Ryleigh Thomason
It is with sadness in our hearts when we tell you that Ryleigh passed away this morning. All of us here in the LLS office are completely blindsided and overwhelmed with grief for her family.
Please keep fighting.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Winter Season - Week 14
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." ~ Lao-Tzu
Fundraising Tip:
Gimme 5. This is a great way to get larger quantities of people to donate just a little and spread the word to all of their friends to donate. This is what your email will say:
Gimme 5 minutes of your time – Go to my website at (put your website address here) and read about what I'm is doing. Gimme $5 (or $10) – Just donate online. Five dollars for a great cause – and hey if you want to donate more, fantastic!! Gimme 5 friends – Send this to five friends and help spread the word! 5 is the age of McKynna, our honored patient. I am running for her. She was diagnosed 2 years ago and is still in treatment. Every 5 minutes someone new is diagnosed with a blood cancer – money for research is desperately needed – so please donate now.
Training Tip:
The long run is the most important component of marathon training because it teaches the body to both mentally and physically tackle the challenges presented in completing the 26.2-mile event. Physiologically, the body must learn to tap into and utilize energy reserves from fat storage sites after the glycogen (fuel stores in the muscles, converted over from carbohydrate food sources) have been depleted. Through long run training, the capacity to store more glycogen within the muscles increases. An increase in glycogen stores translates into the ability to maintain one's pace during the marathon and delay the onset of fatigue. Conversely, trouble is on the horizon when you run out of glycogen, as your pace will significantly decrease. One must also be accustomed to running for very long periods of time, and the mental toughness that develops from completing long training runs pays off handsome dividends during the actual marathon. The long run also provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with a variety of issues and concerns (e.g., shoes, nutrition, pacing, etc.). Above all, marathon training schedules must be designed so that runners are adequately rested prior to undertaking their long runs. One who completes at least two long runs of 20 miles or longer prior to his or her marathon will no doubt reduce the possibility of visiting the dreaded "wall" (the point in time when glycogen stores within the muscles have been depleted and as a result, the runner's pace slows considerably, oftentimes to a walk).
Frequently Asked Question:
WHO LOVES THIER MENTORS?
Your Mentor is a special Team Member who has successfully completed his or her training and fundraising aspects of the program, and loves TNT so much that they just can’t stand to leave it! They have been in contact with you on a regular basis. Mentors are one of your best resources. They have “been in your shoes” and have great advice. Mentors share fundraising ideas and have often trained together with you. They help us to ensure that you have a positive, enjoyable Team In Training experience. PLEASE email me at kari.may@lls.org to let me know what your mentor has meant to you this season!
TNT In The News:
The Boston Globe
www.boston.com
Circulation – 264,105
Visitors Per Month – 1,200,000
Pay it Forward
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/11/15/pay_it_forward/
By Cindy Cantrell
Television news anchor Kevin Walsh was living in Honolulu in the spring of 1996 when he covered the stories of two local leukemia patients - a 46-year-old man and 2-year-old girl - searching for life-saving bone marrow matches. Walsh, who signed up as a potential donor at one of their registration drives, says he was shocked when he received a call four years later that he was a match for a 16-year-old boy in St. Louis. Sadly, Walsh learned six months after his donation that the teenager had died from an infection just three weeks following the transplant. To honor the lives of the boy and other leukemia patients, Walsh ran in the Honolulu Marathon in December 2000 as a member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Walsh, who now lives in Wellesley, has written a book, “The Marrow in Me,’’ about his experience as a donor and the series of coincidences that brought him to that day. “My greatest hope is that someone will be inspired to register as a potential donor and turn up as a match for someone somewhere in the world,’’ he said. “I didn’t get my perfect ending, so I want someone else to have it.’’
Mission Moment:
In Memory Of Firouz
CA United States
male
Lived with AML for 3 months
My father was diagnosed with AML in July at the age of 66. He underwent chemo, achieved remission, but relapsed within 3 weeks. We unsuccessfully tried another treatment, and my father passed away about 3 months after diagnosis. We live our lives expecting tomorrow, without truly appreciating today. If there's any good that came out of my dad's illness, it's that we had a chance to appreciate today as a family, knowing that we may not have tomorrow. My dad left this life knowing how loved he truly was and we were reminded of how much my dad loves us. This was my father's final gift to his family and friends. He is greatly missed!
