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Dr. Randy Pausch - A Superhero

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Living Life with Cancer - Inspiring Many

 

Dr. Randy Pausch is a living inspiration. Diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in 2006, he has gone on to show people how to continue *living* even after getting the diagnosis of a terminal illness.

For his head-on, straight-forward, entertaining and motivational approach to facing the diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer, I would like to introduce my superhero, the incredible Dr. Randy Pausch, professor and author of the Last Lecture.

He even comes with his own Superhero outfit. :)

Updates July 25, 2008: It is with great sadness that I have to report that Dr. Randy Pausch has lost his battle with Cancer. He died July 25, 2008.

In Lieu of Flowers: The family had requested that donations on his behalf be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or to Carnegie Mellon's Randy Pausch Memorial Fund, which the university will use primarily to support continued work on the Alice project.

More information can be found at the Carnige Mellon Tribute page the Enduring Legacy.

The Inspirational Randy Pausch 

  1. As a Physician - I believe Randy Pausch's gift teaching us all about *living* after getting the diagnosis of a terminal illness. His straight-forward and motivational approach to facing the diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer has been an inspiration to millions.

  2. As a Teacher - His Last Lecture about "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" has inspired people not only following your dreams, but achieving your dreams.

    He has also inspired educators to think about what knowledge we might impart if we were to give our own "Last Lecture."

  3. As a Parent - I have been inspired by his love of his family and his children and how he is doing what he can now, to create lasting memories for his children and help build the nets to catch his family when they fall off the cliff.

Thoughts on the Passing of Dr. Randy Pausch 

We have lost a great spirit with the passing of Dr. Randy Pausch, but his legacy will live on.

The one thought that came to mind when I heard of his passing was a line from "Ever After"

    While Cinderella and her Prince
    did live happily ever after,
    the point, gentlemen, is
    that they lived.

I think this sums up Randy Pausch's life. He taught us all how to live.

My thoughts are with the family.

Image Source: Matthew Bowden. Lily Alone. Royalty Free Use.

A Sampling of the Remembrances for Dr. Randy Pausch 

CMU prof whose `last lecture' moved millions dies
CMU prof whose `last lecture' moved millions dies from the San Francisco Chronicle.
An Enduring Legacy - Carnegie Mellon University
Randy Pausch, the professor at Carnegie Mellon University who inspired countless students in the classroom and others worldwide through his highly acclaimed last lecture, has died of complications from pancreatic cancer.
July 25: In Memoriam: Randy Pausch
In Memoriam: Randy Pausch, Innovative Computer Scientist at Carnegie Mellon, Launched Education Initiatives, Gained Worldwide Acclaim for Last Lecture.
Campus Information About Randy Pausch | CSDiary
The Campus Information About Randy Pausch by Peter Lee.
Randy Pausch, 'Last Lecture' Professor Dies
Randy Pausch, 'Last Lecture' Professor Dies from ABC News.
Lustgarten Foundation Mourns the Loss of Dr. Randy Pausch
The Lustgarten Foundation Website tribute to Dr. Randy Pausch.
Randy Pausch, Author Of 'Last Lecture,' Dies at 47
Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose "last lecture" about facing terminal cancer became an international sensation and a best-selling book, died Friday from the Wall Street Journal.
Randy Pausch, 47, Dies; His 'Last Lecture' Inspired Many to Live With Wonder
Randy Pausch's Obituary from the New York Times.

The Latest and Last Public Service Announcement by Dr. Randy Pausch 

On YouTube

Randy Pausch: Life. Lessons. Legacy.

Public service announcement of The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research featuring Dr. Randy Pausch.

Runtime: 5:26
137433 views
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Living Life. Teaching Lessons. Leaving a Legacy.

An Inspirational Message from Randy Pausch to Graduates 

Randy Pausch Inspires Graduates

Professor Randy Pausch made a surprise return to Carnegie Mellon University to deliver an inspirational speech to the Class of 2008 at the Commencement ceremony on May 18, 2008. Pausch was included in TIME Magazine's 2008 list of the world's 100 most influential people. His book, "The Last Lecture," co-written by Jeff Zaslow of the Wall Street Journal and based on Pausch's now-famous talk "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," is a New York Times #1 bestseller.

Runtime: 6:33
686631 views
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Dr. Randy Pausch Websites at Carnegie Mellon  

Randy Pausch's Web Site
Dr. Randy Pausch's Web Site at Carnegie Mellon University.
Randy Pausch Day-to-Day Information
Dr. Randy Pausch's Day-to-Day Update Page at Carnegie Mellon University.

