I found out today that a young woman I hired in 2002 when I worked in Sacramento has been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer - at age 23. Alicia's mother died of cancer three years ago, just before Alicia came to work with me, and now this.

She's now a copy editor at the San Francisco Chronicle, where our friend and fellow chipper David Moore works, and I'm sure David can attest to what a fun, engaging young woman Alicia is.

She is writing a seven-part series on her battle with cancer, the first two parts of which can be read through the link below. We've all seen how the power of prayer works on this board - witness Greg Bryson's courageous battle - and I'm asking that if you have a spare minute, please include Alicia in your prayers.

Thanks very much.