Fundraising Tip:
Gimme 5. This is a great way to get larger quantities of people to donate just a little and spread the word to all of their friends to donate. This is what your email will say:
Gimme 5 minutes of your time – Go to my website at (put your website address here) and read about what I'm is doing. Gimme $5 (or $10) – Just donate online. Five dollars for a great cause – and hey if you want to donate more, fantastic!! Gimme 5 friends – Send this to five friends and help spread the word! 5 is the age of McKynna, our honored patient. I am running for her. She was diagnosed 2 years ago and is still in treatment. Every 5 minutes someone new is diagnosed with a blood cancer – money for research is desperately needed – so please donate now.
Training Tip:
The long run is the most important component of marathon training because it teaches the body to both mentally and physically tackle the challenges presented in completing the 26.2-mile event. Physiologically, the body must learn to tap into and utilize energy reserves from fat storage sites after the glycogen (fuel stores in the muscles, converted over from carbohydrate food sources) have been depleted. Through long run training, the capacity to store more glycogen within the muscles increases. An increase in glycogen stores translates into the ability to maintain one's pace during the marathon and delay the onset of fatigue. Conversely, trouble is on the horizon when you run out of glycogen, as your pace will significantly decrease. One must also be accustomed to running for very long periods of time, and the mental toughness that develops from completing long training runs pays off handsome dividends during the actual marathon. The long run also provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with a variety of issues and concerns (e.g., shoes, nutrition, pacing, etc.). Above all, marathon training schedules must be designed so that runners are adequately rested prior to undertaking their long runs. One who completes at least two long runs of 20 miles or longer prior to his or her marathon will no doubt reduce the possibility of visiting the dreaded "wall" (the point in time when glycogen stores within the muscles have been depleted and as a result, the runner's pace slows considerably, oftentimes to a walk).
Frequently Asked Question:
WHO LOVES THIER MENTORS?
Your Mentor is a special Team Member who has successfully completed his or her training and fundraising aspects of the program, and loves TNT so much that they just can’t stand to leave it! They have been in contact with you on a regular basis. Mentors are one of your best resources. They have “been in your shoes” and have great advice. Mentors share fundraising ideas and have often trained together with you. They help us to ensure that you have a positive, enjoyable Team In Training experience. PLEASE email me at kari.may@lls.org to let me know what your mentor has meant to you this season!
TNT In The News:
The Boston Globe
www.boston.com
Circulation – 264,105
Visitors Per Month – 1,200,000
Pay it Forward
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/11/15/pay_it_forward/
By Cindy Cantrell
Television news anchor Kevin Walsh was living in Honolulu in the spring of 1996 when he covered the stories of two local leukemia patients - a 46-year-old man and 2-year-old girl - searching for life-saving bone marrow matches. Walsh, who signed up as a potential donor at one of their registration drives, says he was shocked when he received a call four years later that he was a match for a 16-year-old boy in St. Louis. Sadly, Walsh learned six months after his donation that the teenager had died from an infection just three weeks following the transplant. To honor the lives of the boy and other leukemia patients, Walsh ran in the Honolulu Marathon in December 2000 as a member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Walsh, who now lives in Wellesley, has written a book, “The Marrow in Me,’’ about his experience as a donor and the series of coincidences that brought him to that day. “My greatest hope is that someone will be inspired to register as a potential donor and turn up as a match for someone somewhere in the world,’’ he said. “I didn’t get my perfect ending, so I want someone else to have it.’’
Mission Moment:
In Memory Of Firouz
CA United States
male
Lived with AML for 3 months
My father was diagnosed with AML in July at the age of 66. He underwent chemo, achieved remission, but relapsed within 3 weeks. We unsuccessfully tried another treatment, and my father passed away about 3 months after diagnosis. We live our lives expecting tomorrow, without truly appreciating today. If there's any good that came out of my dad's illness, it's that we had a chance to appreciate today as a family, knowing that we may not have tomorrow. My dad left this life knowing how loved he truly was and we were reminded of how much my dad loves us. This was my father's final gift to his family and friends. He is greatly missed!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Winter Season - Week 13
I don't think I've chosen this life; I feel I've been pushed into it. And what sustains me is a sense of my life as a mission. Jane Goodall
Fundraising Tip
Email your monthly update reminding others to donate. This is a great way to keep people up to date with your training and fundraising progress. It's also a great time to update your potential donors on your honored patients status.
