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Their Last Photo

Sarah Bousquet and Dad

This is the last picture I have with my dad. He was giving me a hug before sending me off to start my senior year. He never got to see me graduate, but I know that without his and my mom’s love, I wouldn’t be who I am today. 

I don’t own any object that means more to me than this picture.

My dad spent his life serving. He won the Bronze Star for Heroism in a Combat Zone while serving in Vietnam.  After leaving the military, he was a police officer for over thirty years—earning a Captain’s rank. As an officer, he responded to countless emergencies and helped hundreds in their times of need. Along with that, he did community policing and outreach. He and my mom organized an annual fundraiser to fight juvenile diabetes and together, they raised over $125,000!

Growing up, Dad was my basketball coach and brought our dog Molly to my dance classes. He sang Enrique Iglesias’ “Hero” while driving me back & forth to college. I can still remember him singing “Lady in Red” to my mom as they danced in the kitchen.

His exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War is what caused his prostate cancer and cost him his life. Vietnam Veterans have 72% higher risk for the most aggressive form of prostate cancer. Thousands of families, like mine, had their loved ones return from combat only to lose them far too soon. It is too late for research to help my dad, or have donations help with the cost of care, but your tax-deductible donation to ZERO Prostate Cancer can help pay for medical bills and provide emotional support for other prostate cancer patients in need now. Your donation will also help research initiatives so that more daughters have dads at their graduations. Thank you for your generosity and for taking the time to remember my dad.

Learn how you can join an upcoming Run/Walk near you by visiting zerocancer.run.

Contributor

Sarah Bousquet and Dad
Sarah Bousquet

Written by Sarah Bousquet. Sarah has been a supporter of ZERO for years and has been a regular advocate at our Hartford Run/Walk.

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