Hello friends

I hope this note finds you doing as well as can be in times that continue to be so challenging. Never in my lifetime has a health crisis swept the world in such a way, impacting all of us no matter who we are or where we live. The pandemic has brought deep recognition of the importance of our physical and mental health, and the need to be a part of and to support our communities, both near and far. All of this certainly has echoes for John and I from 17 years ago when he was diagnosed with leukemia

And that is why, though these are difficult time for many, our commitment to supporting and fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society remains, so once again this year we are hoping to raise $6000 for research and patient support.

When John was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the treatment that was first proposed to him was one that had been used for decades – with limited results. But because it was the only approved approach, it was the one that he received. Unknown to us, over the previous few years, a new drug was being tested on patients with a chronic form of leukemia, with growing success.  We also didn’t know that just 6 months before John’s diagnosis, a patient in Vancouver with exactly the same leukemia John had, was approved to get this new drug because of the similarities between the chronic and acute forms of these leukemias. And the results were promising.

In about 2 weeks from the beginning this treatment, John was in remission, having experienced few side effects from the drug. This meant he was ready and healthy enough to receive a bone marrow transplant. And you know how the rest of the story goes.

We know that all too well, and the funds raised through the Light the Night Walk, more amazing treatment are being discovered and given to patients so they too can get back to a healthy life.