Training Tip
Benefits of Massage. The alleviation of tight, sore muscles is just the beginning of what a massage therapist can do for the serious runner. A good sports massage can warm and soften tissues, improve circulation of both blood and lymph fluid—flushing out toxins that cause muscle stiffness and soreness—realign muscle fibers, free muscle adhesions, identify tender areas before they develop into injuries, stretch and relax as well as restore suppleness and normal elasticity to muscles, improve range of motion, speed recovery from a tough workout or race, improve body awareness, and relax the mind and body.
TNT In The News
The Tampa Tribune
www.tbo.com
Circulation – 152,568
Visitors Per Month – 906,728
‘I was Ready to do Whatever it Took’
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/07/i-was-ready-to-do-whatever-it-took/life/
By Ani Vidal
NAME: Ani Vidal
AGE: 42
CITY: New Tampa
GOAL: To finish my first triathlon.
‘I Felt I Needed to do Something’
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/12/121122/i-felt-i-needed-to-do-something/life-health/
By Cindy Keehn
NAME: Cindy Keehn
AGE: 50
CITY: Clearwater
GOAL: Complete the Women's Running Magazine Inaugural Half Marathon on Nov. 22 in St. Petersburg in honor of those who battle blood cancers, as I celebrate three years in complete remission.
Mission Moment
Mace' has just been diagnosed with secondary AML as a result of her previous cancer treatments. In October 2001, she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma IV with little hope for survival of 6 months. She had two stem cell transplants in the summer of 2002, after the doctors were unable to remove the tumor in her abdomen. The only symptom she had then was complaints of back pain. Little did we know, she had a tumor in her spine that was removed immediately and aggressive chemotherapy followed. She had multiple infections and fever, and had to be hospitalized. She had many surgeries to repair what chemotherapy and radiation damaged.
She was doing well and was in remission since May 2005. The endocrinologist put her on hormone replacement therapy because the radiation and chemo had caused her to be in primary ovarian failure. She was looking forward to her junior year in high school and getting her license before this summer. The beginning of the summer went well and Mace' was excited about the upcoming school year. When she came home from Camp Kemo in June, she was complaining of an ear infection and female problems. Her pediatrician put her on antibiotics, but the ear infection did not clear up. The pediatrician advised me to call her oncologist about getting some blood work and scans done. While Mace' was on her second dose of antibiotics, the oncologists informed us that three medium sized tumors were found on her liver and Mace' needed a liver biopsy immediately. The needle biopsy was done the end of July, but not helpful, so a week later Mace' had to have a surgery to obtain another biopsy. The findings were benign and two of the tumors were able to be removed. 5 days after being released from the hospital, Mace' was admitted back to the hospital for a staph infection, in the form of big fluid blisters all over her abdomen and around the incision site. Mace' stayed in the hospital for 6 days before the doctors could find out what was going on. She had to celebrate her 16th birthday in the hospital.
The next day she was released to go home, but not before one of the oncologists informed me that her CBCs did not look good and something was going on. Mace' had to return to the oncologist the following Monday for some more blood work. The doctors were not sure if Mace's infection was causing her blood work to be abnormal, or if it was another cancer. Well, the hematologist told me that Mace' could have secondary AML, which is caused when a patient has had a previous cancer and the treatments can cause another cancer to emerge. Mace' had a bone marrow biopsy done on August 25 and the doctors diagnosed her with having AML and said that it was very serious and would difficult to treat because of how aggressive the cancer is, therefore, the treatment would be aggressive as well. Mace' is to be admitted into the cancer center this week to start her chemotherapy treatment and will be in the hospital for treatment and remission. A possible bone marrow transplant may be needed, and her brother, father, and I will be tested for match. My family and I are torn. My community is as well, because Mace' has gone through so much these past 5 years. She told me that this was going to be her year to be a high school student and be like the other teenagers her age. She said that she is lucky and has everything a teenager could want. She received a car for her birthday and was excited about taking driving training in October of this year. She has a wonderful spirit and constant belief in God's healing.
