GRATITUDE
The holidays are always a special time of year and time of reflection. From the Thanksgiving feast to the Hannukah lights, the joys of Christmas and more all come together. Holidays have always meant a tremendous amount to our family as they symbolize and bring out the best in all of us, and remind us of the importance of family and friends. Now more than ever, Sydney, Zachary and I reflect on our lives, family, friends and the kindness of strangers with a simple but heartfelt appreciation of thankfulness and gratitude.
2022 brought tragedy to our family, but the good fortune of the ecosystem that surrounds us brought so much support and love during Nancy’s challenges and sadly her passing. Not a day passes by without reflection. Make no mistake there are times of sadness that get softened by kindness, a retelling of loving memories that provide inspiration to always be the best we can and ask ourselves, “what would Mom do, or say?”. Our most important touch stone is Nancy’s motto of “live, love and laugh.” Her example guides our thinking and we never forget!
The holiday season is an opportunity to give thanks to all of you and to share an update on our lives, as well as our commitment to the NEPM Foundation to honor Nancy and those who struggle with the challenges of the disease.
JEFF
In between working hard, visiting/supporting both Sydney and Zachary, playing some golf, and slowly reconnecting with friends, I have been learning more about philanthropy and how best to honor Nancy’s memory and wishes for others.
There is no doubt that we continue to have a long journey ahead. I am extremely proud of both Sydney and Zachary and the maturity and caring that they continue to display each and every day towards each other and me. We did not plan for the outcome, but thankfully through the incredible effort and values that Nancy bestowed in both of them, we were able to prepare.
Nancy would not want any of us to sit still – we all knew her better than that! The past year has been incredibly tough, we again thank you all for your caring and for your generosity. Please continue to reach out as your time permits, we enjoy hearing from all of our friends. We have posted the holiday message on the NEPMFoundation.org site for those that we may have missed and/or don’t have home addresses – please help spread the word. Hoping you have a wonderful holiday season and the year ahead can bring us all good health, and a path to greater happiness.
SYDNEY
It’s my second to last semester at University of Michigan and the past few months have been very busy. One highlight was the opportunity to travel with my father to the United Kingdom in September to present my research with Mount Sinai Hospital at an organizational behavior conference. It was a proud moment for me and I know that my mom, in spirit, was in the audience cheering me on.
Although the trip was focused on the conference, my dad and I enjoyed being together as we tried to fit in some sightseeing and fine dining at some favorite London restaurants—all during Queen Elizabeth’s mourning period. Between attending classes and going to football games, I’ve also been spending time with friends and family, applying to graduate schools, and enjoying all Ann Arbor has to offer before it gets super cold! Dad came out for Parents Weekend and I gave him the full experience – frat party, football game and tailgate, nap, and dinner.
ZACHARY
The first trimester at The Lawrenceville School in Princeton NJ has been a great experience. Over the past few months, the adjustment to the new environment has gone well and I have made lots of new friends from the Tri-state area, Florida, Carolina, and California, to name a few. It’s hard to believe that the first term concludes just before the Thanksgiving break. The classes have been challenging but I am managing to keep up and am truly enjoying Harkness. My interesting group of friends, classes and boarding school life are expanding my horizons.
On another front, having had my 16th birthday, I am officially of age to get on the road (with my father by my side). Dad’s Wednesdays in the MacKay Princeton office means I have the good fortune of seeing him most weeks and sharing my new experience and possibly getting some driving experience in too. In both cases my goal is to “stay in the lane” and avoid contributing to any of my dad’s gray hair. In addition to studying, I have remained focused on fitness and golf – frequently outdriving my Dad on the golf course.
NEPM UPDATE
As we have learned through Nancy’s journey, brain cancer has a huge impact on the patient and the entire family unit. Critical for families and caregivers is the support for the entire unit by providing access to information and resources. This type of help and information sharing is necessary as those diagnosed and those caring for them are forced to embark on this journey.
Nancy’s determination to fight brain cancer never waned and, with such tremendous support for the NEPM Foundation, we are inspired and motivated to press forward in building a plan that seeks to help individuals and the families impacted by brain cancer.
Thus far, the foundation proudly has approximately 200 donors and is close to raising $200,000 in donations from friends and family. With this amazing support we are building an operating foundation to further strive to find promising venues towards a cure and perhaps even more important, support families in a critical time of need. We have begun connecting with potential professional advisors that can educate us and help ensure the funds ultimately go to good use and truly make for a promising future. Both Sydney and Zachary have been by my side every step of the way. I am delighted to announce that Julie Bohan and Lucille Protas have agreed to join the NEPM Foundation as Trustees and help ensure the future success and proper organizational governance.
While winter is rapidly upon us, we are already planning for the spring and summer. Initial conversations have begun to honor Nancy through summer steps, a golf event, and of course some fine grilling. We will be sure to keep you informed of upcoming events and appreciate your assistance in spreading the word, as Nancy would always do for others.
Working towards redefining the outcomes of brain cancer through research and supporting families, we will make a difference.
Nancy Phlegar / March 4, 1968 – July 11, 2022
In August, the NEPM Foundation was recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Shortly thereafter, the same exemption was given to the foundation by New York State.
