I recently looked over my family online journal from dads journey with cancer https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/teamcelera/ (password: teamcelera) and I came across my sister's eulogy and thought I would share it here.

" My dad has many nicknames and is known by so many different names: Diogenes, Mr. Celera, Jun, Gene, Boy. Of course, we call him dad, he is Lolo, kuya, manong, Tito, uncle...but my favorite is what he and my mom have been calling each other since they were dating: pangga. It is an ilongo word, a term of endearment like mahal, or my love.

And it is so fitting of him because he embodies love, is so filled with love.

He loves to laugh and making others laugh. If you were at the vigil last night, you heard from my brother Jonathan- that our home was filled with so much laughter.

He loves to sing and dance. If a karaoke machine is in a room, I guarantee my dad will be on the mic. If boogie or salsa music comes on, he'll grab the nearest female and dance. He filled our home with music and with song.

He loves to be adventurous. He introduced us to skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing, white water rafting. He was willing to try anything once. He also loved to hunt, play tennis, and ride his motorcycle.

He loves to learn. On road trips, he would quiz us on our state and world capitals. Our family dinners were always filled with great conversation and we learned something new every time.

He loves his career. He had a masters in civil engineering and worked for over 25 years with the LACSD.

He loves his Alma maters: Notre Dame, Adamson, LMU. He always spoke of his classmates and his professors so proudly.

He loves golf. If he wasn't on the golf course, then he had a golf club in his hand. In the backyard, even in the house. When my daughter lily started walking, he already had a mini plastic golf club in her hands, teaching her the proper grip.

He loves his homeland, the Philippines. He always dreamed of going back one day and volunteering his time as a consultant engineer to improve the water system.

He loves his siblings. He is the second oldest of 10 children. Put them in a room together and it is one loud party of laughter. He loved spending time with them. And I know that he is so proud of each and everyone of you. It is obvious that lola did something right because you all have the most beautiful and generous hearts.

He loves his children and loved being a dad. He wore those "world greatest dad" t shirts with pride. In fact when my sister Sam and I were looking through the photo albums, we were quite surprised how often he wore those dad shirts. He was our biggest cheerleader. He only wanted the best for us and as long as we tried our best, that was enough to make him proud. We are the men and women we are today because of him.

He loves his grandchildren and being Lolo to all 7 of them. His face lit up whenever he was around them or simply speaking of them. It breaks my heart, that grandchild number 8 will not know this great man.

He loves his wife, his sweetheart, his pangga. Married for almost 34 years, they showed us what married love is. They were made for each other, soul mates. Before he took his last breath, we assured him that we children would take care of mom as she has taken care of us her whole life.

He just loved life and lived it to the fullest. And that's what he would want for all of us. He wants us to be kind. To love one another. To try something new. Sing loud. And dance.

A dear friend of mine whose dad passed away last year sent me a beautiful message and I'm borrowing these words she had written so perfectly. There are two things that I know for sure. One is that every single moment that we spent with him was an absolute gift, no matter what we were doing. And the other is that he is now in heaven with all of our departed loved ones watching over us They are now our guardian angels and they will continue to protect us they always did.

When he was diagnosed with t-cell lymphoma in august, our lives were turned upside down. It was so hard to see a man who was always so vibrant and full of energy, now so weak. But over the last 5 months- it is obvious that he was loved in return by so many. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support TEAM CELERA have shown our family. All of you are TEAM CELERA, and forever will be.

If you ask my 2 1/2 year old daughter who her Lolo is with now, she will proudly tell you that he is with Jesus. And if you ask her WHERE her lolo is, she will tell you in her heart. This is what gives me comfort. The promise that one day we will reunite. And that he will NEVER be forgotten. He lives in all of us. He will forever be in our hearts.

Dad- I miss you terribly. I already miss hearing you sing, I miss that special way you can ease all our fears and worries. I miss your laugh. I miss your hugs. I miss your face.

