A sad loss
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

A sad loss

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › A sad loss

  • Post
    • October 4, 2012 at 11:59 pm
    Rocco
    Participant

      I did a quick search and found this heartfelt entry posted on line (Noozly.com): 

       

      I did a quick search and found this heartfelt entry posted on line (Noozly.com): 

       

      Many of you know my only nephew Kevin Kagel has…
      Posted: Oct 01, 2012 (09:51:13 PM) | Updated: Oct 02, 2012 (06:59:45 PM)

      Many of you know my only nephew Kevin Kagel has been battling melanoma for two years. Sadly, Kevin, who was only 28, died over the weekend. During those two years, he researched and tried every treatment made available to him, endured side effects and setbacks, and yet remained strong, positive and thankful for anything the medical community could do to give him more time. We have a small family and Kevin was like a son to Dennis and me. He was our son Mike's and daughter Laurie's only cousin so this is a devastating loss for our family. Yet we are thankful for the time we had with this truly amazing person who was talented, kind, caring, compassionate and had a wonderful sense of humor. We treasure the memories of times spent with him including the annual beach vacations, holidays, birthdays and more. We know the impact he had on the lives of others too because a steady stream of friends showed up at the hospice in his final days to visit him. We also are so thankful for his wife Brenda who loved him deeply, was so devoted to him and strong for him, and brought him immeasurable happiness. I'll end with the last line of one of Brenda's postings on his facebook page when he entered hospice.
      "If there is ever a time when you are sad or down on life, please ask yourself, 'What would Kevin do?' and I promise you will find the courage and strength you need. He loves you all!"

      2 Likes

       

       

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • October 5, 2012 at 4:32 pm
        Swanee
        Participant

          I read the post yesterday of Kevin's passing and still can't quite absorb it….my mind keeps playing back  all the other posts Kevin made here on his journey.  From the beginning when I read Kevin's first post (we both found MPIP about the same time) my first thought was what a sweet kid this must be.  He was so appreciative for any advice you could give him…like the best food items for fighting cancer, the latest treatment he might find and he always acted on them and posted to let you know how much he appreciated the tip.  I remember his posts from his TIL treatment at NIH, when he got ripped off by the taxi, he met Dr. Rosenberg (which he noted felt like meeting Ghandhi) and how the worst part of the whole treatment was that he was "homesick."  Kevin was so heartfelt and wore his heart on his sleeve.  All you had to do was read one of his posts and you immediately loved him, fought for him and always looked forward to his next post and I know the rest of you like myself, looked for Kevin's post's first!  Kevin's optimism was off the chart and yet I know he tried more treatments in a very short amount of time, barely recovering from one before moving on to another.  Amazingly though, his posts were always upbeat and positive (even when he was feeling down and discouraged) and when the negative stuff  happened,,,he took it in stride and always spoke of the next option and how he was very hopeful would be his "magic bullet."   I never met Kevin in human form but I met his spirit!  When I get to where I'm going someday I will know Kevin the moment I see him,  I know Kevin was an angel on earth as he is in heaven now, but more likely a Saint!  I know I have been blessed immeasureably by Kevin's kindness, his generous heartfelt spirit and his zest for life and because of that,  I will never forget …..himynameiskevin!  

          Blessings to all,

          Swanee

            • October 6, 2012 at 1:23 am
            kjkaralekas
            Participant

              I feel the same way. I always read his posts and waited to see how he was doing. When he didn't post for a while, I worried. Brenda, you will always be in our prayers. You're right, he's in a better place and hopefully at peace. I have a son Kevin who's the same age. I feel heartache and yet, I feel that he's in a better place.

              • October 6, 2012 at 1:23 am
              kjkaralekas
              Participant

                I feel the same way. I always read his posts and waited to see how he was doing. When he didn't post for a while, I worried. Brenda, you will always be in our prayers. You're right, he's in a better place and hopefully at peace. I have a son Kevin who's the same age. I feel heartache and yet, I feel that he's in a better place.

                • October 6, 2012 at 1:23 am
                kjkaralekas
                Participant

                  I feel the same way. I always read his posts and waited to see how he was doing. When he didn't post for a while, I worried. Brenda, you will always be in our prayers. You're right, he's in a better place and hopefully at peace. I have a son Kevin who's the same age. I feel heartache and yet, I feel that he's in a better place.

                • October 5, 2012 at 4:32 pm
                Swanee
                Participant

                  I read the post yesterday of Kevin's passing and still can't quite absorb it….my mind keeps playing back  all the other posts Kevin made here on his journey.  From the beginning when I read Kevin's first post (we both found MPIP about the same time) my first thought was what a sweet kid this must be.  He was so appreciative for any advice you could give him…like the best food items for fighting cancer, the latest treatment he might find and he always acted on them and posted to let you know how much he appreciated the tip.  I remember his posts from his TIL treatment at NIH, when he got ripped off by the taxi, he met Dr. Rosenberg (which he noted felt like meeting Ghandhi) and how the worst part of the whole treatment was that he was "homesick."  Kevin was so heartfelt and wore his heart on his sleeve.  All you had to do was read one of his posts and you immediately loved him, fought for him and always looked forward to his next post and I know the rest of you like myself, looked for Kevin's post's first!  Kevin's optimism was off the chart and yet I know he tried more treatments in a very short amount of time, barely recovering from one before moving on to another.  Amazingly though, his posts were always upbeat and positive (even when he was feeling down and discouraged) and when the negative stuff  happened,,,he took it in stride and always spoke of the next option and how he was very hopeful would be his "magic bullet."   I never met Kevin in human form but I met his spirit!  When I get to where I'm going someday I will know Kevin the moment I see him,  I know Kevin was an angel on earth as he is in heaven now, but more likely a Saint!  I know I have been blessed immeasureably by Kevin's kindness, his generous heartfelt spirit and his zest for life and because of that,  I will never forget …..himynameiskevin!  

