ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF

Average: 4.9 (312 votes)

I wanted to write everyone and say a few things, in light of recent events, to dispel any misinformation that may be circulating and to say thank you on behalf of my family and myself to everyone who has shown even the slightest bit of support to us and our efforts as a family to help eradicate this terrible affliction.

My brother, Adam, passed away at 11:52pm Eastern, May 2nd. He was 37 years old and leaves behind his wife and two children. We had played Sunfest in West Palm Beach that night, walking off stage at approximately 11:00pm Eastern, and I rushed to get on a plane to fly to Washington D.C., to be a part of the Race For Hope-D.C., a fundraiser for research and development of a cure for brain cancer. I learned of Adam’s passing upon getting to my hotel around 3:00am Eastern. I decided to run in the race, despite all of this, for two reasons. First, my brother never wanted his illness to affect others. That was evident in the fact that he wanted his illness to have no part in my experience on Idol, a point he was quite adamant about. So, with that wish in mind, I ran and was involved with the event as an homage to him. Secondly, there are many people who are still battling, and by running and sharing my brother’s story, I hope that it offers those still fighting that much more resolve to not succumb to this wretched disease.

I want to again thank everyone who donated to the race and continues to donate, sent a kind email, posted thoughts and prayers, called, etc. I take it as affirmation that my brother was the great man that I knew, and whose ideals I constantly try to uphold in myself. It is with those ideals in tow that I vow to continue to speak out in hopes of raising whatever necessary to help eliminate cancer entirely.

Also, I mentioned earlier that Adam never wanted his illness to affect anyone. So, with the exception of our Toledo, OH, show on May 6th, which we will do everything possible to reschedule, all other shows will go on as scheduled.

Lastly, thank you to everyone for allowing us, as a family, to grieve and come to terms privately. This event has shown me, beyond doubt, that I have the greatest people in my life, family, friends, and fans alike, and for that, I can never offer enough thanks.

~D

Comments for this Blog post

my aunt died of cancer when i was 10, i loved her so much and when i heard she died i locked myself in my room and cried all day. I got used to her death for a while and when I turned 11 i heard about David's tragic loss. I cried with him because i knew exactly what he was feeling. To know that an incredible person like David feels how i feel, it means the world to me, like we had a special connection. I love you David!!! I can't wait for your next album to come out and i will buy it and enjoy it Smiling Were all here to support you and if you read this keep me in your prayers because your in mine Smiling

David, my sister-in law died on the 4th of May last year also to a brain tumour. We nursed her at home and she died with us surrounding her. My sister (also an avid fan of yours) lost her husband of 22 years on New years Eve this year. We were having a party at their property and he was 4wding around the back and rolled his jeep. He was killed instantly as it landed on his head and chest and it continued to roll down the hill leaving Tony and us to try and find him in the dark!! He was as good as my brother and a hell of a lot of people lost their best friend that night too.
I have never had to experience grief but we have copped a double whammy within a year.
Grief is a terrible terrible emotion...the worst any one can have.
What I can share is that eventually grief wont come to you when it chooses...you can choose the time to grieve.
It will get a little easier as time goes on...that I can also assure you... Everyone grives differently and no one knows what is right or wrong. But I am sure that through your music, you will write, reflect, heal and belt out some of that grief.

On a lighter note .. WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO AUSTRALIA TO ENTERTAIN US!!!!
Or will we have to fly to you!!

Cheers mate and take care of yourself and family at this harrowing time.

Peace.. xx

David, you are such an inspiration to us all. I will admit, I gave a good cry on Sunday night after watching the videos from that day--as did I after I watched the videos from last year for the first time. And it takes quite a bit for me to cry, I will say that. Seeing you upset just makes my heart melt. It totally sucks that there is all this crap in the world. We are all connected with this though; we all know someone who was effected by cancer. I am grateful for every day that I have because it's all just a blessing. You have inspired me to give more to the world. I couldn't thank you enough for that. I have been saving up since...probably since around your birthday actually of 2009. And I plan on donating this money eventually to one of the organizations you are involved with to eliminate brain cancer. I was just inspired by your passion for this cause and that all you really wanted was the donations for your birthday. Well next year, that's what you're going to get! From me anyway. I just can not express how much you have changed my life with everything that you do. You are a true hero in my book.

