Deborah Lynn Reardon

June 7th 1972 - July 31st 2008

Debbie passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her family on the morning of July 31st, 2008, at 10:50 AM EST at the Tippett House hospice. We, on behalf of all her many friends, pass on our deepest sympathies to Deb's family at this difficult time.

The wake will take place this Sunday, August 3rd from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home in Mattapoisett, MA followed by a service of Christian burial at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Marion at 10:00 AM Monday August 4th.

The funeral home have an obituary for Debbie on their website. The family have requested friends coming to the wake to bring photos of Debbie (please put your name and address if you wish them to be returned). For those planning on staying overnight, we suggest the Fairhaven Hampton Inn.

Donations in Debbie's name may be made to the Cancer Hope Foundation, 568 Constitution Ave. Units F&G, Camarillo, CA 93012.

Deb Update: Saturday July 26th, 2008: 19:00 E.S.T.

As many of you will have read in Amy D's post yesterday, Deb was moved by ambulance to the Tippett House hospice in Needham, MA on Friday. She's being made comfortable in the beautiful countryside surroundings of the former manor house. Deb's family are by her side and are reading the blog postings to her constantly. Today, the funeral of Deb's step-brother took place in Boston. Please spare a thought and a prayer for Dan's family today.

Visiting hours are flexible. Please check the house's website for details and directions.

Deb's Update: Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008: 19:00 E.S.T.

Currently Deb is resting at her mother Diane's house in Tiverton, MA where Amy M. saw her this afternoon. She has got a room at a lovely hospice on the outskirts of Boston. Lots of green trees and lawns to look out on, big brick fireplaces and all the help and support the family and Deb are going to need. If she remains stable, the family will drive her up Friday.

At this stage, its probably best to let the family have some quiet time and we'll desist from the sharing all the hairy details as its gone beyond that. If there are major developments, we'll keep everyone appraised. In the interim, you can assume we're losing a little more of our Deb every day. 

Now, it's time for community and we echo Amy, Deb's sister's request for stories and tales about Deb that you'd like to share with her family and friends. The family read the blog daily and gain great comfort from knowing how much Deb is loved and how she's impacted all our lives.  It really helps and can definitely make them laugh as well!

Deb's Update: Monday July 21st, 20:00 E.S.T.

Hi all,
See below for updates on Deb's visit to Dana Farber and on Radar's relocation to the Briard Rescue in Arizona.

Amy Doherty's update:

The family took Debbie to Dana Farber today and met with Dr. Wen. He agreed with our choice to stop the Avastin and chemo at this point. Debbie is staying with our mom until we can get her into a hospice residence, hopefully in the next few days.

Also, thanks to everyone for all your kind words and great stories about Debbie. Keep them coming because it gives us something to smile about. If anyone wants to send me pictures by email or regular mail (along with stories or quotes), I would appreciate it. I want to put together a scrapbook of happy memories. My email is amyrdoherty@verizon.net and my address is 53 Westview Terrace, Westwood, MA 02090.

Debbie sends her love to everyone.

Amy Doherty

Radar's Relocation:

Charlie & Antoinette arranged for Radar to be transported to the Briard Rescue center in Ajo, Arizona. After a long road trip Radar arrived safely and is settling in well. If you'd like to learn more and possibly make a donation to help secure Radar's future upkeep, please check out www.briardrescue.com

Thanks!
Antoinette

BRIARD RESCUE and HAVEN is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation established to provide a safe place for Briard dogs, and the occasional Briard wannabee, during their time of transition. It is a place for rehabilitation and care of Briards who find themselves without a home for any reason. No Briard will be turned away. The Haven is a privately run facility, funded by private donations, Ebay auctions, adoption fees and bequests.

Deb's Update: Saturday July 19th, 2008: 12:01 PM

Hi All,

Quick update. Deb is on her way home today! She’ll be back on the east coast by this evening and will be staying at her Mom’s (Diane). Nala will be taking her own flight into Boston but Joey gets a spot with mom on the airplane. Radar is headed to the Briard rescue to hang out with his buddies there.

I know all of her friends on the West coast will miss Deb. We are going to try and take as good care of her as you all did; Kimmie, Mindy, Charlie, Brigitta, Ant and all the others who are her West coast family. Karma points for you all!!!

Deb heads up to Dana Farber on Monday to see how treatments on this coast will work. She is still in a rapid physical decline. She is not in pain at this point and everyone will be going the extra mile to keep her comfortable. Her mental state is also declining so all contact will be done through the family. Diane will be welcoming visitors who can make it and will give us info on how to contact her when she’s back and settled in.

We had a bit of trouble with posts but are back and running now. Keep your good wishes coming, the family needs them!

WE LOVE YOU DEB!!

Deb's Update: July 15th, 2008: 11:00 AM E.S.T.

Hi Everyone- Amy the Blog maven here.

I'm going to take over writing the blog entries again for a bit. As you may have known or suspected, Deb's GBM has progressed significantly, and it's time for her to move back to the east coast.

Deb had a MRI yesterday that confirmed the loss of function we have all be witnessing over the past month or so. The Doctors have warned Deb's family that the decline will continue and most likely accelerate dramatically in the coming weeks. Her mom Diane and her sister Amy will be going out on Thursday with the intentions of bringing her home.

I've posted a picture I took last week when Deb was visiting - it's of my sister Eileen, my daughter (and Deb's god-daughter) Andrea and Deb. I thought you all might want to see it - Deb looks great. From my perspective, one of the hardest things is that Deb is not entirely clear on what is happening to her right now -I personally think it is hard-wired into the human race not to. She is struggling with how to communicate with all of us. Her family thinks that it would be best if we post our good wishes here. Deb will contact people directly when she can.

We'll keep posts coming as we hear things. I know I speak for all of her friends when I say we love you Deb!! Reardons all, take care of yourselves and let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
A.L.M.