Ask Professor Randy Pausch
One month after Professor Randy Pausch was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he gave the best lecture of his life. Dubbed “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” the speech quickly became an Internet phenomenon and has drawn in more than 6 million hits since September (it can be viewed here). Those same insights will appear in the book The Last Lecture on April 8th. Use the form below to submit your questions for the beloved Carnegie Mellon Professor, then look for the upcoming interview in TIME Magazine.
Whit all the years, and the millions spend on research do you trust
the drug corporations to stretch the finding for a cure for $$$$ reasons?
Dear Professor Pausch,
I am about to get married but sometimes a great anxiety fills me when I think of the comittment I am about to make. How did you know your wife was the “one?” and what is your best advice for the newly married?
Thank you.
My mom was given her death sentence after years of going to a doctor who never saw the mass in her lungs ( her on call doctor did).
I wanted so much to discuss death with her but she chose instead to just sleep and watch television. She would get upset with me and say, “You just don’t understand what it is like to be told you are dying…”I know everyone is different, but what are those questions you ask yourself when you are dying. When your kids want to talk and hear your feelings, do you try to protect them at all costs? Your kids are going to miss you, let them know your feelings, I so appreciate what you are doing for those left behind.
Some days I feel like becoming a history professor and other days I wish I could become a CEO or photographer. Do you have any advice for those of us with multiple “childhood dreams”? How are we supposed to ever decide which one to choose?
In your lecture you described “Brick Walls” as something that keeps people without sufficient desire away from the glories they really don’t want.
MY question to is more of a quandry- can brick walls benefit by keeping a person safe? Or is the whole point to live life as close to the edge so to keep a greater view of “it all”?
I just wanted to tell you how remarkable I think you are and God bless you for your courage, I have followed your story and pray for you and your family. Thank you for all you stand for in grace, strength and most of all, your courage, you truely are an inspiration to us all.
At your weakest and saddest moments, what is your greatest source of comfort, what is it that takes the pain down and lets you close your eyes and sleep. I ask this, partly from my own failed attempts in a similair situtation.
Your story and your courage have touched a lot of hearts, and may legacy and your family be eternally blessed.
I watched your speach and I was moved on a variety to levels. One was when did your push-ups to show your fitness despite you cancer. I am a push-up maniac and although I run the risk of sounding dumb and like a Neanderthal, how many push ups can you do?
Dear Professor Pausch,
Your speech was brilliant! You obviously are bright and I would assume open minded. Have you tried any alternative approaches to heal yourself or do you have an internal knowing that your time is up? There are so many alternative ways to heal cancer. I realize that you must be open to them or they will not work. The pharmaceutical companies want us to believe there is only one way. I hope you have tried everything you can. We need inspiring people like you around. Light to you and your loved ones.
I’m looking forward to our book.
Are you worried about heaven and if God hears your prayers? Has he talked back?
p.s. Heard you bought an Apple? Isn’t it Great!! Kinda like being aboard the Enterprise.
We all have a “death sentence”, it’s called life. the sooner we can appreciate how short time really is - the sooner we can aspire to live purposeful lives.
The fact that Professor Randy;s body will not allow him to continue to live is all the proof I need of the fact that we are not guided by some cruel and senseless “god”. Only a sick perverted god would torture, crucify or otherwise kill one of us as “inspiration ” for the rest.
How awful that so many whiney, dumbasses (certain celebrities come to mind) are lucky enough to be so healthly and yet so useless to anyone, while a fine individual such as this man is sick. Terribly unjust.
I am aethist, but if anyone thinks a prayer circle would help heal him - I’m in!
What do you ask someone who is dying?
Dear Professor Randy Pausch,
How have you shared your incredibly powerful and positive message with your children in a way they can relate to the inevitable - losing their beloved dad?
Best regards,
Klaus Feldam
I have watched several friends and family die from cancer. In my observation there appears to be no madate to find a “cure” for cancer when there is so much money generated in “treating” cancer
I hate to use this analogy and it seems so jaded but it appear to me that the drug companies are relying on the “comeback” for treatment as opposed to a one time visit for a cure.
. Do you think that curing cancer is really economically feasible when the drug companies make so much money from the treatment?
How do you celebrate achieving one of your goals?
Dear Prof. Pausch, I often wonder whether or not these drugs on the market are doing any of us any good, considering all of the “side effects.” It is my belief that some of the older “herbal” medicines are still the best. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Hello Professor Pausch
This is a very simple, straightforward but nonetheless important question: what where your happiest (or the happiest) moments during your whole life, both in your personal life as well as in your academic career.
Best Regards.
Dear Professor Pausch,
Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your lecture. It really hit home and made me realize what is truly important. I am the mom to two adorable children, and I promise you, if either one or both want to draw on their walls in their bedroom, I will let them!
God bless you and your beautiful family.
