Two (very special) Requests

Last Monday night we returned from a wonderful weekend at Shasta Lake with our pals the Houstons, and I was ready to sit down in front of this monstrous red laptop to share some humorous tales of our weekend getaway. But instead, I learned that my brother-in-law Tom was awaiting results of a bone marrow biopsy which would likely confirm that he had leukemia.

Tom asked if I could lend some moral support (and most likely, ample noisy distraction), so the girls and I headed over the mountain to Bend to spend the remainder of the week with Amy & Tom and their girls. What I witnessed at their home surprised me to no end. Amy, the one-and-the-same-girl who sobs through most weddings, was as calm and strong as could be. Tom, despite beginning a chemo regime, had his sharp sense of humor and his determination. They have managed to follow the doctor's orders to take this one day at a time, and they are doing so graciously, impressively, admirably. I am humbled by their strength. And I know their approach will help them get through this battle.

Test results concluded that Tom has CML leukemia. Fortunately, the chemo pill they have him on now is already dropping his white blood cell counts. He will be meeting with CML-experts at OHSU in the coming days to develop a formal treatment protocol. New medications have been developed in recent years and these offer tremendous hope. While a bone marrow transplant is the only cure for CML, medications can help the disease remain in check for a period of time.

So I have two small requests of all of you.

One, please take a few moments to send some positive, warrior-like energy to Tom, whether it's in the form of a prayer, a meditation, or positive thinking power.

And, two, go get yourself registered on the Bone Marrow Donor Registry (http://www.marrow.org/). It's easy to do, and requires only a simple blood test. Enter your zip code and find a drive near you. The Portland area has several drives in the coming weeks, including May 19-21, and June 14. In the Bay Area? Even more options! Go do it. You'll be so very glad you made the effort. Who knows if your marrow is the exact match for someone who desperately needs it. Go find out.