Inspirational Stories

I am a 72-year-old retired Information Technology professional. I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in June 2002 and remain in active treatment today. Over the last 22 years, I have had more than 700 trips for doctor visits, treatments, lab test, emergency room, hospitalizations, and pharmacy. My biggest challenge over the years is managing the cost of premiums, medical treatment, drugs, travel, and medical appliances. I found multiple resources that stepped in to assist me with my financial challenges related to my CLL. My wife Cheryl has been there for me from the first day of diagnoses and is my steadfast support system. I relapsed four different times over the years where the drug(s) I was taking stopped working, several times I ended up in the hospital.

In 2018, I decided to replay the numerous blessings of extended life I have been given by joining several organizations whose goal is to help people fighting cancer. My goal is to help anyone who might get a serious diagnoses have a better experience than I had over the years. I have given my time numerous times for articles, videos, speaking at conferences, and First Connection sessions with newly diagnosed blood cancer patients. I have been to Washington D.C. on four different occasions to advocate for access and reduced medical cost.