When she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, I was shocked and worried, but I left it in God's hands. This time, I am more worried and in disbelief that my daughter has to go through such an ordeal again, when she has overcome so many obstacles; even shocking the doctors. My family and I pray every day for Mace' and her doctors. I know God will be there with her, but I guess I am just hurting for my daughter because I know what is coming ahead, and no parent wants their child to endure such a disease or hurt for anything. Mace' has a brother and he is hurting as well. He and Mace' are very close and I know this is tearing him apart because he doesn't quite understand all of it. I pray for my son as well because the siblings are sometimes forgotten about, unfortunately. All I ask is that anyone who reads this or knows us; pray, pray, pray, and pray for my daughter Mace' and the family. God does answer prayers. He has brought Mace' so far.
Fundraising Tip
Email your monthly update reminding others to donate. This is a great way to keep people up to date with your training and fundraising progress. It's also a great time to update your potential donors on your honored patients status.
Training Tip
Benefits of Massage. The alleviation of tight, sore muscles is just the beginning of what a massage therapist can do for the serious runner. A good sports massage can warm and soften tissues, improve circulation of both blood and lymph fluid—flushing out toxins that cause muscle stiffness and soreness—realign muscle fibers, free muscle adhesions, identify tender areas before they develop into injuries, stretch and relax as well as restore suppleness and normal elasticity to muscles, improve range of motion, speed recovery from a tough workout or race, improve body awareness, and relax the mind and body.
TNT In The News
The Tampa Tribune
www.tbo.com
Circulation – 152,568
Visitors Per Month – 906,728
‘I was Ready to do Whatever it Took’
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/07/i-was-ready-to-do-whatever-it-took/life/
By Ani Vidal
NAME: Ani Vidal
AGE: 42
CITY: New Tampa
GOAL: To finish my first triathlon.
‘I Felt I Needed to do Something’
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/12/121122/i-felt-i-needed-to-do-something/life-health/
By Cindy Keehn
NAME: Cindy Keehn
AGE: 50
CITY: Clearwater
GOAL: Complete the Women's Running Magazine Inaugural Half Marathon on Nov. 22 in St. Petersburg in honor of those who battle blood cancers, as I celebrate three years in complete remission.
Mission Moment
Mace' has just been diagnosed with secondary AML as a result of her previous cancer treatments. In October 2001, she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma IV with little hope for survival of 6 months. She had two stem cell transplants in the summer of 2002, after the doctors were unable to remove the tumor in her abdomen. The only symptom she had then was complaints of back pain. Little did we know, she had a tumor in her spine that was removed immediately and aggressive chemotherapy followed. She had multiple infections and fever, and had to be hospitalized. She had many surgeries to repair what chemotherapy and radiation damaged.
She was doing well and was in remission since May 2005. The endocrinologist put her on hormone replacement therapy because the radiation and chemo had caused her to be in primary ovarian failure. She was looking forward to her junior year in high school and getting her license before this summer. The beginning of the summer went well and Mace' was excited about the upcoming school year. When she came home from Camp Kemo in June, she was complaining of an ear infection and female problems. Her pediatrician put her on antibiotics, but the ear infection did not clear up. The pediatrician advised me to call her oncologist about getting some blood work and scans done. While Mace' was on her second dose of antibiotics, the oncologists informed us that three medium sized tumors were found on her liver and Mace' needed a liver biopsy immediately. The needle biopsy was done the end of July, but not helpful, so a week later Mace' had to have a surgery to obtain another biopsy. The findings were benign and two of the tumors were able to be removed. 5 days after being released from the hospital, Mace' was admitted back to the hospital for a staph infection, in the form of big fluid blisters all over her abdomen and around the incision site. Mace' stayed in the hospital for 6 days before the doctors could find out what was going on. She had to celebrate her 16th birthday in the hospital.