But dad, this isn't good bye, it is see you later. Thank you for your unconditional love, unending encouragement and support. You are our hero. We will continue to make you proud. Although losing you is the hardest thing we have ever faced- I know we will be ok. Because you will be with us every step of the way. We love you dad ...to the moon and back. "

I choose to run because of my dad. He always taught us to try new things, to explore the world around us, to really live. I feel like since joining Team in Training-- that is EXACTLY what I am doing. I am living life to the fullest-- living out loud. I am running for my hero, my inspiration, my motivation. I am running for awareness. I am running for a cure. This photo was taken close to one year ago. It was taken on September 19, 2010. It was taken in our backyard. It was the first day in over a month that my dad was able to enjoy a day outside with the family. It was taken after a month long hospital stay and second round of chemo. I treasure the day this was taken. It was a day where my dad had this radiating smile on his face on such a beautiful day. Its a day I would love to go back to again. To take another photo with him, to see him smile again, to feel the warmth of a hug. My dad is with me always. Everyday. Every mile I run. Every step I take.

Live passionately,

Sam

13.1 miles has been completed! My first ½ marathon! Can you believe it?!! I can’t! But the sore legs, pictures and medal are proof! After 3 ½ months of training, I crossed that FINISH LINE at the Disneyland Half Marathon, with teammates by my side. I have all of YOU, my supporters, my family and friends to thank! With your EXTREME GENEROSITY in donations and your love and support, that is what got me to the race and ultimately to that finish line. You have helped me raise $5000 (and counting) for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (How AWESOME is that?!!) and I am so incredibly grateful. I am still continuing to fundraise, because as you know I am also participating in the Nike Women’s ½ Marathon with Team in Training in October so please make a donation if you can, it would mean so incredibly much to me, just think—it could be your dollar that get’s us to a cure. My journey with Team in Training is continuing on, as is my fight for a cure—alongside my AMAZING TEAM!

The Disneyland half marathon was an unforgettable experience. 300 TNT participants from 5 different chapters took part and we raised $800,000 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We met up (3:45 am) and made our way to the start line. The sun not up, a bit of nerves floating around, but with my team by my side every piece of doubt was washed away and the race began... the sun began to rise, and we began our half marathon at the happiest race on earth with TNT supporters galore. Running through Disneyland, California Adventure and Angels Stadium was a lot of fun. To run through the park before it opened and seeing the characters cheering us on was pretty awesome. Disneyland before opening looks quite magical :) Angels Stadium was super cool! Running through the stadium and having people cheer you on and being on the jumbotron-- definitely an unforgettable memory!!! I am happy to have completed my first 1/2 marathon at the happiet place on earth.

But I think what I will remember and treasure most was seeing all of my fellow Team in Training participants running along side me as well as seeing and hearing my fellow teammates, coaches, mentors, support staff and tons of other purple people cheering us on. That is what I will remember most. To hear teammates say "GO TEAM" was a highlight of my day. Not until that race did I realize just how moving and meaningful the words "GO TEAM" could be. Those two words provide such a great amount of unity they connect us all. Running that race, with every "GO TEAM" that I heard, my heart was filled with an unimaginable sense of love and it gave me a great boost of energy. We are ONE TEAM, in this fight together-- a fight for a cure and we are all hopeful. Whether it was my teammates or those from other chapters we are all connected, we are ONE. I could truly feel that camaraderie and it is something I will always treasure. Not only did I hear all of those "GO TEAM's" but seeing my SGV teammates cheering for us on the sidelines--- that was the topper to it all! That love and support that was shown was incredible and put tears in my eyes everytime I saw them and after every high five I received.They were our ultimate boost to the finish line. They got me there.. seeing all of them, especially at those last 3.1 miles--- my heart was full of love, my eyes filled with tears (good tears of course)..a huge smile put onmy face... I thank them (I thank YOU team). After all these months of training... I knew I woud cross the finish line but to cross the finish line so grateful for the time spent with my team as well as their unending support.. that is what got me through. The journey has not been easy but with such incredible people by my side-- I know I can do anything! Being a part of this team is probably the greatest choice I have ever made. It has given me my life back. It has brought me happiness. It has brought me unbreakable bonds with all these people I have encountered. It has given me a connection to these amazing amazing CANCER KILLERS. I have been forever changed. And I know that my dad would be so incredible proud. This race.. was for my dad. And as much as I would have LOVED to have given him a hug as I crossed that finish line I know he was with me---- I carry him in my heart and I could feel his unending love.