Randy,
I don’t have a question for you but just wanted to tell you that I admire your courage and your openness regarding your disease and prognosis and your willingness to use yourself as an example which ends up being a tremendous inspiration. Love and prayers for you and your family…..
Chris
What are your religious beliefs? Has your current circumstance strengthened your faith or pulled you away from this notion?
What would you have done careerwise if you couldn’t have done what you did?
Thank you for making yourself available to us (your new legion of admirers and fans!)
What do you hope for your children? How do you think you can help to make those hopes and dreams come true?
You are in my prayers. You have blessed my life and that of my son. Thank you.
How much has the success of “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” surprised you?
Did you expect that it would lead you to be in TIME?
Dearth be not proud…rock on randy
I saw the segment you did on Oprah just days before my grandmother died of cancer (I watched the original lecture later). I can only tell you how touched I was. She lived a full life and wanted only to spend her last days with her famiy. I learned so much more about her battle at her funeral. I was glad that she spent her time with us not discussing the cancer details but living life, as hard as it may have been. Thank you for the inspiration and love that your shared with us.
Professor Pausch:
Thank you for your candor, grace, humility, bravery, and the wisdom to know when to receive your lessons as well as how share them. You are an inspiration and those with whom you had crossed paths have been blessed. Having recently lost my Mom who fought a hard 4-year battle with cancer, my heart goes out to your family and loved ones. The void will never be fillable. Because you have led a rich, inspiring, and giving life and aside from having less time than you had thought that you would have, do you have any big regrets? Much gratitude and best wishes to you.
How can we spread optimism?
Hey Mate,
I am a diabetic, and I went completely out of control last year, while in Australia. When I returned, I went to see several doctors, and the local hospitalo. They found a “Spot” on my lung, and after consulting with the “experts” determined, it was just on the film. They never took a second picture. That was last september. I am now in the terminal phase of Lung Cancer, and am refusing further treatment, as I want to be lucid when the time comes. I am not angry or disappointed. Like you, I led a very good life. I am actually glad to be checking out of this planet, particularly this nation, that I seems, now has killed 1 million innocents in Iraq, as well as 4000 US Heroes (?). The coming election will only make things worse for those off us that thought changes were coming, as all the candidates are grossly indebted to large special interest groups, that are financing the elections. I only wish I could occasionally come back to check in on how bad things have gotten. One thing is for sure. The North American Empire is in it’s death throes. Good bye and good riddance. May you enjoy your last weeks on this unfortunate planet, as much as I plan on doing.
Why did you become a professor and what is the best part of the job?
I don’t have a question, I just wanted to say thank you. I watched your video right before Easter, when I was feeling all sad and pitiful. After seeing it, life got better. I am sorry you are sick, but thank you. I am sure the 3 will be way way older when they see it, and they, like me, will say thank you.
Paula
Do you believe you were chosen to deliver this message of hope?You must admit, people like you are few and far between. Either God makes them or they had really great parents. Do you have faith in the belief this may be your destiny and that you were meant to do something for more people than your family and your students? Do you believe you were given the gifts and tools within yourself to create this movement and awareness that has touched so many ? And last, do you believe as I do, you may very well come out of this alive,to stay?
P.S. I check your site everyday to see the updates. I’ve ordered several copies of your lecture for friends and my son’s school. Hang in there.
Given the current view that physical and metaphysical interpretation may correlate is it possible that doubts as to the legimacy of neár death experiences seën as pressure on the optic nerve for instance — to accoúnt for visual effects are immateriál since there is a correlation.?
Welcome to the “Big C” club! 29 years ago I was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma cancer and given a 10% chance of living 2 years.. With tons of prayer, I decided to be in the 10%. Everyone thought I was crazy. I had surgery only and the cancer never returned. What blessings have you experienced since your diagnosis?
Does knowing you’re going to die make you feel more free to do the things you want to do?
As many of us know, it’s not how long we’ve lived but how we’ve lived that matters. In numerous ways Professor, you are blessed for having been given the foresight and ability to make an indescribable impact not just on your three children, who will undoubtedly know and love and have a connection with you far more than some children who “live” with their parents to adulthood, but on us all. Your legacy is boundless. God bless.
Professor what is your message for the terminally ill , who do not have the means to fight a protracted battle with diseases like cancer ? Whom do these people of a lesser god turn to for succour ?
Do such people have a chance for survival given how expensive medical and hospitalization costs have become?
Arvinder Singh Walia
Kolkata India
With millions of dollars being pumped into medical reasearch and the fraternity of medical doctors engaged in world wide reasearch why have we been unsucessful in cracking the cancer code.
When do you visualize will we have a cancer buster remedy on hand
Randy,
You are incredible. I am bipolar and I feel like a real jerk when I heard you speak on the Oprah show.
