I am frankly offended by: “I realize there are those that say that Randy Pausch is no different than anyone else that dies of pancreatic cancer, but I disagree. He didn’t go quietly into the night. He spoke out about it and the need for research. He fought it publicly. He tried to leave lessons not only for his young children, but also for us.”

Dr. Pauch also had a worldwide network. He also had the talent and access to international technology.

My mother wrote us letters. She participated in research trials. She planned on beating the cancer and going on speaking tours.

My mom was a single parent who raised her two daughters – one born just two weeks after my father died – on her own at a time when single parents were looked down. She worked odd jobs to be home with her kids. She put two girls to college. She had just started back to college herself and had started dating again for the first time in 21 years when she turned yellow.

If she had the ability, she would have done what Dr. Pauch did. At least as much. Nine years ago.

I am greatful for what he was able to do, but don’t for one minute think my mom wouldn’t have done the same.