People love to joke about mothers-in-law, but I got one of the good ones.
Judy Young was a firecracker—wryly funny, endlessly curious, and always the last to leave a party.
She also was unapologetic about carving out time for herself, something so many women—me included—struggle to do, much less women of her generation.
Perhaps it was her mid-life breast cancer diagnosis, or the heart attack from radiation damage that followed, but Judy was fearless when it came to pursuing her interests and prioritizing her well-being.
In her 40s, Judy’s passion for rhododendrons motivated her to study Mandarin Chinese, leading to a second act as the co-translator (from English to Chinese) of a scholarly book on Chinese rhododendrons, and as an organizer of several study trips to China (that she refused to give up even while she was sick).
Judy passed away in 2021 after living with metastatic breast cancer for 39 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marv Young, who died from an aggressive form of prostate cancer in 2012.
It was Judy’s experience of being her husband’s caregiver during his six-year illness that propelled her to spend her final years advocating for the promotion and support of palliative care in her community of Seattle, Washington. Among other activities, Judy served on the University of Washington Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence Community Advisory Board.
As a cause so near to her heart, Judy would be thrilled I am swimming for Ithaca’s Hospicare & Palliative Care Services. I know that if she were still with us, she would be among my first donors.
Truthfully, however, I think my mother-in-law would be even happier that—after 30 years away from the pool—I’ve joined the Ithaca YMCA Master’s Swim Team. Prioritizing time for me, instead of for my children or my job, hasn’t come naturally. But the joy I feel with each swim, the camaraderie of my teammates, and the encouragement of my coaches has convinced me that it’s okay to sometimes put myself first.
It is in that spirit that I swim for Hospicare, but also for Judy, for me, and for everyone out there who needs a break, whether from caregiving, their own illness, or simply their responsibilities.
Thank you, Judy, and thanks to all who support this great cause.
