- from Jane Starr (from a Facebook post not really directed at me) Sadness today, as my friend Laurel has lost her 17-year-old daughter, Elise, to cancer. I can't begin to express how sad I am for Laurel, her husband, Peter, and their son Jamie. I never met Elise - in fact I haven't seen Laurel in person since about 1979 - but we managed to keep in touch and both children have been a great joy to her and Peter. They worked so hard to help Elise, and together won many battles, but cancer has won the war. Elise is now beyond the pain, but it goes on for her family and friends. I wish them all peace and strength.