Inspirational Stories

My beloved husband, David served the community of Arlington, Texas, through the fire department for 38 years. Throughout his career, he served the city and trained and mentored other up-and-coming firefighters. He retired in 2017, and just nine months later, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a very aggressive blood cancer. His oncologists believe it had simmered in David's marrow for a couple of years before it went acute. It came on with similar symptoms to the common flu. 

David underwent numerous treatments at big Baylor Medical Center Dallas in the Pickens Cancer Center. God had other plans for his retirement; instead of our usual activities of hiking and cycling, we spent the next six months at the hospital with David undergoing numerous chemotherapy treatments. Sadly, David went to be with the Lord at age 59. He was so strong and faithful. The doctors and medical staff loved him and treated him with such gentleness. I made lifelong friends with other caregivers. Since David's passing, we (his family and friends) started a scholarship for other fire service graduates. It is a blessing that David continues to serve, teach, and mentor others even in his death. His faithful example to others has helped lead others to Christ. We miss him every day. We do take great comfort in knowing he is with our Lord. We were not aware of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at the time of his illness, but since then, I have learned and have been involved with supporting the research to make leukemia a disease of the past and give others the best chance for survival. Thank you for all you do.


Written by his wife