Someone asked what I want on my tombstone. I said:

"Randy Pausch: He Lived 30 Years After a Terminal Diagnosis."

Dr. Randy Pausch on Wikipedia 

Randolph Frederick ("Randy") Pausch (October 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) was an American professor of computer science, human-computer interaction and design at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and grew up in Columbia, Maryland. Pausch received his bachelor's degree in computer science from Brown University in 1982 and his PhD in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University in August 1988. Pausch later became an associate professor at the University of Virginia, before working at Carnegie Mellon University as an associate professor.

He gave his "The Last Lecture" speech on September 18, 2007 at Carnegie Mellon. Pausch conceived the lecture after he learned that his previously known pancreatic cancer was terminal. The talk was modeled after an ongoing series of lectures where top academics are asked to think deeply about what matters to them, and then give a hypothetical "final talk", with a topic such as "what wisdom would you try to impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance?" The talk was later released as a book called The Last Lecture, which became a New York Times best-seller.

My Squidwho Lens on Randy Pausch 

Randy Pausch on Flickr  

Carnegie Mellon Commencement 08 042 by kristanlh

Randy Pausch speaking by mama2alexander

_MG_2998 by wil p

Randy Pausch:  Last Lecture by jwalsh

Randy Pausch by Yukishiro

Randy Pausch by kev/null

_MG_3011 by wil p

Randy Pausch's lab at CMU by Cranberry Bagel

_MG_3020 by wil p

116/365  5-12-2008 by bjfialkovich

Randy Pausch with children Dylan, Logan and Chloe by sujathafan

Randy Pausch by JohnDetlefs

The Last Lecture on YouTube  

Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals. For more, visit www.cmu.edu/randyslecture.

Runtime: 16:27
7259333 views
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The Main Points of the Last Lecture 

These were the main points made by Dr. Pausch during his last lecture on "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams."
  1. Always have fun
  2. Dream big
  3. Ask for what you want
  4. Dare to take a risk
  5. Look for the best in everyone
  6. Make time for what matters
  7. Let kids be themselves

Is Randy Pausch your superhero too? 

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Yes. He's Incredible.

Eye_Guy says:

I think he was a great leader, speaker and teacher. He will be missed but his work will live on as he wished.

pbran says:

Randy Pausch has taught me to live my life to the full!

crisstar says:

He taught us all very valuable lessons about life that we should never forget.

Unknown says:

Abosolutely. He gives us all a wake up call to live our lives well and pursue our dreams. Because of Randy, I strive to find the Tigger within me and to regret nothing. I never heard of Randy or his story until last night when I watched a TV special titled "The Last Lecture". I know that I was meant to watch that special last night and to hear his story. He is truly an inspiration to all.

My heart and prayers go out to Randy, his wife, kids, and all those who knew Randy on a personal level. We will all miss him.

We will always remember, "You can't control the cards you're dealt, just how you play the hand"
-Randy Pausch

Thank you Randy for all your inspiration.

AdrienneJenkins says:

I am sad to hear of his passing so I started up a lens to memorialize his life and to raise funds for cancer.

http://www.squidoo.com/randy-pausch-memorial

Noadi says:

Absolutely! I strive to live my life with as much fun and joy as he did.

Joan4 says:

Absolutely! I was spellbound the first time I heard Randy Pausch speak and his videos are amazing. He has learned life's most important lessons in a very short time, and we all need to pay attention to what he is saying!

Diamond_Wizard says:

Yes, I he is my super hero too! I find his story to be very inspirational. I'm also glad to have the opportunity to read his book and put a review of the book on my lens and on my web site, Andzi Gallery (blog section).

When I created the Andzi Gallery web site, I was looking for stories such as this where anyone could share thier experiences through writing or any artistic medium. I consider it an honor to have come across Randy Pausch story. He is phenomenal.

There are so many people who in my lifetime, I'm glad to have meet or had the opportunity to share their experiences or insights. Randy Pausch is one of these people. I especially like this quote "Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something." I never would have thought of that! Those two sentences alone are inspiring.

consuelo says:

He most definetly is. I'm glad that I found your site (via Google Alerts on Randy Pausch) because when he passes I'll need your guidance.

sellingnicestuff says:

Definitely, he is...watched excerts from his last lecture and have read his blog!

Comfortdoc says:

In making this lens, I have already demonstrated that I think Dr. Pausch is inspiring.

Ryuma says:

well i think i learned something from your Lens It's kinda Educational and it makes alot of sense.