I hope that you can beat this thing somehow. Stranger things have happened. I admire you so much and you are such an inspiration to so many. How do you remain so positive in such a trying situation? What do you say to people who suffer from depression? Isn’t it stupid in your opinion. God Bless–Terry from Jacksonville Hope you make it somehow
I have seen and heard of several friends and family die from cancer all over the world. Is it because of someting we are eating or inhaling without our knowledge. What do you think the governments should do to restrict the food companies to manufacture the products with slow poison in it?
Dear Professor Paucsh,
First, I wanted to say that I was really touched by your lecture and appearance on Oprah. My father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2002, survived the Whipple surgery but sadly lost the battle in November 2004.
I wonder though if you are using just Gemzar for treatment or if you are supplementing your use with the drug Ukrain? The biggest frustration we found was the unavailability of the drug (Ukrain) in the US. We had to go to Germany to receive it (from the renowed Dr. Beger in Ulm). My father was given 6 weeks to live after the recurrence of the cancer was discovered, but he lived for 8months with the use of Ukrain.
I believe very strongly in the efficacy of the drug and was wondering if you would give your insight into its efficacy. I believe more people need to be aware of it’s existence as a pallative treatment for pancreatic cancer.
God bless you and your family.
Dear Doctor Pausch,
I am a Mexican national currently living in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and I am currently working on my application to CMU’s Tepper school of business.
I have seen your lecture on the internet a couple of times, and I also listened to your Time Management lecture. I really enjoyed both of them.
I have a question about achievieng your dreams and having fun in life. How do you go from having a mortgage and a very demanding job in a field that does not make you, well, giddy with joy (I am an accountant… some people call us counting-mutants) to fulfilling your dreams? How do you escape that feeling of being trapped and having no choice? How do you leave stress and worry behind? Money always seems to be a factor, and I know you would hit me on the head with a book if I was in front of you right now complaining about money, but it is a very real constraint for me. I can not afford to quit my job and pursue my dreams. And knowing that time is of essence (the time right now is really all I have, is it not?) well, I stress even more!
Thank you so very much for taking some of your precious time to share wisdom and advice with people like me. Hearing your lectures and reading about you reminds me that this is a nice world, after all!
Hi Randy,
I am a 54 year old man. Married…soon to be divorced. Until December 2007 I seemed perfectly healthy. A man who rode 3300 miles on his bike last year. Ride 160 miles in a day at the rate of 19mph. I have been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, expected to live at most 3 years. A life full of regrets. In a very successful career that I never really chose. Wanted to be an artist but ended up in Information Technology…just because I could do it well. Almost 30 years with the company. No kids. Wish I had had 12. Do I continue working til I die? Do I seek assisted suicide? Do I quit work and go to art school? Do I travel the world? What the hell am I supposed to do now?
Dear Prof. Pausch,
if you had to do your life all over again, what would you have changed !
I have lost both my partents to terminal cancers and spend a lot of time in doctor’s offices with preventive medical exams. Following your story and this part of your life is a true inspiration and example of grace for me.
I will pray for you and your family !
My son loves art and computer science. He is currently an undergraduate student at Cornell University. ETC would be an ideal place for his further career development. However, the tuition is so expensive nowadays. It would be really nice if ETC could offer scholarships or assistantships. How come ETC is not doing that?
You mention in your lecture that one of the keys to success is working extra hard. You specifically talk about being at your office until 10:00 on friday nights. But shouldn’t life have a balance? When you look back, is limiting all the other aspects of life that add to its overall quality (particularly spending time with your family) worth it to achieve one goal - a successful career?
You’ve had the chance to achieve many dreams, including working for Disney, practice with the Steelers, and act in the new Star Wars movie… but if you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
How do you want to be remembered by your spouse, children,family, and friends. What do you want them to take away from your life?
Dear Professor Pausch
First of all, please allow me to sincerely wish you the best to you and your family and thank you for the beautiful lecture you gave to all of us on ‘Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams’ Your existence and story definitely have touched someone in this world in very positive ways. Thank you again.
My question for you is what will you miss most of this world when you’re in another world? (I truly believe there is another world after this)
Take care of yourself, and enjoy your time with your little fam and friends.
Sincerely,
Your listener of your lecture
Hi Professor,
I graduated CMU in 2002 and though I did not have the pleasure of taking any of your courses, I do remember the school fondly. I do wish however, that the school was more ng to allow students to take courses throughout the different programs/colleges, allowing them to discover new things about themselves. I was a policy and business major but now that I think about it, I think I should have paid less attention to the well-paying job I needed to have after college and take the time to enjoy college. What can CMU or any school for that matter, help facilitate dreaming bigger?
How does it feel to walk in freedom with a “death sentence” or rather passage to life sentence (I do not believe death is the end) starring you in the face?
Have you given your wife the right to remarry ASP after you r gone?
Do you believe God can still heal you?
Dear Prof Randy,
I was greatly inspired after watching the “Last lecture” online. I Just pray to the Almighty God, the God of Abraham and Moses to grant u more years on this planet. I do believe that its VERY POSSIBLE.
