Inspirational Stories

My only child was my heart and soul!  He was a son to be proud of in so many ways.  Kind, gentle, and caring was only the tip of the iceberg to his character.  He had lots of friends and was always ready to help when called.  He had just finished his freshman year in college when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.  It changed our world.

He fought valiantly for three years, rarely complaining and always positive.  One of the trial drugs was instrumental in extending his life another year.  Ten months prior to my son's passing, my older brother was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).  Another shock to our family.  I was his perfect match and after a stem cell transplant, he is in remission and doing well today.

That year was the first time I got involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), having first hand experience with both lymphoma and leukemia.  Each year I hold a fundraiser for LLS celebrating my son's birthday in his honor.  And my brother celebrates two birthdays each year!  On one hand, I couldn't help my son but on the other hand, I gave my brother new life!