                  Blessings to all,

                  Swanee

                  • October 5, 2012 at 4:32 pm
                  Swanee
                  Participant

                    I read the post yesterday of Kevin's passing and still can't quite absorb it….my mind keeps playing back  all the other posts Kevin made here on his journey.  From the beginning when I read Kevin's first post (we both found MPIP about the same time) my first thought was what a sweet kid this must be.  He was so appreciative for any advice you could give him…like the best food items for fighting cancer, the latest treatment he might find and he always acted on them and posted to let you know how much he appreciated the tip.  I remember his posts from his TIL treatment at NIH, when he got ripped off by the taxi, he met Dr. Rosenberg (which he noted felt like meeting Ghandhi) and how the worst part of the whole treatment was that he was "homesick."  Kevin was so heartfelt and wore his heart on his sleeve.  All you had to do was read one of his posts and you immediately loved him, fought for him and always looked forward to his next post and I know the rest of you like myself, looked for Kevin's post's first!  Kevin's optimism was off the chart and yet I know he tried more treatments in a very short amount of time, barely recovering from one before moving on to another.  Amazingly though, his posts were always upbeat and positive (even when he was feeling down and discouraged) and when the negative stuff  happened,,,he took it in stride and always spoke of the next option and how he was very hopeful would be his "magic bullet."   I never met Kevin in human form but I met his spirit!  When I get to where I'm going someday I will know Kevin the moment I see him,  I know Kevin was an angel on earth as he is in heaven now, but more likely a Saint!  I know I have been blessed immeasureably by Kevin's kindness, his generous heartfelt spirit and his zest for life and because of that,  I will never forget …..himynameiskevin!  

                    Blessings to all,

                    Swanee

                    • October 6, 2012 at 1:00 pm
                    Phil S
                    Participant
                      This post takes my breath away! To read Kevin’s aunt describe this beautiful person in such a heartfelt manner, and to know how much they will miss him feels overwhelming. I never met Kevin or Brenda and yet I loved them, they always appeared as old, wise souls. They both had wisdom and strength far beyond their youth. I will never forget that every time a treatment didn’t work for Kevin, he remained positive, then said based on odds, it increases the chances someone else could benefit. My heart breaks for his parents, as they lost their only child. I hope they find peace in what an incredible person they raised and the dignity in which he faced his challenges. Kevin felt like a kindred spirit, and I can only hope and pray they feel his presence daily as they struggle to go on. I know that I will look up to Kevin, as we continue our fight, and this brave warrior will help us with courage and strength, just as Brenda predicted. God bless you, Kevin! Valerie (Phil’s wife)
                      • October 6, 2012 at 1:00 pm
                      Phil S
                      Participant
                        This post takes my breath away! To read Kevin’s aunt describe this beautiful person in such a heartfelt manner, and to know how much they will miss him feels overwhelming. I never met Kevin or Brenda and yet I loved them, they always appeared as old, wise souls. They both had wisdom and strength far beyond their youth. I will never forget that every time a treatment didn’t work for Kevin, he remained positive, then said based on odds, it increases the chances someone else could benefit. My heart breaks for his parents, as they lost their only child. I hope they find peace in what an incredible person they raised and the dignity in which he faced his challenges. Kevin felt like a kindred spirit, and I can only hope and pray they feel his presence daily as they struggle to go on. I know that I will look up to Kevin, as we continue our fight, and this brave warrior will help us with courage and strength, just as Brenda predicted. God bless you, Kevin! Valerie (Phil’s wife)
                        • October 6, 2012 at 1:00 pm
                        Phil S
                        Participant
                          This post takes my breath away! To read Kevin’s aunt describe this beautiful person in such a heartfelt manner, and to know how much they will miss him feels overwhelming. I never met Kevin or Brenda and yet I loved them, they always appeared as old, wise souls. They both had wisdom and strength far beyond their youth. I will never forget that every time a treatment didn’t work for Kevin, he remained positive, then said based on odds, it increases the chances someone else could benefit. My heart breaks for his parents, as they lost their only child. I hope they find peace in what an incredible person they raised and the dignity in which he faced his challenges. Kevin felt like a kindred spirit, and I can only hope and pray they feel his presence daily as they struggle to go on. I know that I will look up to Kevin, as we continue our fight, and this brave warrior will help us with courage and strength, just as Brenda predicted. God bless you, Kevin! Valerie (Phil’s wife)
                      Viewing 5 reply threads
                      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                      About the MRF Patient Forum

                      The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                      The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.