How do u face the fact that u may die soon and leave behind your beautiful little kids and wife? Do u ever wish that u had married earlier such that by now they would be grown up young adults?
Best health to u and blessings to your family.
I have to first say you are very inspiring and strong willed man. Have you set up any foundations or charities to further cancer research so one day it may be a thing of the past?
Dear Professor Pausch,
in one of your lectures you mentioned that you’re a great believer in vacation. I think traveling is an important part of our lives, so I would like to know: what was the most inspiring place/country you’ve been to and in how far it has changed your world view.
Thank you very much and God bless your family.
I shared part of your speech with my staff at our morning huddle, because I thought it would be inspirational and bring perspective. I admire your courage and feel sad that you will have to leave young children behind when you do pass. I wonder how you deal with your kids on a daily basis knowing that time is a factor and also do they understand the situation?
This last lecture is an incredible gift to anyone who sees it. I realize this is an intensely personal question, but I wondered if you would share how you and your wife are preparing your children for your death.
God Bless.
Your Last Lecture is a gift to everyone who sees it. I realize this is a very personal question, but how are you and your wife preparing your children for your death? I know there must me thousands of families facing the same situation and I think your insights would help them.
Thank you and God Bless.
I, by accident, came across this site. I recently was also told that I have a life taking disease. I have three small children, 10, 5 and 3. How and when did you explain to them that you will not always be there for them. That their hero and comforter would have to go away. Please let me know so I have some idea of how to help them cope with the situation.
I’m just wondering if You really did checked all posiible and realistic options as a patient? There is allways a CHANCE and Hope without illusion, will You alternative, not homeopathic, therapies?
As a physician I saw “wonders” and wish You from all my heart another one.
I’m just wondering if You really did checked all posiible and realistic options as a patient? There is allways a CHANCE and Hope without illusion, will You try dome alternative, not homeopathic, therapies?
As a physician I saw “wonders” and I wish You - from all my heart - another one.
What quality in people do you think will have the most impact on humanity’s ability to change the world for the better?
Dear Dr. Pausch,
There are lots of people who make an attempt at teaching others how to live a productive life. There are very few who teach us how to dye. I lost my sister to colon cancer and I have always told people that she taught me more about how to dye than she did about how to live. She was a real trooper and she fought the fight with a smile, mostly thinking of others.
You had the courage to teach Millions what a great attitude can do for any situation and all that can be learned from knowing what matters. I admire you greatly for shining some light on a rarely talked about subject.
Does music energize you when you get into difficulties? If so,
what type of music has energized you? Or can you name some
of these songs?
Randy, I saw your lecture via the internet last fall and I was very moved, in part because of the incredible work you have done with and for young people who are bright and creative but not necessarily the brilliant scholars often associated with future success. What would you say to encourage kids like this, who think they aren’t smart and have no talent, in order to help them find fulfillment and success in an area where they can shine?
I am a recent CMU graduate who watched the full lecture and could not agree more that only at Carnegie Mellon can a course like yours exist. Although I did not take the BVW class, I did attend many presentations as I had friends in business, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, and Art who were involved.
I had already known you to be a leading pioneer in Virtual Reality and Human Computer Interface from my class with you at Carnegie Mellon. Now you have transcended those arts to be a visionary making a difference in the greater human consciousness. Bravo.
My questions is, what yet unreached milestone in building virtual worlds do you wish to be accomplished by those who choose to follow in your footsteps?
Randy,
Thanks! Your speech was inspirational. Ever consider this medical treatment?
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=4518743&page=1
Dear Randy. I have been having a pretty bad time of it myself of late, yet through it all I have tried to keep my chin up, and count my blessings everyday. I just have to say that your presentation was incredible, and thank you for sharing your personal family message with others. I will try to stay inspired by it for the rest of my life, and share it with others as well.
What’s the most important thing that people who do not have a terminal illness should know or understand about those who do?
How was the cancer discovered? Were there any symptoms? You look so healthy and strong, it´s so hard to believe. So was my husband, was such a fanatic of healthy diet, exercise, vitamins, flossing after every meal, etc.etc and he died of stomach cancer at 59. I always felt so inadecuate next to him, overweight, out of shape and yet I´m still here after 6 years alone and extremely stressed out. What keeps me going, how could he be gone? I have no dreams, no goals yet I keep waking up every day. He read books on longevity, wanted to live so long. How can it be?
If you were to give one piece of advice/wisdom to people, what would it be?
If you are to give one piece of advice to people, what would it be?
Dear Professor Pausch,
Are you going to leave each of your children a special letter or video that tells them of your admiration and love for them, any pitfalls you foresee for them, and your best memories with them, and your hopes for their futures?
Will you leave a special love letter for your wife?
Dear Professor Pausch,
Will you leave letters with insight, hopes and dreams, encouragement, and favorite memories for your wife & children?
God bless you and yours
Dear Randy,
What thing do you regret the most about, and have you addressed that in your “last lecture?”