David - I'm sorry for your loss. I too lost a sibling, my sister Terri only 36 yrs old a young mother of 3. It made no sense at the time...but now 15 years later I know that divine order was in play. My brother-in-law (formerly married to another sister) also lost his life to the same type of tumor about 4 years ago. I held many fund-raisers for brain tumor research and then a few years back was nominated to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). I've met survivors, their families, and made many good friends over the years. If you'd like to get involved with our organization - contact me ***** It helps to use your experience to help others....I know your pain. We can all make a difference and turn our pain into joy...Jeanne/Founding Chair of the St. Louis Fall Festival/Former V.P. of ABTA/Associate Director of ABTA

I know i'm a little late at writing this but i'm new to the fansite. David i am so sorry!!! I know that Adam meant much to you because you showed it on idol and in your song Permanent, which is the most heart felt and loving song i have ever heard! When i first heard it i had to keep replaying it because it was so good but yet so sad! I can relate much to it because i have lost a couple of my family members due to cancer. I can relate to your heartache because of it. Your songs are the only ones i cry to when i feel the same way as you do. No matter what though, whenever i hear Permanent i always cry because of all those memories i had. It helps me to know that i'm not the only one who has had to see it happen to their family. It helps to talk to people who can relate to it even though it's hard to. I loved when you performed Permanent on idol though i know it must have been really hard for you. You have gone through so much since idol and i idolize you for being able to go through those hectic days. You are my favorite idol and i will always be a fan because of what you bring, perform, and what you go through. I am very very sorry for your loss.

may you be at peace david, same goes to your family...
i started watching your videos ( while you were in American Idol ) on you tube just recently and i didn't imagine being hooked up with your charm this early, really liked the way you arrange your songs and really liked you as a person, your attitude towards the competition...you're a good artist, no doubt about that....
keep it up...

hope of seeing most of you and hope you'll be back again to do concert here in the philippines...

