A beer company, a single mom, and a vicious cancer

Got an email from a friend of mine the other day telling me the story of a close friend of hers.

The story: Virginia was a healthy happy 40-year old woman, fit, and ironically a participant in Team in Training triathlons to help raise money for cancer research. And then she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Now, she's the single mom of a 2-year-old, not only struggling with her own health and treatment, but also trying to a) continue her work for cancer research and b) document her life for her daughter who simply may not get the chance to know her mom.

The unique awareness and fund-raiser: Seems Virginia was at Pete's Brewing Company in the early days (of Pete's Wicked Ale fame) so she, Pete and another Pete's old-timer have created "Reunion Beer", gotten another local brewing company to make it, and are selling it in February and March only to benefit a myeloma research institute.

Her documentary: Virginia is also trying to create and finish a documentary about her life, for her 2-year old daughter. Imagine how much easier it is to do such a thing with today's technology than in the past.

This story sits somewhere at the intersection of technology, commerce, health and parenthood. It's a sad crossroads, but there is also a lot of  creativity, ingenuity and just plain heart at work here.

Check out the story, and buy some beer to help eradicate cancer! Did you ever expect to hear that?