I want to take a moment away from talking about food and cooking for a second to remember two special people today.

Two years ago today, I lost my dad to cancer. I still think about him everyday. He was the kind of guy who didn’t care what I did, so long as I was happy doing it. He left this world too soon but I get comfort in knowing he’s back together with my mom now after living without her for 20 years.

Also, today I am writing to you from Ellicott City, Maryland where I’m attending the second annual Kelly D. Heflin Foundation Golf Tournament. Kelly was a dear friend and amazing woman who also lost her battle to cancer last year. Kelly is another person whose life was cut way too short by this horrible disease.

Her family has set up a foundation in her name, the Kelly D. Heflin Foundation, which helps to support people living with cancer and provides them with important necessities such as wigs, transportation to and from treatment, and financial assistance. Considering I lost both parents to cancer, this foundation is important to me and I’m proud to be in Maryland with Kelly’s family and friends celebrating her and celebrating life while also celebrating my dad.

For more information about how Kelly’s Foundation helps, please visit www.kellysfoundation.com.