midah Smiling

my grandpa died of lung cancer last year in april..... it was hell to see him fight it. cancer is not pretty at all, it's a horrible disease that many people die from each day and etc. i know exactly how you feel about your brother, losing him to cancer. losing a loved one to cancer is just an indescribable feeling that most wouldn't understand unless they've had it happen to them. i never imagine losing my grandpa before i'm 21 years old....he was supposed to teach me all about gambling(not that, that's good, but i really don't know much and he was a pro at winning at those machines) i mean he was like a dad to me my whole life. the first man i ever truly loved. had issues with my biological father but thats another story. i know how that loss feels and it's just unbelievable and you get into a state of shock. and it's so surreal and you're wondering to yourself, is this a nightmare? it's a huge nightmare. my mom couldnt even talk to anyone for weeks after my grandpa passed away but thank God i was her voice for those few weeks, i knew exactly what she wanted to say, so i spoke for her. we were there the night he passed away, holding his hand and my family watched him take his last breath on this earth. i could just feel God take him back home... and knowing he is no longer in pain is one of the greatest feelings. i miss him so so much and everything reminds me of him every single day, not a moment passes by that i don't miss or think of him and wish he was still here. i'm not even sure if i am making any sense right now but i can feel your pain. i will be praying most definitely for you and your family. i probably can say so much more but i'm at a loss for words right now. talk to you later. btw, seeing people battle cancer and fighting for their life is pretty much unbearable to watch but you do whatever you can to help them no matter what the cost. and i am sorry you couldn't say your goodbyes to your brother before he passed away, i don't know what would be harder, hearing that he died and not being there, or being there to watch him die right in front of your eyes..... like i did with my grandpa.... all i can say is a part of me died that day when God took him back home. it's been almost a year since he passed away and i will never want to move on but it's a choice we all have to make but i will never forget him, holding onto the past is no way to live your life, you just have to remember all the good memories you have and forget all the bad ones and just be thankful they were a part of your life, like a treasure you will always have within your heart. i'm getting teary eyed just writing this but things need to be said and heard. you know what i mean? now i truly know and have experience that you shouldn't take anyone for granted because one day, they will not be there. i'm trying to not take people for granted anymore because it's no way to live your life. everyone should be selfless and live to help other people and live for God. i hope this finds a place in your heart, and that you know i truly feel your pain and it will get better. previous to my grandpas passing, many other elderly people in my family have passed away to cancer too.... the first i can remember and was alive to see was my aunts mother who died a few years ago to lung cancer. it was unbearable to see her in the state she was in at the hospital, hooked up to a breathing machine and what not, i tried my best to deny that my grandpa would die the same way but it was inevitable because he wouldn't quit smoking, no matter what, he'd be in the backyard smoking it up. depressing and unpleasing to watch but he was a stubborn old man. it was a really bad joke i'd used to tell him, "you're probably gonna die with a cigarette in your hand". i feel totally bad for saying that. i am just glad it really didn't happen that way. years ago he had a triple bypass heart surgery. i honestly don't remember the pain that i felt back then because i was young. i saw him on a breathing machine back then but you know, didn't really understand i was too young and didn't know as much as i do know about those things. i'm sorry i can go on for hours but i'll stop now... i wish i could live to see the day when they find a cure for cancer........ what about you? that would be so exciting. God bless.
love, Amaranda

I lost my sister when she was 27. I wish you peace and memories in the years to come.

my prayers and heart go out to you... I too have lost someone in this past year may family and friends bring you comfort and love

You are such an inspiration to my family. I listen to your cd all the time. My family and I are dealing with our day/father in law who was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and we are inspired by you and your stength. Love the song permanent. Any advise would sure help

I wanted to share with you my deepest sympathies and gratitude at the same time. I have too been inflicted by cancer in my family and am amazed and inspired how you overcame your grief and became a spokesperson for cancer as well as survivors. I recently watched your America's Home Makeover episode as well as your visit with Lyndsey Rose and am touched deeply. You don't do it because of how it will make you look to others, you do it because you care. You can see the deep sense of love and empathy in your face when you talk to survivors and it touches my soul. Your brother is watching you with all that you do and is smiling at you! My uncle died February 3, 2009 of leukemia and I miss him everyday of my life! I too watched him suffer and when I listen Permanent, I remember the hard times and truly feel what you felt. I am trying to develop a way to give back and am looking into supporting our local Children's Hospital cancer unit in Pittsburgh. I work as a therapist for children and adolescents and want to give back like you! You amaze me!

My 18 year old brother died in 2006, he had cancer Germ Cell Teratoma, which is from what I understand something you are born with, if this cancer would have been caught when he was younger he would be alive today. In the begining their was hope for a while, he was given KEMO and they said it was working, there was some releif in my family for a while, I lived about 200 miles from him at this time, A while later his doctors recommended that ne go to the mato clinic in Rochester MN to seek another opinion, lucky me that was 30 min from me, he went in and seen the surgeons and then came out, the surgeon told us " there is nothing I can do, If I open him up to remove the tumor in his stomach, he will bleed to death on the table," he had just turned 17. From there on he lived his life the best he could, spent time with all he loved, and established relationships. I got the phone call one morning from my mom, I knew what she was going to say, "James you better come now, They say he aint going to last much longer" he was in Duluth MN, which is 300 miles from me. My wife and I left right away. We got there to his room and walked in, All I could do is smile, I walked to him and told him I was there and gave him a hug, my brother was a joking kind and was half gone he said " get in my belly." I laughed. he passed later that night, he was a slender boy and when he died he looked like he was 9 months pregnant with quads. He donated his eyes so someone else could see.
David, my wife and I fallowed you through American Idol and gave you support all the way, when you first auditioned we new you were the one to win. I want to thank you for writing Permanent, it means so muck to my family, even though it's a sad song it brings us good memories of my brother. I send my heart out to you and your family and again THANK YOU!
jambranchaud@yahoo.com

David

My deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss.
A loss so deep will take time to heal, but you are strong.

