Remembering Lyne – Eighteen Years On

Eighteen years.

An eternity in some ways – and in others, not long at all. The loss of Lyne is still fresh, still present, still woven into everyday life. Time doesn’t erase it; it just teaches you how to carry it.

Cancer remains around us in numbers that should be zero, but aren’t. That fact is as hard to accept now as it was then. As we said many times during the illness, it’s something we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemy. And nothing would give us more satisfaction than seeing a proper cure finally found.

There is real reason for hope. Science keeps pushing forward, and artificial intelligence may prove to be one of the most powerful tools yet in changing outcomes, accelerating discovery, and sparing others from this kind of loss. That hope matters.

And still, above everything else, the truth remains unchanged:

Always loved.
Never forgotten.
Forever missed.

Today, and always.

Shinnyo Lantern Float in Honolulu

Remembering Lyne

On January 5, 2008, Lyne bravely concluded her battle with breast cancer.

Her journey was a testament to her remarkable character. Her optimism was infectious, providing solace to everyone around her, even during the most challenging moments of her fight.

We will never forget Lyne’s passion for life, unwavering optimism, and ability to find joy in the simplest of moments. Her legacy goes far beyond her struggle; it lives on in the countless lives she touched. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her compassionate nature left an indelible mark on many. She embraced each day with a zest for life, cherishing every moment.

We are reminded not of the pain of loss, but of the beauty of her existence. Her memory remains vivid, a guiding light that fuels our perseverance and underscores the value of cherishing every precious moment we are given.

Breast cancer might have taken her away physically, but her spirit, her laughter, her love—they endure within us and in the hearts of those she touched. Today, we honor her memory by celebrating the incredible person she was—loving, cherished, and an inspiration to many. To those fighting a similar battle or supporting a loved one through it, remember that every day is a chance to cherish those we hold dear and to continue advocating for better treatments and support for those affected by cancer.

Rest in peace!
John & Isabella

Fifteen Years

Today, it’s been 15 years since we lost Lyne. There’s not much to write that we haven’t mentioned in years past. She’s forever present in our minds and hearts, and we continue to feel blessed that we got to know her.

Let this instead serve as a reminder that overall, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. It also means there is a 7 in 8 chance she will never have the disease.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Only lung cancer kills more women each year.

Breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women. The median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 62. This means half of the women who developed breast cancer are 62 years of age or younger when they are diagnosed. A very small number of women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45.

Breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989, for an overall decline of 43% through 2020. The decrease in death rates is believed to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments. However, the decline has slowed slightly in recent years.

(in large parts from cancer.org)

Lyne’s memorial site remains www.lynepilon.com

Remembering

Today marks 14 years since Lyne lost her fight with breast cancer.

We have updated her memorial site over the last year, and invite you to take a look here.

Please send her thoughts of gratitude if you were lucky to meet her 🌷

CPH/CDG

John flew to New York from San Francisco while Isabella was picked up in a car from school. They met at Newark Airport and quickly checked in at the SAS counter – each with their own row of seats. January and February remains a great time to travel if you like room to spread out a little bit… They got to Copenhagen very early in the morning and met Mariane for breakfast at the Hilton – just across the street from the airport. It was good to catch up – after all it was more than 2.5 years since Isabella and her had seen each other. 

Mariane and Isabella at the Copenhagen Hilton

Once breakfast was over Isabella and John set course for the hotel. The room wasn’t ready so they explored Copenhagen in fairly decent weather. Ending up back at the hotel around noon, they watched the many famous – some only in their own mind – people who showed for the Copenhagen Fashion week. Among them Gerald Butler who was visiting to endorse Boss perfume. Meanwhile the room was ready and an afternoon snooze seemed like the right thing to do. The evening was spent with Nikoline, Albert, Pia and Carl at their home in Værløse. 

Saturday started with breakfast at Meyers Deli. A great little breakfast place with nothing but fresh and organic food. Lunch was spent with Hans Ole and Trine at Bistro Royal followed by a visit to some of the famous Copenhagen shops. Nothing was so tempting that they had to buy it so it was back to the hotel for a quick refresher before heading out to have dinner with many of the friends Isabella has met over the years. Good opportunity to celebrate Isabella’s 15th birthday regardless of the lousy service at Cocks & Cows. 

Isabella & John left the hotel early Sunday morning. Isabella wasn’t quite sure why, other than she’d been promised a surprise… They ended up in front of the departure gate for Paris and flew down to the French capital for the day. Fantastic weather and they slowly made it by foot from Notre Dame / St. Germain to the Eiffel Tower. Along the way they stopped to leave six roses at the place Lyne’s ashes were spread. Somber moments but good nonetheless. The Parisians and many tourists were out enjoying the spring weather and it was not until the end of the day that all the rain that was in the forecast finally showed. Back in Copenhagen around 9:00 p.m. Both slept well with no broadcast of the Super Bowl available to grab the attention all night. 

It was time to leave the beautiful D’Angleterre hotel Monday morning and after check-in it was back to the Airport Hilton to meet Birgit and Mogens for breakfast. It was nice to catch up with them as well. Isabella and John parted ways at the Copenhagen airport. Isabella flew back to New York while John headed direct to San Francisco. But not until some tax free candy were purchased as well as a new set of B&O earphones that Isabella received from the family. Big smile on her face and very thankful. Many treated her to little gifts all weekend and she was lucky to get spoiled so far from home.