I love adventure.
Including teaching middle school.
I have great friends.
And I have breast cancer.
Again.
This is my story.
Latest Updates
Invitation to Celebrate a Life
The friends of Debbie Pakaluk invite you to come celebrate her life and legacy on Monday, May 1 from 4-6:30 PM at the Glenstone Museum 12100 Glen Road Potomac, Maryland 20854 The ceremony of remembrance and reflection will begin at 4:30 PM, followed by a reception, will both be on the patio, which is a…
Celebration of Life and Disposition of Ashes
Please save the date for these two events: Join us in celebrating the life of Debbie Pakaluk on Monday, May 1st, 2023 for a time of remembrance and reflection at Glenstone Museum in Potomac, MD from 4-6:30 PM. In accordance to Debbie’s wishes,And inspired by this poem,This event will be alternative in format.Rather than speakers…
Life After Death
Today, a child was born, not only in Bethlehem but also in Grayslake, Illinois. Our Debbie would have been 63 years old. Debbie’s special spirit was like a perpetual motion machine. She touched so many people, literally, all over the world, and even now, continues to do so. She influenced and affected people strongly. Whether…
Debra Pakaluk 1959-2022
Debra Pakaluk died peacefully in her sleep while at Casey House in Rockville, MD, on November 2, 2022. She was 62. Born on Christmas Day, Debbie brought much joy to the world. Debbie grew up in Grayslake, IL. Debbie acquired her love of nature, travel, puzzles, cards, board games, stories, and the performing arts from…
Final Decisions
This is what Debbie has asked to be posted today: As you may recall, Debbie went on palliative care last January when her medical team discovered that her cancer was metastatic. Since then, her medical team has attempted to reduce and to alleviate her symptoms through a number of treatments: increasing and/or altering her meds;…
The Saga Continues …
Hi, this is Diana Belchase, Debbie’s friend posting on her behalf once more. I am sad to be doing this, because we truly hoped that Debbie would be posting here herself by now. Unfortunately, she isn’t, and the news isn’t great. Sigh. Debbie dictated most of this herself, and I’m filling in around the edges,…
Miracles Big and Small
Well, you probably didn’t think you’d be hearing from me, Diana Belchase, again. After all, wonder woman that she is, Debbie is supposed to be here posting herself. Well, she is getting close. She’s seeing better every day, but it’s still too much of a struggle for her to write a long post. So, with…
Update on Debbie and Stories from Friends
Hi everyone! This is Diana Belchase, and I’m posting here on behalf of Debbie. 🙂 The news continues to be good. Debbie is walking her hallway and doing the basic functions of living pretty much on her own. She is forcing herself to do as many things as possible. She can cook light meals, her…
Up and At ‘Em
So much is going on! Lots of good news, too. This is Diana Belchase taking over Debbie’s blog for a little bit to keep you updated on her amazing progress. I know you haven’t heard from me in a day, but I deliberately wanted to keep Debbie a bit cocooned from too many excited well-wishes…
Debbie's New Journey 