I'd like to share a little bit about someone who is very important in my life. Her name is Reva Foy. Many of you know Reva, but that's likely not the case for our extended walk family.

In 2004, after a routine office visit, I walked into Reva's office (Reva's our cardiology office/practice manager). At the time, Reva was managing 7 <needy> cardiologists, a staff of probably 50-60, and somehow found, and continues to find, a way to keep us relevant in a highly competitive healthcare environment. She has meant, and continues to mean, the world to my partners and me.

 "Would you mind making a poster to put on the door? I'm going to walk with my patients."

I'm sure it was 9 a.m. when I came in. She was probably trying to wrap her head around the 37 items my partners and I had just asked her to tackle at that morning's meeting.

She probably smiled and said something like, "Would it be okay if I get you a few samples by noon and you can choose your favorite?"

Over the years, she proceeded to bring her family to countless walks and snap literally 15-20,000 photos (yes, that Reva). When Walk with a Doc needed a name, she came to me with a list of >200 options. Despite running a busy cardiology practice, her fulfilled requests and brainstorming sessions number in the thousands. She is our first board member, she is an unconditional supporter, and she is priceless.

Until we were blessed with Kathryn, Reva kept the walk alive.

On December 19th, Reva shared that she'd been diagnosed with melanoma and yesterday she took her first chemotherapy pills with surgery in the plans.

But, with three exceptional children, an office staff that reveres her, and a large, supportive health system behind her, I have no doubt Team Reva will win this battle.

When I asked Reva if it was okay to share with the group, her reply was, "Of course, the walk is my family."

Reva, I wish I was a better writer, but we are here for you without fail. We are sorry we have to go through this but we love you and together we will win.

ds 

*If you'd like to share any thoughts with Reva - please simply respond to this message (she is very busy at work today and I don't think she wants me overloading her inbox).