Thank you for sharing your inspirational life with us. I hope that you and your family continue to have as much fun as is possible (insert Elephant image here).
What are your goals for your afterlife/heaven? Do you think there will be any brick walls or head fakes?
Best wishes for you and your family, Madelyn Curtis
What is the one thing that you think of the most as the days pass?
Dear Professor Pausch,
I wish you to live forever for the sake of our technology. I admired you, your personality, and especially your achievement in education and research. I cries every time I watch your clips. I was born in a very poor region, but I have won many scholarships for my education. I want to find a fellowship to do my PhD in engineering. Can you give me your advices on how to find an aid for PhD research, please?
Dear Professor,
It is Tri, and my contact is billnguyenus@gmail.com. I would like to thank you for your time and help.
I hope you will do better,
Thanks,
Tri Nguyen
Is Steve Seabolt really as big a stud as he appears? You are so lucky he, Jack, and Scott are your friends. They seem way too good to be true. Are you appreciate enough of them?
there are some who say your lecture was only a hit because of the introduction at Carnegie Mellon. Has that guy been properly credited?
Dr. Pausch, from the lecture it’s clear that you’re a very modest person. How has it affected you to receive the adoration of so many people from all around the world?
Dr. Pausch,
I just wish to say that the link i recieved with you on Oprah show was unlike anything i have ever seen and a heart rending clip for a man far from my home in the states. My life is now different, thank you. I will never forget your life’s approach nor will i ever look at objects and things the same way, given your can of coke on the back seat move! Carry on, Professor, carry on.
May God bless you eternally, and may continue to He guide your beloved Jai, Dylan, Logan, and Chloe. Remember that this life is but an illusion and that who you really are is the immortal soul. Your body and your mind gave definition to Randy Pausch, but your soul will live in all of us forevermore.
You don’t have to be old to die, yet many elderly, especially elderly men, will not discuss, let alone plan, for the years ahead when they may not be able to care for themselves…what words of wisdom can you give to the elderly?
Albert Einstein once said, “it is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education,” what would you say?
What flavor was your wife’s birthday cake?
What is your favorite book?
I just watched the video of your last lecture.
It seems like you are quite an actor. Are your true feelings, behind the facade, different from how you show yourself publicly?
You did not just retire to your home, hiding from the outside world like so many dieing do.
Do you think it’s easier to deal with death when you have a legacy to give?
Besides letting you paint your bedroom, how did your parents support your dreams? What did they say to make you believe in your abilities?
Is it true that “The Last Lecture” ™ will soon be available as a set of commemorative plates from the Franklin Mint? And do you expect them to be as popular as “The Last Lecture” ™ action figures?
What gives you greatest comfort and has that changed since your diagnosis?
Dr Pausch - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You are an inspiration for a father of two children - my greatest treasures in life. Throughout life, as we all know, it’s those who are resilient - with a forward looking outlook of ability to bounce back and contiue on - who ultimately succeed through the long race - the proverbial tortoise vs the hare. I find through watching your last lecture video that you are one who has demonstrated tremendous resiliency - through good times and bad. I would love to understand your perspective on how to teach our children the power and necessity of resiliency?
My sister is dying of liver cancer - maybe just a few weeks to live.
What would you like to see done to better the chances for cancer survival?
I really admire your spiritual power, but how do you console the deep grief of your family, as a father and husband?
In your very inspiring lecture about following your childhood dreams, do you believe that as children our eyes are open to what our full potential may be, yet during our school years, teacher’s don’t often encourage our children to nourish those desires because of test scores of NCLB? If so, what suggestions would you make to change the broken scholastic system?
What has surprised you most about this entire situation?
Is there anything else that’s not in The Last Lecture or the Time Management lecture that you really want to say to a wide audience? What is it?
Are there things you’d be doing for the next 40 years of your life that we could continue for you? What would you have us do? Do we need further instructions?
I can honestly say that I have never seen anyone exploit cancer more than Randy Pausch has. He has used his “cancer story” to talk his way out of a speeding ticket and to land a $7million dollar book deal in near record time. It is clear that he knew he would not be dead a few months after his last lecture even though he kept repeating over and over “I will be gone in a few months”. It is obvious that he had to repeat those lines because without the finality that those words introduced, the speech would never have been as powerful (lots and lots of tears) and there certainly would never have been a book deal.
I find it the irony of all ironies that at its core his lecture was really about character and yet he has exhibited so little character himself by telling so many lies for fame and fortune. Randy is not dying today; he is not dying tomorrow; he is not dying next week; he is not dying next month; he is not dying next year. The true story behind all of this is how people like James Frey and Randy Pausch have mastered profiting from fraud in America; both stories are full of lies and are shameful.
My questions are:
How stressful is it to live a life where you constantly have to work to sell people on the idea of your apocryphal story? In your speech you said “Admit when you have made a mistake and always tell the truth”. Wouldn’t it demonstrate more character if you simply followed your own advice?
