I've learned the content of the story is more important than even the production/editing of the story, so it's pretty evident the judging panel was moved by Ricky and Gael's determination.
"Ricky's Victory" is up against one other nominee, a solid piece called "Tigers Superheroes," submitted by Ryan Field from Fox Sports Detroit.
The Emmy Awards Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, June 6. We'll find out if "Ricky's Victory" wins an Emmy that night.
Something else to look forward to. Cross your fingers.

A good day...

Jerry Smith — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:07:00 GMT

Long day at chemo. Ten hours, and another two still to go.

But less fluid, less pain, better breathing and just a touch of

nausea from the chemo infusion.

All in all a good day… Here’s to more good days!

Love,

Gael

Markers are way up...

Jerry Smith — Sat, 02 May 2009 01:08:00 GMT

Markers are way up...

Ricky’s tumor markers shot way up! Technical explanation - tumor markers are protein expressions in the blood that correlate to various cancers. They are often used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

His markers have not been tested since the end of February. For all we know, the makers were way higher and the current chemo is bringing them down. Regardless, it is not news that we wanted.

The fluid build-up in his abdomen also won’t let-up. They’ll drain it again tomorrow.

If one word could be used to describe Ricky, it would be determination; for me, optimism. Neither of us have blinders on. We know the fight is intensifying.

Your prayers and support are appreciated, today and always.

Gael and Ricky