I may have completed the Disney half but now I shall continue my training.. onto the Nike half I go--- I am unbelievably excited and cannot wait to be surrounded by a sea of purple people!!!!

Thank you everyone for you support and love!!

GO TEAM!!!

Sam

After 3 1/2 months of early morning Saturday practices, training during the week, many miles ran, sore legs, and ice baths, the time has come for my VERY FIRST 1/2 Marathon. In less than 32 hours, I will be participating in The Disneyland Half Marathon. Looking back to my first practice this seemed practically impossible but I look at myself now and I am so excited for what is to come and I can see that finish line on the horizon—thanks to all of your love and support.

When I got that call from Team in Training 3 ½ months ago providing me with information about the cause, not even a minute into the conversation I was already searching for my wallet, finding my credit card, ready to sign up! I knew that at that moment it was important and the perfect time for me to join the INCREDIBLE TEAM. Little did I know just how remarkable the ride would be. As difficult as it was losing my dad, and as fresh as the wound was, I thought this would be a great way to honor my dad’s memory as well as heal my heart. I have said this before, that some days are easier than others. Before Team in Training, after my dad passed I had more bad days than good, I had more tears shed than I could ever imagine, I had my spirit withering away and I had a heart breaking with every passing day. But from that first practice, that moment I met my Team--- everything changed. To witness such passion from teammates, to see their drive, their courage, their strength, their unbelievable support—it is truly a site to see, it is ELECTRIFYING and I think it’s contagious! My journey with my amazing TEAM has brought me such joy.. it has given me more good days than bad, more smiles than tears, a spirit fully alive and on fire, and a heart being put back together each passing day. I am honored to be a part of the team, to stand in their midst, to fight with them by my side for a cure, and to call them my TNT family!

GO TEAM!!

BE REMARKABLE,

Sam

In 3 days (August 18th) it marks the day that my life and world was completely turned upside down. August 18, 2010, almost one year ago, marks the day my dad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins T-Cell Lymphoma. It is a day that I will never forget-- a day forever ingrained in my heart and my mind. I clearly remember sitting at the dinner table with my mom and having her tell me that my dad had been diagnosed with lymphoma. For close to 2 weeks my dad had been in the hospital for a cough that wouldn’t go away, in the hospital for what they thought was pneumonia and after multiple tests and consults from a Nephrologist, Pulmonologist, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology, and finally Oncology- the mystery had been solved. The cough and difficulty breathing was caused by the Lymphoma in his lungs as well as his spleen and abdomen. Oh how my life was changed. When my mom told me I immediately started crying --and crying. And as I tried to go to sleep that night, tears continually streamed down my face and I found myself screaming into a pillow so upset with the diagnosis. When I woke up that next morning I remember thinking that it was just a dream, that I was going to go visit my dad at the hospital that day for his pneumonia and soon he would be home with us and we could continue planning our annual family vacation to Pismo. But it was not a dream, and reality set in. We put our vacation on hold, came together as ONE to FIGHT and TEAM CELERA came together in full force! I even had bracelets made TEAM CELERA on one side and T.C.K.C.A (Team Celera Kicking Cancers Ass) on the other. August 18 will always have a place in my heart. It marks: the day of my dad's diagnosis, the day my life was changed, the day I began my fight for my dads life! It marked the start of chemotherapy treatments, X-Rays, MRI's, blood transfusions, dialysis, it marked up's and downs, seeing my dad bed ridden, to days my dad was able to get out of bed and walk those hospital hallways. It marks the start of drained energy, daily hospital visits, taking notes from the doctors when I was the one in the room with my dad, breaking the "only 2 visitors in the room at a time" rule, transferring to different rooms in the hospital: DOU, ICU, CCU.. Neutropenic Isolation. It marks family taking over the waiting room. It marks homecomings, family time at home, sharing an In-N-Out burger in the comfort our home together. It marks being able to spend our last Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years together. It marks the 911 calls for them to take my dad back to the hospital. It makrs numerous tears shed. It marks low blood count, failing kidneys, high creatinine levels, low platelets, fever, fluid in the lungs, storming heaven with prayers. It marks a rollercoaster of emotion. It marks having loved ones surround my dad as he took his last breath on January 7, 2011, sending him with lots of love, prayer and tears. It marks my dad now being pain free and at peace. It marks my dads journey. It marks strength. A battle. My families journey. Our fight for my dads life. It marks a journey that has changed my life.