Dear Prof,
How are you?I wish miracles would happen and you would pull through.You would,definitely.
My question is : can i adopt one of your kids?simple as that:)
First I want to thank you for the inspiration and the motivation that your courage is giving me and countless other people. I am one of those blessed few that have been fortunate enough to have live a full life that I have decided to write my own grave words “If I could live my life all over again, I will live it the same way, no regrets”
From birth, we all have limited time and you have help me realize how much of an asset time is. I guess I knew it all along, but when we are young, time seems to be a disposable asset that somehow also grows on trees.
With the time that I have left and with you in my thoughts I hope I can make a difference, so I can leave this world and the people in it, a bit better than when I arrived. And, I will see you somewhere.
Dear Professor Pausch,
How should we treat death?
What if anything did you learn in Mrs. Walters class at OMHS?
Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not I would love to tell you about him. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that Whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Randy,
Not a question but a response. Just watched the show on Primetime with Diane Sawyer. Feb 14, 2006- I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Had surgery on March 1st, one week later our youngest granddaughter was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome. Went through chemo and my husband was told to retire (over 55) and without insurace I would be impossible to insure. When I had 1 1/2 weeks of radiation to go, my husband of 39 yr Don was diagnosed with non-Hodgkens Lymphoma- stage 4, grade 3. Our granddaughter had open-heart surgery 2 weeks later and Don had to postpone his first chemo until after she was taken off a heart and lung machine. Still on the ventilator when we drove back to IA to begin his first chemo. Then, in October , her mother took off to AL with the 2 children and a divorce is still not final. I guess I had become more of an Eyore but the show made me decide to become a Tiger. Even Randy’s wife’s comment that you say, ” This isn’t helpful” and to discard negative thoughts has made a powerful impact. Your family is in our prayers. Thank you.
This isn’t a question, more it’s a heart felt thanks for be a person that we can look up to. You are truely an inspiration. Know that my prayers are with you and your family. Again, thank you for life and example!!!
Your Friend,
Mark Davis
Boise, ID
Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart? I pray you have. I’m sure your dad would love to see you on the other side, lest you be healed. I believe the God of all creation, whom rose Jesus on the third day, longs to make your heart His home and could do the same for you. God bless you and your beautiful family!
Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and saviour? I pray you have. I’m sure your dad would love to see you on the other side. However, I’m sure he’ll wait, because I believe that the God that rose Jesus on the third day still performs miracles today. He longs to make your heart His home. Don’t leave this earth without Him. God bless you and your beautiful family.
My question is for Jai instead of Randy:
I know that even though Randy knows he is dying that you are the person that will be going through the most heartbreak when it is all said and done with and I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart for you and your family. I can tell in the interviews that you’ve had that you and Randy are very down to earth people and I’m sure you’ve talked about this question…
My question for you is what you think the future holds for you. Do you see yourself working? Will you be able to stay at home with your children?
Thank you for your time….Karen
Dear Randy,
I just saw you on 20/20, and I was wondering if you believe in life after death? I also just wanted to let you know how inspired I am after hearing your story. You are truly one of God’s special spirits, here on earth. I know that probably sounds kind of strange, but as a Mormom, we are taught to believe that we were sent to earth for a special purpose and to be tested. In our premortal lives we chose to come to earth to fulfill God’s plan. I just wanted to let you know that I think you are going to pass. All my prayers to you and your family.
Sincerely, Adreyn Thomson
Professor,
I am a breast cancer survivor of 3 years. I recieved my diagnosis the day after I buried my father, he was only 74. My parents have always been my best friends I even live next door to them with my family. It was devastating when I lost my Dad but since I needed to focus on beating the cancer I couldn’t fall apart. I don’t know why I’m writting to you, I guess it’s because people tell me I’m strong for having dealt with this, and then I think of you. You are amazing and your family is so blessed to have had you be a part of them. I wish you all joy, happiness, love but most of all peace.
this is not a question but a strong suggestion. Randy, please look up life force hospita / dr. frank truitt. there is a drug called amyloxine that he developed originally for people with hiv. it actually helps people with all kinds of cancers. a family member of mine was dying a year and a half ago, and after treatment with this drug, all of her tumors shrunk and dissappeared. she is healthy, fine and back to normal. this amyloxine has no negative side effects. worth looking into please. i’ve seen you on television. you are so grounded and inspirational, for you to go would be too soon. this is not a hoax. get this information. AMYLOXIN - DR. FRANK TRUITT. good health to you and your family.
