Our program this year is dedicated to the memory of our captain and friend, Bianca Vocke. B passed away in December after being involved in a car accident which happened on her return trip from seeing our team compete at state contest. We remember her and share this letter in hopes that none of you have to go through the trauma we have dealt with during this season.

My most heartfelt condolences to everyone, I know that none of you know me but I knew your friend Bianca. My name is J. Matthew Glascock, MD FACS. I am a general and trauma surgeon and was on duty when Bianca and her friend were brought to Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo. I was responsible for stabilizing Bianca prior to transferring her to The University of Iowa for definitive care. I was deeply saddened to see her obituary in the Waterloo Courier. My heart breaks for all of the people whose lives were touched by this obviously wonderful young woman. I've seen her pictures on the web and am awed by the images of a vivacious young woman with a smile that makes it easy to understand her ability to infuse joy into the lives of anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Like you, I struggle to make sense of such an unimaginably senseless tragedy. Unfortunately, I have a long list of similar experiences which haunt my thoughts and frequently give me cause to ask 'why?'. Although there is absolutely nothing that I can possibly say to beguile Bianca's friends and loved ones from a grief that only time and support can ease, I'm compelled to relate to anyone who reads this my wish to bring into sharp relief the fragility of human life. Life is precious, delicate, and often irreparably harmed by a moment's lack of discretion. Easily, the most dangerous activity the average person is involved with on a daily basis is the operation of an automobile. Please, please, please take driving seriously. Never, ever drink and drive. Avoid talking on the phone while driving. And without fail, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTIVITY OTHER THAN THE VIGILANT OPERATION OF THE CAR!!! Anything less is an open-door invitation to unspeakable tragedy. Although there is no way to conjure up a silver lining for the endlessly dark cloud surrounding Bianca's death, I hope that you all can, in your own way, live your life in a small way as an homage to this young woman's spirit and always appreciate the preciousness of human life.
J. Matthew Glascock, MD FACS

Website address for your guard: http://www.senior.dubuque.k12.ia.us