August 18th was the start of a journey that changed my life. But it also led me to a day that started a new journey and a new change in my life. May 14, 2011 marks the start of my Team in Training journey. It marks the start of TNT Kickoff, my first time meeting some of the team, my first time hearing people's stories of their connection to cancer, my first time seeing so many people gather together so passionate about finding a cure for cancer. It marks the start of being a part of something far bigger than myself. It marks fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It marks the start of my training for two 1/2 marathons. It marks creating lasting bonds. It marks a sense of family, a group of people supporting you every step of the way. It marks doing something in my dads memory. It marks meeting incredibly inspiring people. It marks a fight.. a fight for a CURE. It marks passion and a drive I never knew I had. It marks thinking I can't run a 5k at the first practice to running 10 miles at my last practice. It marks the greatest thing I have ever been a part of. I have been with Team in Training for 3 months and I have been changed and my outlook on life has definitely been brightened.

My journey is continuing on.. I am continuing to raise funds and fight for a cure with my TEAM by my side.

Thanks for reading about the days that changed my life!

If you can PLEASE donate to the cause! It will continue to brighten my day!!!

Be inspiring,

Sam

When my dad died almost 7 months ago to Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, I knew that father’s day, holidays, month/year anniversaries , etc would be emotionally draining. And I was expecting my dad’s birthday to be the same, but on July 24th my dad’s spirit was fully alive and present because my nephew Dylan Gene was born. A day I thought would be filled with sadness and longing for my dad, turned into a day of joy. Dylan Gene not only shares my dad’s birthday, but my dad’s name (Gene), my dad’s facial expressions and my dad’s handsome looks. When my sister announced she was pregnant, my dad was the first to predict so certainly that she would be having a boy. You were right dad! He is an adorable little boy that will constantly be a reminder of you and your great spirit. Looking at him I see my dad, and I find comfort in that. This little bundle of joy is so incredibly loved and I am so happy to know that he shares a birthday with my dad who I love and admire so much. My dad may be gone but his spirit remains.

Losing my dad has been the hardest thing I have ever faced. When he passed away I had no idea how life would go on without him, how I would be able to go through each day knowing my dad wouldn't be there anymore, how I would no longer hear him singing songs as he got ready in the morning, how I would no longer be able to play a round of golf with him on his birthday, how I would no longer have In-n-out runs with him when he had a Friday off of work, how I would no longer be able to listen to him making up stories as though he knows the name and life story of everyone person we pass on the street, how I would no longer be able to see his smile or hear his laugh. Difficult days arise, but I am managing to get through them. I miss my dad and think of him everyday but I know he is in a better place, and carry him with me in my heart always.

I am so happy to be taking part in these half marathons with Team in Training, from strangers, to friends, to family. They are providing me much comfort and I know my dad would be proud of what I am doing in his memory. I am raising as much money as I possibly can for a cure to be found so no one else has to lose their loved ones to cancer-- its HORRIBLE!!

If you can please donate to the cause, any amount will go a long way! And who knows, you may just get a little special something in the mail as a THANK YOU from me :) The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is AMAZING! Lets get a cure FOUND!!!

If you have anyone you would like me to run in honor or memory of let me know!

Have a good rest of the week/weekend everyone!

Be a WONDER,

Sam