Last January 28, on his 63rd birthday, Barry Rubin posted on Facebook:
As an additional birthday present–though it is not yet official–the notation on my latest test says that I’m making continued progress with the therapy clearing the disease out of my lungs. And one of the best birthday presents of all is your support. Thanks.
At the time it sounded so good. It sounded like our prayers had been answered with a resounding “yes.” Barry would continue to improve and was well enough to travel to the United States for several weeks in the summer. Just a few months earlier Barry had doubted that he’d ever visit the States again.

Now a year and a week later, that hopefulness seems like a cruel tease. Barry’s victory over cancer was a temporary one.