Inspirational Stories

Ron was a private man. He didn’t seek the company of many. But the friends he had were close, and more than anything, he cherished his time the most with his loving wife and best friend, Paulette. The two of them shared a love for fishing and traveling. They traveled all across the western United States searching for the best fishing spots. They even had a place in Baja California where they spent most of their time fishing together. Ron was unapologetically himself, and he never once cared about what others thought of him. His greatest joy was simply being with his Paulette, doing what they loved most.

Their world changed when they were in Arizona and received a phone call from Ron’s doctor’s office. His latest blood test had come back with abnormal results. At first, they thought it might be anemia, however, the doctor urged them to return home immediately to see an oncologist. That was the day when they learned that Ron was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). At first, they didn’t know what to think; they didn’t know anything about MM other than it was a plasma cancer. Their biggest fear was that it wouldn’t be treatable, but Ron’s oncologist reassured them that if they followed the treatment plan, there was hope.

During his treatment, Ron’s weight dropped from a robust 200 pounds to just 125. Paulette even had to purchase his pants from the children’s section at the store. Not only was the physical toll significant, but the emotional toll was just as heavy. Ron carried his diagnosis privately, choosing not to tell even his closest friends out of fear that his aging mother would find out. He didn’t want to burden her with the news.

Despite the struggles, Ron and Paulette never hesitated to do what needed to be done. They visited the hospital twice a week, traveling an hour each way for Ron’s treatment, all in the hopes of getting his protein levels down enough to qualify for a stem cell transplant. They never gave up hope. Thanks to his incredible doctor, Dr. Jeffrey Wolf, Ron received his stem cell transplant in 2011 at UCSF which allowed Ron and Paulette to have an additional 13 years together.

“I know wholeheartedly that Ron’s life was extended because of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) research, and I am forever grateful for the additional time I had with him, which is why LLS is my preferred charity to donate to,” Paulette shares. “It means so much to be a part of the LLS community, and my hope is that, through LLS and the generosity of donors, LLS can find cures and give more people diagnosed with a blood cancer a chance at longevity.”

To those facing a new diagnosis, Paulette offers this advice, “Have faith in your doctors. Have hope.”

And to those considering a donation to LLS, she has one simple but powerful message, “Think of the lives you’ll save with your donation today.”