My Part

In March of 2005 I was leading a perfectly normal life.  I was moving into my new house and looking forward to a beautiful future.

In the blink of an eye everything changed.

I learned that I had cancer. I immediately had surgery and was totally devastated, unable to do anything after having had most of my stomach, my spleen and some of my esophagus removed.

My wife was left to finish the move alone, scrambling for help from friends and family.  The house was far from finished and she was left dealing with a contractor who had all but abandoned the job and was going out of business.  All the while she was trying to hide this tragic news from my children  and set an atmosphere of stability and normalcy. But our lives were in a turmoil.  My future plans seemed shattered and for more than six days I wasn't sure if I would be alive long enough to get out of the hospital.

During my recovery I searched for a clear answer as to just how long I could expect to live. There was a lot of information around for me to try to interpret, much of it medically technical and over my head. So far I haven't found that answer. I just know that Gleevec is there and that gives me tremendous hope.

Then, while reading posts on a support group, GSI, I learned of a “Walk for a Cure”. I joined The Walk and in fact got hundreds of supporters to sponsor my family and me. I was thrilled to see that there was a dedicated avenue for funds to be raised and funneled into the hands of people working to find me a cure.

My only thought was “How do I help make this happen faster?” I wanted to be a part of GCRF in any way I could, from raising money myself to serving food at The Walk lunch. It didn't matter, as long as I did everything I could to increase my chances of seeing my kids grow up and enjoying my life with my lovely wife and family and friends.

As time went on I was asked to join GCRF and was thrilled with the opportunity. Now I work hard doing what ever I can and have focused so much of my energy on making this happen. I want a cure, yes for me, but also for you or your child or another family member or your friend, who ever it might be that has, through no known fault of their own, been stricken by this ugly disease.

Sorry GIST, you picked a fight with a determined opponent
We will find a cure!