sincerely, jennifer durant
Dear Randy and family:
I don’t have a question for you but I want you to know your story and your strength of you and your wife just saved my life,
In December I lost my older brother he died of liver failure ,also my partner of 8 years I found was heavy into crack and was just using me for money and was sleeping with my employee’s I began do fall into a deep depression and did something real stupid.My doctor prescribed my some ambien and xanex and valium to get over my depression and to help me sleep well when I got back from burying my brother I for some reason I didn’t know what I was doing due to the medication I was on and I got behind the wheel and drove and was pulled over for a DUI I ended up in jail for 2 months then got released on bond.I now await trial and am facing some prison time,I have been locked up in my house for 3 months now in a state of real deep depression and was at the brink of suicide,I saw your story tonight and you saved my life.I feel now how thankful I should be how much I should be spending this time with my children enjoying every day I have left before the court system here in AZ will steal the life I have now away from me .But after seeing and feeling your strength I feel ashamed I wasted theses last 3 months just feeling sorry for myself I love you for sharing your story this is going to hopefully save my life and lord willing make me a happier person for what I have now I would love to further talk to you or anyone out there who can uplift me now in my deepest depression Thank you and my prays are with you
anyone who reads my story and would like to uplift me or help in any way can contact me at monti1_2001@Yahoo.com Thank you
That is monti1_2001@yahoo.com
Dear Prof. Pausch,
May I ask a selfish question?
Once my honorarium was also Professor. Since is it a life long thing, it still is… After surviving a depressed skull fracture as a passenger in an automobile I had to stop teaching, computer science, for a while; seven years. I’m still not really teaching. Could ;you please ask your audience for more funding for ALL American teachers?
Having grown up overseas I had/have great respect for my teachers.
On my dark side you are the luckier of the two of us. You get to die and go on, I still have to live and wish I was in the classroom.
Thank you, your last lecture is now as it was when you gave it; excellent. God bless and good luck.
Respectfully.
Micheal
PS: I don’t understand cancer. My father was a health freak; never smoked nor drank, never was over indulgent; and he died of cancer of the fluids that surround the pancreas, intestines and bowel. In-operable, incurable; three months. Hope your survivors get enough money for college… the University of Portland is a cool school.
Hi Dr. Pausch:
I wanted to find a way to send you a message. I have been trully blessed and inspired by your lecture and your positive inspirational communication. I am very touched by the path upon which you walk beacuse I too have walked this path with my mother who lost her life to the monster of Pancreatic Cancer in October. She too was a great human being and a gret citizen as she was very involved in the community. What I most want to say to you is that your life is a gift as I know you know, but the emphasis here is a gift given by the creator God of the Universe. Who you are and what you are doing is so much bigger that you. You are walking in destiny and are allowing yourself to be used by the creator God Himself. Herby, I pray for you daily that God himself will peep from beyond the curtains of eternity and grant you your heart’s desire. I personally am asking that He give angels charge over thee and heal your body as the greatest life force lives within you. To God be the Glory! I dispatch Rafael yo you now!
How can I send an awe inspiring experience to you about a woman’ s challenge with cancer and what helped her? I am so thankful for the amazing message in your lecture.
Sincerely,
Jaulin Lawrence
I watched Prime Time last night (Wed., April 9) and wished that I could cry but the tears would not come. You are one of the lucky ones, lucky in life, with great looks, great smarts, a wonderful family and everything one strives for. You also are given the knowledge that time is short on this earth and are making the most with that knowledge. Don’t get me wrong, I feel bad in a way but admire your courage and only wish others could follow your lead. Not many will leave this earth with the legacy that you will! Bravo to you and your family. I only hope that others can learn from your wonderful example. Sincerely, Suzanne
I was so touched and amazed at your entire outllook on life. I cried through your entire program. I have not had the benefit of attending your lectures, however, I will definitely be buying your book. I have one question. How have you had such a positive outlook on life under the circumstances you must be going through? I have chronic health problems and am now separated and divorcing from my alcoholic, severly abusive husband of 15 years raising a daughter by myself. I often look for ways to keep the spirit and have my daughter grow up in a positive health atmosphere despite what she has lived through. How do you go from day to day and keep smiling and being such an inspiration to all you touch? My heart and prayers go to you and your family.
My grandaughter is 2 and, of course, too young to comprehend the impact The Last Lecture can have on her life. In that regard, and I am sure you have received thousands upon thousands of requests just like this, I would be delighted, grateful, and most appreciated if you would autograph your book for her. Her name is Hailey and she is my heart. She is unable to pronounce Grandma, therefore, she calls me Garr. If you are feeling up to it, I will mail the book to you (once Barnes and Nobles restocks their shelves) for you to sign. If you are unable to for whatever reason, I will still purchase the book, read it, and save it for when Hailey is old enough to read and understand it.
By the way, I only have good days, however, some are better than others.
God bless you and your family,
Estelle Jefcoat
crystalclear24_7@yahoo.com
or
ejefcoat@mcglinchey.com
Dear Professor Pausch,
Having watched your informative and inspiring lecture on time management, I will keep this brief. What is your opinion on depression? By this I mean, do you view it merely as an extension of self pity or feel it is a condition which can be justified and therefore merits recognition?
