Dear followers of The Cancer Olympics,

This is Robin’s son and husband (Austin & Andrew Hurst), posting on her behalf. After 14 years of incredible strength and resilience in the face of her diagnosis, it is with great sadness that we inform you that Robin has reached the end of her journey. She will be dearly missed. She was one of the extraordinary people who applied themselves constantly to making the world a better place and invariably succeeded with each of her many campaigns, making lasting friendships as she went.

In the days before her passing she wrote out her final blog post, which we have transcribed below. We hope you understand just how much this community meant to her, and how much she (and we) appreciated your continued friendship, kindness, and support through the years.

We will share the details of her Celebration of Life memorial here (as well as through the White Family Funeral Home website) in the coming weeks.

Dear RCO,

Today will be the last post. I am in hospital. My life is over. I can no longer eat, walk, or breathe without oxygen. I accept that today is quite possibly my last. Thank you for your support of The Cancer Olympics, I have cherished you all and your immense support through this incredible journey. I could not have asked for a better community of friends and family.

Today’s song is 2003’s “Into The West” by Annie Lennox, famously used for the ending credits in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. LOTR! Of course. Lennox’s crystal voice conveys the majesty of the final voyage.

Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
The night is falling
You have come to journey’s end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You’re only sleeping

What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All Souls pass

Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don’t say
We have come now to the end
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
And you’ll be here in my arms
Just sleeping

And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West

This blog was published by The Cancer Olympics on June 9, 2024. It is republished with permission.