TracyKitty says:

I think he is very inspiring!
I like this lens!
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(@(_)@)
--o00--00o--

No. I have someone else in mind.

 
 
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Calling all superheroes! - Dr. Randy Pausch One of the Lenses of the Day 

Dr. Randy Pausch - SuperHero was one of the lenses created for Squidoo Superhero Project, making 5 lenses in 2 weeks about the people who have inspired me, mentored me or changed the way I look at the world.

This lens was one of seven that was listed for the Lens of the Day.

From the Lens of the Day Blog, June 17, 2008:Source: Megan Casey. Calling all superheroes! June 17, 2008. Squidoo Lens of the Day Blog.

The Latest News about Dr. Randy Pausch 

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The Last Lecture in the Amazon Spotlight 

The Last Lecture

Amazon Price: $12.07 (as of 10/06/2008)

An extension in book form of the lecture that has become a phenomenon. In the book version Randy Pausch combines the humor, inspiration and intelligence from the lecture and creates a more permanent form.

This book is destined to become a classic gift book to inspire those facing challenges or life changes.

Dr. Randy Pausch's Last Lecture  

Randy Pausch: Childhood Dreams Lecture - Carnegie Mellon University
View the Last Lecture at the Carnegie Mellon University website.
PDF File Transcript of the Last Lecture
PDF File Transcript of Dr. Randy Pauch's "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams."
Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Order a DVD and Learn More - Carnegie Mellon University
Order Randy Pausch's Last Lecture at the Carnegie Mellon University Website.
The Last Lecture | Randy Pausch
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch--the lecture that captivated the world is now a book to inspires millions.

My SquidLit Lens on the Last Lecture Book 

For my last Halloween, Jai, our kids and I dressed up as the Incredibles.
I put a photo of us on my website and explained that chemo had not affected my superpowers.
I got smiling e-mails in response.

Randy Pausch

The Incredible Pausch Family

Randy Pausch: Teaching Your Children about Death 

Dr. Ann Corwin, the Parenting Doctor, provides some helpful insights in how parents can use Dr. Randy Pausch's Last lecture to teach children about dying and death.
Randy Pausch: Living Through Your Knowledge of Death
How do you teach your kids about death, it's easy just learn from the living lecture by Randy Pausch, Carnegie Mellon professor from The Parenting Doctor.

The Latest on Randy Pausch in the Blogosphere  

An Enduring Legacy: Randy Pausch Inspired Millions
Randy Pausch, the professor at Carnegie Mellon University who inspired countless students in the classroom and others worldwide through his highly acclaimed last lecture, has died of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 47.
Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was told by his doctors that his time left to live was limited. Instead of dwelling on the terrible news, he created a now famous ...
Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
View on Youtube.
Randy Pausch
Randy Pausch's at Carnegie Mellon University Commencement 2008(Peace be upon him):. Last august I was told that I had 6 months to live. Now I'm on my nineth. Somebody said to me in light of these numbers. "Wow! ...

My job is to help my kids foster a joy for life and develop the tools to fulfill their own wishes.

Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture Available on eBay 

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eBay

A Moment to Take the Breath Away

 

Photo Credit: Modified Microsoft Image.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Dr. Randy Pausch a Poster Child for Pancreatic Cancer 

Dr. Pausch has become a "poster child" for Pancreatic Cancer, putting a face to an often overlooked cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, but receives extremely little federal funding to support research efforts.

Dr. Randy Pausch has recorded several Public Service Announcements. He has also testified in front of Congress as to the need for more research money being allocated for Pancreatic Cancer Research. He supports the The Lustgarten Foundation and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Randy Pausch Public Service Announcements on YouTube 


Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PSA with Dr. Randy Pausch

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Public Service Announcement featuring Randy Pausch

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31087 views
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PSA with Dr. Randy Pausch

Runtime: 2:24
139835 views
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Organizations Researching and Managing Pancreatic Cancer 

Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN ) is the first national patient advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community. PanCAN works to focus national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
The Lustgarten Foundation
Take Part in the Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk in Aid of the Lustgarten Foundation. The mission of The Lustgarten Foundation is to advance the scientific and medical research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer.

Living Each Day to the Fullest 

It is only when we truly know and understand
that we have a limited time on earth
and that we have no way of knowing
when our time is up
that we will begin to live each day to the fullest,
as if it were the only one we had.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

A Featured Lens on Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross  

Learning to Program in Alice in the Amazon Spotlight 

Learning to Program with Alice

Amazon Price: $52.20 (as of 10/06/2008)

This book takes an innovative approach to fundamental programming concepts using 3D animation.