My youngest daugther Carla passed away June 10, 2009.

My prayers are with you.

Christine

Hi David,

Okay I owe you an apology. I listened to you for the first time today, (my birthday).
What the apology is for is because we are related [ hey cuz] and I should have listened before.
Say hi to your stepdad and your mom for me. It's been awhile since I've seen them.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

By the way, you are awesome, really awesome.

Christine

My Condolences. You are mt inspiration. My favorite quoat is the same as yours. "Pain dont hurt". I know you will be able to work through this. I can tell you are a truly amazing person.

--Bekah C. Katz

Hello David,
I am so sorry about your brother. My thoughts are with you and your family. I know exactally what you all went through and will continue to go through as you remember adam! My brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 22. It was not cancerous at the time of his diagnosis. Now at age 28 he is in a stage 4 brain cancer. He has had a long hard battle with 5 surgeries gama knife, radiation and chemo. He is now fighting for his life. He was given a month to live on December 3 2009. every day is precious to us as a family. It would be a huge honor to my family and me but most of all to my brother if you would contact me back at svesportschick@aol.com my family would like to speak with you and possible arrange something for his funeral or even a visit. I know thats a lot to ask and i understand if its not possible. Thank you! And again my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Adam will forever be in your hearts and memories as will my brother be in my families hearts and memories forever!

Jamie Waters
svesportschick@aol.com

I am sure your brother is looking down on you every day and praising you for what you are doing and what you stand for. Yes, I am reading this for the first time and tears are running down my face. To lose a sibling is like losing part of yourself.. You will have the past memories and the ones your are creating know for him. My sister has been cancer free for 4 yrs now and has had baby since. God has a purpose for us all. And your parents, did an awesome job raising you. Your givingness will make a mark on others. Keep up the great work. I wish you much success...

Rockin Rhonda

Like others have stated, not sure if you read the comments on your blog & I never really do this, but I wanted to tell you how inspiring you and your music are.
It took me some time to build up the courage to post something. My father was diagnosed with brain cancer this past February. I am sure like it was to your family, it came completely by surprise and changed my life. Before cancer struck, he was the only 50 year old man I knew that was never sick, the man never even had a cold, he was healthy, athletic and always took care of himself. Then along comes the silent killer. One day completely healthy 50 year old, next day stage 4 brain cancer with no symptoms whatsoever. How is this even possible? I have been extremely supportive of cancer research every since then, the sad part is, it took knowing someone to make that commitment happen.
I found comfort in your CD. It was probably the only CD that I listened too for about 3 months in my car. Oftentimes putting me to tears. The lyrics of Heroes & permanent stick in my mind all the time. My dad is still with us, but he underwent a clinical trial that has left him paralyzed on his entire left side. But, we are lucky he is still with us, you just don't know.
I was happy to find out that you are coming to Milwaukee. I only wish I could attend your concert! Now that I am back in school for nursing, money is tight! But we appreciate the Milwaukee love. Dealing with my dad's cancer has made me change my career because I want to be there for others who might be dealing with similar things. I want to feel like I am doing something meaningful. Just like you are, your songs got me through some tough times and made me realize I need to cherish all the time that I have.
Congrats on all your success! My husband and I have been a fan since you first sang on idol in auditions. I knew you would go all the way!
Much Love and respect,
JR

I felt so emotional about the whole thing...i hated to see you go through that and your brother. I'm truely sorry about it david!! I'll continue to keep your family, your brother , and you in my prayers.

