Sydney Vickers

Background

About Sydney Vickers

This is my story. My husband, Peyton, was strong, athletic & healthy. His only complaint was occasionally experiencing a feeling of food “getting stuck” as he swallowed. Tests showed esophageal adenocarcinoma. We were suddenly immersed in the world of cancer. We had the best doctors & followed their recommended protocol of chemo, radiation, surgery & more chemo. Peyton fought for two years, falling to esophageal cancer on June 4, 2012. Peyton prepared for his death in every way possible, from having total maintenance done on every item in our home, to writing a book for me called “After Peyton” with lists of who to call for any eventuality. His preparation made the difference in my survival. He inspired me to take what I had learned and apply it to fighting the disease that had torn our life apart. There are three significant goals in the fight against esophageal cancer. We must first raise awareness of the disease itself stressing the risks, warning signs & medical options. Equally important is increased funding. We have accomplished nothing if we work to raise awareness without investing in research to increase lifespans & save lives. My third initiative addresses support needs in those who have lost loved ones. I learned through my experience that our society is sadly ignorant of death. We hide from it. We ignore it. We fear it & we fear those who are touched by it. I want to change that. I started a Facebook page on the second anniversary of Peyton’s death titled “Until Death Do We Part”. My goal is to change public knowledge, attitudes & behavior towards dying, death and bereavement through information, open communications and shared experience. Peyton’s final gift to me was the gift of preparation, both physically and emotionally. It is in thanks to him that I share this gift with others.