Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

A Bond was Forged in Manhattan Beach

Who says women can't share bathrooms, cabs, clothes, restaurant tabs, shoes and a man without killing each other? We are here to dispel that myth once and for all!

Seven of the FFs (Fabulous finalists: Carla, Gael, Lori, Tamara, Vickie, Vija and Wren) made their way to Las Vegas over the weekend to spend some quality time with each other and to catch up on lives, travels, and future plans. The basic plan was to arrive Saturday and do a bit of shopping (OK, quite a bit of shopping) attend a performance of Cirque du Soleil's "O" and reacquaint ourselves after four busy months.

(Photo- L to R, Lori, Vicki, Tamara, Gael, Wren, Vija, Carla)

As you can imagine there were lots of excited hugs and conversations as we all checked in to the hotel. It was a very noisy reunion! We all had so many questions about each other's lives and about what we most wanted to do for the next three days.

We broke out the champagne the first evening and toasted to Richard- the catalyst of dozens of new and exciting friendships- and to each other. The conversation also naturally turned again later to Richard and his surgery and our collective wishes for his recovery and continued good health in the future. He was very much on our minds all weekend.

Of course one of the most interesting activities was getting to know each other on a deeper and more meaningful level than we were allowed in our short time in Manhattan Beach last October. We were so busy at that time that many conversations never had time to blossom. It was great entertainment listening to each of our "Richard" stories: how we first became aware of the search, who loved us enough to encourage us to participate and helped us with videos and motivation, our first and subsequent impressions of Richard, and hopes and/or thoughts about future fun and travel. Of course, there is no need to ask us for the details on those conversations as they will stay privately "between us" like all conversations between trusted friends do.

We missed Donna, Yvonne, Mary and definitely Richard, Joe, Umberto, Connie, Kim and the rest of the family and friends we became acquainted with last year. We are already planning our next reunion in the fall to Gael's beach house on beautiful Cape Cod, and some will also be on the Alaska cruise. We have said it at least a hundred times, but will say it again, it has been such an amazing gift that Richard has given us all- the gift of the friendships that were spawned from his search. It has been so completely amazing to find our "sisters" in such an unexpected way. Thanks again!

Love,

the girls

(Photo- "Yikes!")

Lemonade from Lemons

Many readers have written recently and suggested I use the Newsletter to encourage men and women to make sure they are up to date with their check-ups. Following are two e-mails from readers who followed this advice. I also know of another male friend who (reluctantly) had his PSA checked, and sure enough he has prostate cancer. The doctor told him if he had not come in he would have died within the next few years. The moral of this story- BE SURE TO BE UP TO DATE WITH YOUR PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS. My illness has saved two lives already. Let's sip some lemonade!!

Hi Richard,

I did not have surgery but, I did get my mammogram which was way overdue. Your surgery is what prompted me to finally call and schedule the mammogram. Fortunately, the mammogram came out totally clear. Hope you are feeling better -- I know you will recover very quickly because of your attitude and tremendous support.

From a reader in Southern California

Richard,

A few weeks ago you called from Chile, telling me you were cutting your trip short because you had been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. To say I was shocked and saddened by the news would have been an understatement. I remember thinking "When was the last time I had my PSA checked?" It had been a couple of years at least and I’ve told you before, I hate going to the doctor. Because of you I decided to make an appointment to have my blood checked, better be safe than sorry. Well my blood test came back and my PSA level had jumped from a 3.8 to a 5.6. I made an appointment with an urologist and he recommended we do a biopsy. I got the results of the test back today and yes I do have Prostate Cancer. Out of the twelve samples he took only one had cancer and that sample was a six, which if you have Prostate Cancer is the best case scenario. The reason; I caught it early enough is because of you. Richard at the least you made it possible to for me not to have major surgery, the other end of the spectrum, well let's don't go there.

I wish you a speedy recovery, talk to you soon.

Your buddy,

There you have it folks, get those check ups. Please submit your contributions to "In Your Own Words." As you have seen, this is a very supportive group- no one bites!

I just heard that Dana Reeve, the wife of Christopher Reeve died from lung cancer at 45 years old. My son Chris and I were fortunate to have had many television interviews with Pop&Me, and we were on Lifetime Live with Dana in June of 2000. Dana was the nicest person you could imagine. The fact that she died at 45 years old just puts an exclamation point of having regular physical check-ups.

Take care until next week!

Richard Roe
Senior Bachelor

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