The next day she was released to go home, but not before one of the oncologists informed me that her CBCs did not look good and something was going on. Mace' had to return to the oncologist the following Monday for some more blood work. The doctors were not sure if Mace's infection was causing her blood work to be abnormal, or if it was another cancer. Well, the hematologist told me that Mace' could have secondary AML, which is caused when a patient has had a previous cancer and the treatments can cause another cancer to emerge. Mace' had a bone marrow biopsy done on August 25 and the doctors diagnosed her with having AML and said that it was very serious and would difficult to treat because of how aggressive the cancer is, therefore, the treatment would be aggressive as well. Mace' is to be admitted into the cancer center this week to start her chemotherapy treatment and will be in the hospital for treatment and remission. A possible bone marrow transplant may be needed, and her brother, father, and I will be tested for match. My family and I are torn. My community is as well, because Mace' has gone through so much these past 5 years. She told me that this was going to be her year to be a high school student and be like the other teenagers her age. She said that she is lucky and has everything a teenager could want. She received a car for her birthday and was excited about taking driving training in October of this year. She has a wonderful spirit and constant belief in God's healing.
When she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, I was shocked and worried, but I left it in God's hands. This time, I am more worried and in disbelief that my daughter has to go through such an ordeal again, when she has overcome so many obstacles; even shocking the doctors. My family and I pray every day for Mace' and her doctors. I know God will be there with her, but I guess I am just hurting for my daughter because I know what is coming ahead, and no parent wants their child to endure such a disease or hurt for anything. Mace' has a brother and he is hurting as well. He and Mace' are very close and I know this is tearing him apart because he doesn't quite understand all of it. I pray for my son as well because the siblings are sometimes forgotten about, unfortunately. All I ask is that anyone who reads this or knows us; pray, pray, pray, and pray for my daughter Mace' and the family. God does answer prayers. He has brought Mace' so far.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Winter Season - Week 11
Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly. ~Lanston Hughes
Fundraising Tip
Provide a Service like painting, cleaning, babysitting, shopping, etc. People also like to receive a service at a reduced price especially when they know their funds will go to a good cause.
Training Tip
What to wear. Choose clothing that wicks moisture and fits comfortably. On runs that last a couple of hours, some chafing can usually be expected. Use petroleum jelly or a product like Body Glide on friction-prone areas such as your feet and upper thighs. Women should watch out for chafing around the seams on sports bras. Guys should make sure their nipples are protected -- Band-Aids are a simple solution that can prevent chafing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TNT's committment to you?
• Travel, accommodations, and entry fees for event weekend.
• Four or five months of supervised coaching including comprehensive training schedules, and opportunities to train with other Team Members.
• Professional advice on nutrition, injury prevention, and other related topics.
• Fundraising materials, ideas, and strategies.
• Support and encouragement throughout the fundraising and training period.
What is your commitment to TNT?
• Raise the minimum amount of funds designated to aid researchers in their race to find a cure for leukemia and related cancers.
• Train to run, walk, or cycle the marathon, half marathon, century ride or triathlon for which you are registered.
TNT In The News
The Gresham Outlook
www.theoutlookonline.com
Tam Driscoll sets fundraising record for Lymphoma Society
http://www.theoutlookonline.com/news/story.php?story_id=125685722649214800
She did it! Tam Driscoll, who works in Gresham City Hall, is this fall’s top fundraiser in the nation for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. So far, she’s raised more than $58,000, putting her past her goal of $55,000 – the amount needed for Driscoll to work with researchers on one of three studies on non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the same type of cancer that killed her sister, Nancy Driscoll, in June at the age of 56. The amount Driscoll raised is a record for the society’s Oregon chapter, Driscoll said. Second-place fundraising honors went to a California woman who raised $43,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Driscoll’s fundraising efforts were part of her training for the Nike Women’s Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 18. The weekend also included a Friday, Oct. 16, fundraiser party in which Driscoll was the guest speaker.
Mission Moment
Gail Alice Denker
Batavia, IL
United States
female
Living with CML for 7 years
Age: 67
I was 61 years old when diagnosed, newly retired and had just found out my husband and I were going to become grandparents for the first time.
My diagnosis came 5 months before Gleevec was approved by the FDA. Fortunately for me, a trial was beginning at OHSU, conducted by Dr. Brian Druker (who developed the drug) and Dr. Michael Mauro, who became my oncologist at OHSU. I enrolled as patient 001 in the trial to treat newly diagnosed, untreated CML patients.