It is written for anyone interested in programming using the Alice environment, an innovative 3D programming environment for teaching children.

Professor Randy Pausch Honorary Fund  

Because of the overwhelming show of support for faculty member Randy Pausch and his work, the university has established the Randy Pausch Honorary Fund to help honor his legacy.

The Pausch Fund will enable the university to continue and complete Randy's work, including his most important academic project: the Alice 3D authoring system.
Professor Randy Pausch Honorary Fund - Carnegie Mellon University
Information on the Professor Randy Pausch Honorary Fund.

Alice.org - An Innovative 3D Programming Environment  

Alice is an innovative 3D programming environment that makes it easy to create an animation for telling a story, playing an interactive game, or a video to share on the web. Alice is a freely available teaching tool designed to be a student's first exposure to object-oriented programming. It allows students to learn fundamental programming concepts in the context of creating animated movies and simple video games.

In Alice, 3-D objects (e.g., people, animals, and vehicles) populate a virtual world and students create a program to animate the objects.
Alice.org
Alice program is made freely available as a public service from Carnegie Mellon University.

Dr. Randy Pausch - SuperHero A Purple Cream Rising Lens 

Lenses with the greatest Squidoo Success Stories! The Cream from Seth's Purple Cow is Rising at Squidoo!

# 1 in People Topic 


I am very pleased to report that on June 29, The Randy Pausch - SuperHero Lens topped the People Category on Squidoo in the #1 spot and held on for three whole days (hard to compete with those Giant Squids).

A Superhero Group and Charity Giants Featured Lens 

The Dr. Randy Pausch - A Superhero Lens is a Member of These Groups 

More Lenses on Randy Pausch 

My wish for Randy and his family...

May you live all the days of your life.

Anything more to add? 

Your place for comments, feedback, thoughts and suggestions

If you have any more good articles, photos, videos, blog posts, etc about Randy Pausch, be sure to leave a message.

beachbum_gabby

He's an inspiration!

Thanks for sharing Kirsti.

Posted September 23, 2008

Dear_Amelie

The bad news stunned me and it's really hard for me to accept it.
Now i'm still feeling sad...
May he rest in peace.
Thank you for the lens.

Posted August 20, 2008

Eye_Guy

nice to see your work, live your passion nobody is promised tomorrow.

Posted August 14, 2008

SemperFidelis

Randy is a Superhero. Very inspirational lens Kirsti! :o)

Posted August 08, 2008

pbran

Life is short and I appreciate how Randy Pausch has taught us how to make use with what we have.

Posted August 07, 2008

LaraineRose

Where have I been? I never heard of Randy before. Thanks for letting us know. I'm sorry to hear that he lost the battle with Cancer. Many of my dear ones have also. Time we found a cure! 5 stars - you kept my attention to the very end.

Posted August 03, 2008

alicesy

Excellent Lens. I like the quality insight you have provided here about Dr. Randy Pausch - A Superhero. Keep up the good work.

Please check out my Police Jobs Blog.

Posted July 30, 2008

Debra

Wow! You have inspired thousands of people including me. Great lens!

Posted July 30, 2008

thinkoutsidethebox

Love the lens. Check mine out at Last Lecture Randy Pausch

It's my first lens, and I figured who better than him as a topic!

Posted July 28, 2008

JenniferAkers

I was sad to hear of Randy's passing. What an awesome resource for people wanting to know more about this great man. Favorite and bookmark to re-visit!

Posted July 27, 2008

 
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P.S. I made this lens for the Squidoo Superheroes Project 

I was invited to participate in the Squidoo Superhero Project, making 5 lenses in 2 weeks about the people who have inspired me, mentored me or changed the way I look at the world.

If you buy anything from this page, you'll automatically be sending a royalty straight to the Squidoo Charity Fund, which pays out to a variety of nonprofits every month.

Be Sure to Visit My Other Superhero Lenses 

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Comfortdoc

About Comfortdoc

Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor, lecturer and author.

Dr. Dyer is the Domain Designer for the Journey of Hearts website, created in 1997 as the first and only physician based website devoted to educating people about the normal grief response.

Dr. Dyer has achieved Giant Squids status on Squidoo, joining the elite squad of the best and most prolific lensmasters on Squidoo. She prefers to think of the Giant Squids as Squid Gigantea or Squids of Unusual Size (SUS's).

For even more information see her Lensography, a listing of her Squidoo lenses or her Professional Bio to discover her many areas of interests.

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