--
***Savannah*** ( your 13 year old fan Laughing out loud )

DEAR DAVID,
I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR BROTHER..I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT YOUR LOSS....I PRAY FOR YOU TO FIND THE STRENGHT TO GO ON AND I'M SURE YOUR BROTHER WILL LIVE THROUGH YOUR SONGS, AND HE WILL BE ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE TO PROTECT YOU AND TO GIVE YOU HIS SMILE AND SUPPORT WHENEVER YOU WILL NEED IT.REST IN PEACE SWEET ADAM.
DAVID, ITALY LOVES YOU.ME TOO.

--
Mary

Knowing that I have no words to ease the pain of you loss, I am moved to tell you that your song for your brother moves me to tears and gives me hope. All at the same time. EVERYTIME I hear it. I am the older brother in my family. I know how much my brother means to me and I cherish our relationship above all others except the on I have with our Lord and Savior. The strength you showed by running the next day is a testament to Adam and I know he is proud of you unwavering resolve to help others. I was first drawn to you through you music. Even as great as your music is, I am more humbled by you strength. Keep your chin up, your chest out and for goodness sake keep making that great music that is the heartbeat of my day. My thoughts and prayers are, and will always, be with you.

Scott Sellars

I would like to say that I am sorry about what happened to you and your family. We all fight the fight. A loved one is truely hard to let go but your brother is somewhere that he is feeling no more pain, he looking down and looking at your family and smiling. Everytime you sing come back to me you get that happy reminder of your brother and the great things that you have shared with each other. Stay strong!

I would also like to add that Come back to me is my favorite song of yours. You know where you hear a song that just gives you the chills and you linger to hear every word well that song does that to me.

You are true inspiration to all of us that want to live the dream of being heard, you give people like me the hope.
I have always wanted to sing and never had the courage and recently I cannot stop singing!
--
Jodi

prayers and love for the cooks, keep on david Smiling

♥••••••i•would•like•to•introduce•misses•sensitive••••••♥

you are such a great guy and im sorry that your brother passed on. Much love to you and your family i just got done seeing you in WV.Great Show!

Dear David,

I am new to your website, but have been a fan of yours since idol. First, and even though this is late, let me send my condolences on the loss of your brother Adam. How are you and your family doing? I know too well what you and your family have been through. I lost my Mom to primary peritoneal cancer and as an oncology and hospice nurse I witness far too often the devastating effects cancer has on my patients and their families. I wish you all peace as you continue to heal. Know that Adam will live on in your hearts and memories and through the way you continue to honor and celebrate his life. He will always be with you. Second, I love your music. Your CD is wonderful and I listen to it often. Are you planning any dates in Rhode Island in the future? Keep up the good work musically and in the fight against cancer.

Love, Rayann

I can't imagine how terrible this loss must be for you and your family. I'm sure that Adam looks down on you every day and is proud of how hard you are working in the fight against cancer. I want you to know that all of your fans are trying to help you get through this, whether it's by donating money or just by writing a letter. I pray that everyday you and your family will get stronger and will push through these bad times. I really hope that this letter and all of the other letters written by other fans help take the edge off of your pain. I hope that, when you read this, it will brighten your day. I can't express in words how sorry I am.

From the bottom of my heart,

Erin

I am new to this site... but myself as well as my children are huge fans of your music and have been since idol..Permanent is one of all our favs...when I told them about your brother, they were saddened as well as, little as they are.
I feel your pain as I have lost my sister tragically as well. You are an amazing man to celebrate his life and as you say how he didn't want his illness to affect anyone, you didn't let it, instead you still went ahead and did it for him. He is with you always not only in your heart but in spirit watching over you and all your loved ones.
Continue to live life to the fullest and produce such incredibly touching songs, you are an amazing artist and man! I wish you and your family peace and let all the memories bring you happiness and comfort not just tears as he would want you to smile and remember him that way Smiling

*hugs*

Dearest David,

I am new to your website, but not new to your talent and most of all your brotherly love.
I just wanted to express my deepest sympathies to you and to your family (albeit late).