The trial ended successfully for me. A year later I was in full remission and able to harvest my stem cells. Although I was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer that same summer (DCIS and LCIS) for which I had bilateral mastectomies, I have remained in full remission for 6 years.
I could not have faced this without the support of my husband, Merle, an orthopedic surgeon who became my personal physician and administered my shots with kindness and patience. My husband and I have been able to enjoy our retirement winters in Southern California, and we are now the proud grandparents of two lovely granddaughters and two darling grandsons.
I feel very blessed to have been diagnosed at the time that Gleevec was being developed, which erased the original prognosis of 3-5 years. I owe my life to Dr. Robert Bayer, my oncologist, who made my diagnosis and encouraged me to enroll in the study, and to Novartis and Drs. Druker and Mauro, as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, for defeating a once fatal disease.
Fundraising Tip
Provide a Service like painting, cleaning, babysitting, shopping, etc. People also like to receive a service at a reduced price especially when they know their funds will go to a good cause.
Training Tip
What to wear. Choose clothing that wicks moisture and fits comfortably. On runs that last a couple of hours, some chafing can usually be expected. Use petroleum jelly or a product like Body Glide on friction-prone areas such as your feet and upper thighs. Women should watch out for chafing around the seams on sports bras. Guys should make sure their nipples are protected -- Band-Aids are a simple solution that can prevent chafing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TNT's committment to you?
• Travel, accommodations, and entry fees for event weekend.
• Four or five months of supervised coaching including comprehensive training schedules, and opportunities to train with other Team Members.
• Professional advice on nutrition, injury prevention, and other related topics.
• Fundraising materials, ideas, and strategies.
• Support and encouragement throughout the fundraising and training period.
What is your commitment to TNT?
• Raise the minimum amount of funds designated to aid researchers in their race to find a cure for leukemia and related cancers.
• Train to run, walk, or cycle the marathon, half marathon, century ride or triathlon for which you are registered.
TNT In The News
The Gresham Outlook
www.theoutlookonline.com
Tam Driscoll sets fundraising record for Lymphoma Society
http://www.theoutlookonline.com/news/story.php?story_id=125685722649214800
She did it! Tam Driscoll, who works in Gresham City Hall, is this fall’s top fundraiser in the nation for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. So far, she’s raised more than $58,000, putting her past her goal of $55,000 – the amount needed for Driscoll to work with researchers on one of three studies on non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the same type of cancer that killed her sister, Nancy Driscoll, in June at the age of 56. The amount Driscoll raised is a record for the society’s Oregon chapter, Driscoll said. Second-place fundraising honors went to a California woman who raised $43,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Driscoll’s fundraising efforts were part of her training for the Nike Women’s Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 18. The weekend also included a Friday, Oct. 16, fundraiser party in which Driscoll was the guest speaker.
Mission Moment
Gail Alice Denker
Batavia, IL
United States
female
Living with CML for 7 years
Age: 67
I was 61 years old when diagnosed, newly retired and had just found out my husband and I were going to become grandparents for the first time.
My diagnosis came 5 months before Gleevec was approved by the FDA. Fortunately for me, a trial was beginning at OHSU, conducted by Dr. Brian Druker (who developed the drug) and Dr. Michael Mauro, who became my oncologist at OHSU. I enrolled as patient 001 in the trial to treat newly diagnosed, untreated CML patients.
The trial ended successfully for me. A year later I was in full remission and able to harvest my stem cells. Although I was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer that same summer (DCIS and LCIS) for which I had bilateral mastectomies, I have remained in full remission for 6 years.
I could not have faced this without the support of my husband, Merle, an orthopedic surgeon who became my personal physician and administered my shots with kindness and patience. My husband and I have been able to enjoy our retirement winters in Southern California, and we are now the proud grandparents of two lovely granddaughters and two darling grandsons.
I feel very blessed to have been diagnosed at the time that Gleevec was being developed, which erased the original prognosis of 3-5 years. I owe my life to Dr. Robert Bayer, my oncologist, who made my diagnosis and encouraged me to enroll in the study, and to Novartis and Drs. Druker and Mauro, as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, for defeating a once fatal disease.
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