Many thanks,
Sarah Dunn
I was very moved by your lecture and interview. I find myself most intriged by your decision to keep your religious beliefs private. Do you believe in God? The reason that I ask this question is that you are so honest that if you did believe, I cannot see you not wanting to share that with your audience. Do you keep that private because you don’t want to possibly alienate some of your audience? Also, given the fact that you are a scientist with an analytical mind, I wonder if that gets in the way of your spiritual life. Anyway, I pray for you and your family and I think that what you are doing is so positive and inspirational for so many people, myself included.
Professor Pausch,
I just wanted to get some insight on what it feels like to give a lecture that changes the lives of everyone who views it? Also, what was your reaction to finding out that the video was becoming such an internet hit. Thank you for all of your amazing insights.
Dear Randy,
I was very moved watching your lecture, your courage is very inspiring.
I lost my husband to cancer 10 years ago. Our two sons were small
when their father was first diagnosed. For us it has been our faith in God
that has given us strength & peace.My husband left our sons a rich
spiritual heritage. Now our sons are grown & I’m amazed daily at the
reality of God in their lives. I pray that you & your family will be blessed
& discover new dimensions of God’s love, moment by moment.
You have been a lifetime of inspiration to myself and my son..
Not to sweat the small stuff.
Thank you.
God Bless you and Your Wonderful Family.
I am sure they will all be fine with your fantastic genes and your life examples. That’s all we can wish for.
Dearest Professor Pausch,
Your lecture taught me many things and I thank you for each lesson. I have shared it with many others who are equally thankful and better for your gift also. That is nothing short of magic. Frankly, those of us who have listened to your lecture have been changed by it. It came to me at a time when I was (uncharateristically) focussed on some negative stuff instead of my normal “Tigger” view of being grateful for the many things that are right in my life. I got that part in a big way, and it changed me back to the me I always was and wanted to be. Given that your purpose was to leave the lecture for your children, how lucky we millions are that we have been able to press our noses to the window through your lecture and benefit from it also. Finally, one HUGE lesson I learned in life is that when we feel as tho we want to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves (even when we are more than entitled to do so in dire circumstances), the quality of our life and our mood cannot help be be lifted by understanding that there is always someone who is in a worse place and we will all benefit from the process of finding them, focussing on them and reaching out to them. This is what you have done for us with your lecture and what I and millions of others do daily in asking all our higher powers for miracles for you and your family.
I have 3 children, 2boys and 1 girl. Two of my children have been diagnosed with Osteopetrosis and Spondyloarthropathy. I was hoping you could advise me as to how you researched your illness and the available treatments. I have researched online and it is incredibly overwhelming, but I am determined to find help for my children to alleviate their pain and slow the progression of their disorders, one of which is an autoimmune disorder and both disorders are incurable. Any suggestions? Thank You.
Dr. Pausch,
After I watched your last lecture, it has put a lot of things in perspective for me, and I am thankful to God for coming across your life story. Your strength and charisma is amazing. I have two wonderful kids and now I always make it a point to do something special with them EVERY DAY. Even if it is giving them a kiss while they sleep. I believe in miracles because with GOD ALL things are possible. I also have has a few medical bumps in life and sometimes I am amazed to be alive. God has a plan for everyones life and my wish for you is that may you live to fulfill all that God has planned for your life, may God watch over your kids and may they never lack anything good. Jai is a blessing, may God fill her heart with joy and laughter. In the midst of all that is going on with your health, your family still stands strong. May the miracle that you need most happen to you when you least expect it. May God continue to bless and strengthen you.
Dear Professor Pausch:
Thank you for your lecture on how to live, but are you ready to die? Are you saved? Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to come in to your heart? If not, please, you must get right with God before your die. God loves you, and so do I. You will spend eternity in heaven or in hell. It is your choice. If you would like me to share the plan of salvation with you, it would be my privilege to lead you to my Lord and Savior. Feel free to e-mail me. I could call you. I will be praying for your salvation and for the salvation of your wife and children..
With love from your Christian friend,
Linda Fegley, Merrimack, NH
Have you had a chance to finish the stuffed animals for each of your children?
Dear mr. Pausch, My question is, I was wonder why your dad never told you of his medal of valer. My famlies prayes go out to you and your family .
Dear Randy Jai Dylan Logan and Chole.
I like watching video it was rellay good.
from
Kelly
Dear Randy My husband Jerry was diagnosed With pancreatic cancer June 2006 He had a whipple surgery August 2006, The cancer has been back for sometime now. He is using a enfer-red hot house and also DCA He has not had any chemo or radiation, On the results of his last scan the doctor was surprised that the cancer had not gone to his liver or anywhere else, He would not admit that it could be hot house or herbs, To say he is doing great would be a lie, He has lost a lot of weight and is very weak, Eating is a big issue, Only boost yogurt pudding etc, The pain is totally under control. We are not giving up , We must never give up. Every day is one, Vena