I know you will do whatever you can to support the cause near and dear to your heart.

With Deepest Sympathies,

BS

I was there May 2nd, and I was in the 5th row away from the stage. I heard about your brother about 5 days later. After that, I wouldn't eat. I would go to bed early, and I wouldn't talk to anyone. I haven't ever lost anyone to this disease, but I have lost some family. I am so sorry that you had to go through this.

--

Terribly Sorry

Destiny

Hi David.
I don't know if you actually read these comments that people leave you or not, but if you do, I hope this brings you comfort. I lost my father to brain cancer a little over three years ago. When they first diagnosed him they gave us 3-4 months, but after 5 brain surgeries and radiation/chemo treatments, he lived (if you want to call it that - it was located in the speech and motor skills area) for over 13 years. I watched my father over the course of 13 years change from a vibrant, active & healthy cyclist wither away to someone I didn't even recognize and wasn't able to speak or walk. He had all of his mental faculties, but just couldn't tell his brain to tell his mouth to form & say the words - so basically he was a prisoner trapped within his own body. My father was the funniest, kindest, always there to help others out when in need without even being asked and nobody had a single bad thing to say about my father. I miss his goofiness, the smart ass remarks, his crazy songs he used to make up and sing to me, my three sisters & mom, and the bike rides we used to share together. When we lost him, I was pregnant with my 1st child and I wasn't sure I'd be able to fly back to Michigan to attend his funeral, but eventually my doctor's cleared it. Although I miss him so much and am sad that my father never got to meet my now 3 year old son, Jake it gives me great comfort when I see my son give me a certain look, certain facial expressions, his mannerisms or he does/ says something completely goofy that makes me laugh hysterically, it's my dad I see in him down to the little sparkle in his eye. It's through these subtle things that let's me know my father is still a part of my life and that brings me such joy. It's really strange how everyday things around you (i.e.: a bird singing that shows up every day outside your window all of a sudden, a song/phrase you hear, a smell, people you may see or meet that resemble that someone.) will spark wonderful memories of a lost loved one as if it's their way of saying hey, I'm still with you and don't forget me. I know it's different for each person on how they cope with loss, and you may think my way of dealing with it sounds completely crazy, but that's just how I find comfort. My hope for you and Adam's family is to celebrate his life on this earth, always carry the great memories of him (even if you only want to remember him as he was before he got sick) with you and don't ever forget the love he has placed in all of your hearts. Take care. Sandy Godzina

--
sandyg

I did mess up the blog b4 this. I wanted to make sure to get this right.
One thing that your fans do see in you David is your attitude and your gratitude. You are no where near the blo hard musicians out there that think the world revolves around them. For a creative musician like yourself and your band to actually care what us little people think, is huge to me.
On another note, my Mother died of cancer. I been there, done that. Hold onto those pleasurable moments that pass your way in the wee hours of the night. Take them, hold them, file them away and bring them back out when you need them someday.
Hold tight man! We love you!
And remember.......... Comics........Resistance is Futile!!

--
Comics......Resistance is Futile!

This guy has got it all! Voice, looks, style and grace. His attitude matches his gratitude.

--
Comics......Resistance is Futile!

David

I don't know if you read these coments or not, but I want to give you and your family a little hope, I have been through the same thing with my mom, she died in December 2005 from cancer. what gets me through it is knowing I will see her again right here on earth in the near future,I am one of Jehovah Witnesses so everything I say comes from the bible and not me, at John 5,28,29 says " Do not marvel at this,because the hour is coming in whicj all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice ( that is the voice of Jesus ) and come out" also at Acts 24:15 I have hope toward God... that there is going to be a resurrection of both the rightious and the unrighteous." Reveltion 21: 3-4 alway gace me hope where it tells us that we will seen 0ur loved ones again, and there will be no more sickness, death, crime, so this mean that you and I and millions of others will be here right on earth with our loved ones. David I will be at the Lancaster concert on August 20th, I have a brocher that I want to give to you, that will take you right to your own copy of the bible, and if you ever get the chance to run across one of Jehovah Witnesses, ask them any question you might have, I am terrebly sorry for you loss.

Debbie

Mr. Cook,

I am deeply sorry for your family's lost. Through Adam's actions I saw on television and your kind words, I truly believe your brother was an amazing person. I think you were right to run in the race on your brother's behalf and everyone else suffering from cancer. I was lucky enough to have most of my cancerous cells removed. Even though I still struggle everday with pain, I know there are people like you and your brother smiling on me and telling me to keep moving on. I feel you are very courageous for continuing on the way you have. My only brother died when he was 34 and not a day goes by that I have caught myself breaking down in some way. You have really inspired me to keep my head up. Thank you and God bless.........

--
Chanell Bates-Pacatte

--
Hi!My name is Josée an i am 14year old. My english is not very good and sorry for my error.I most speak french.But, i try speak english for everyone know on quebec we love david!!!Sticking out tongue I hope to have a chance to see in a concert to montreal^^

Come to montreal!!!!Sticking out tongue

I'm so sorry about Adam's passing. It's a good thing you ran in the race. I bet your brother is so proud of how far you've come!! rock on David!! And tour w/ Matt Nathanson in Massachusetts so I can finally meet you!!!!!!!! I'm a huge fan!! =]

--
~Alora<33

David~ I was so sorry to hear about your brother's passing, and I wanted to let you know that my thoughts & prayers continue to be with you and your family. Grief can strike at unexpected times, even long after a loved one has passed, so I pray you will always have the space you need to grieve. May you find comfort in the memories and in the knowledge that not even death can break your special bond. I saw the video of you speaking at the Race for Hope, and I was amazed by your strength... I'm positive you have made your brother very, very proud. God bless you and your family!

David,

That must of been a terrible time for you, and his wife and kids, but then again always remember to keep a smile on your face, because Adam will always be there. Even if you can't see him he will be in your heart and that's what really matters. Adam went to heaven where he won't suffer anymore, where he can watch you and guard you and keep you safe. You may mourn for the first year or so, but after a while it goes away when you remember that he is right by your side. I know what it feels like to have a brother with a cancer like that, even though I never had a family member that had cancer I know your pain. Even though it feels awful it will feel great in a few weeks, just knowing that your brother beat you to the best place that you could possibly be on earth! Cherish all the memories you have left, and the memories still left to come. With my deepest sympathy I send prayers to all of the Cook Family and remember... Adam is still watching over you!
--
David_Cook-ROX

Wow,
David you must of felt terrible when he passed on, yet you know he is not suffering anymore and he is in a better place now. Let the Lord bless you and everyone thats in your family!

Long live Adam, and long live the Cook Family
David_Cook-ROX

Dear Cook Family,

My deepest sympathies on the loss of Adam. About two weeks before Adam's passing, my brother Rich also died unexpectedly from the effects of a brain tumor. Rich was also young - 44 years old - and had been dealing with the complications of his tumor from the time he was a teenager. His loss was an overwhelming shock to our family, and we continue to struggle day by day to come to terms with it, as I imagine your family is doing as well.

As a memorial to my brother, my cousin Thomas is currently riding his bicycle 4,000 miles across the country - from New York to San Francisco – with the goal of raising $1 per mile to support funding for the American Brain Tumor Association (http://www.abta.org/). Thomas is calling his trek the “Life’s Too Short Tour,” and he is documenting the journey at www.lifestooshorttour.net Donations to support the ABTA can be made through a link at that website.