Comments from the wife, version 3.0

A year and a half ago, Wil and I participated in the Avon 3 day breast cancer walk. We didn’t know anyone with breast cancer. We just wanted to help raise money for research and be part of the walk-a thon. It was by far the most incredible experience of our lives. Between the two of us, we raised over $17,000. We always knew we’d do something like this again.
What I didn’t realize, was that I would be doing something like this because one of my very close friends, Kris, would be diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. My 45 year old friend, a wife, a mother of two, an active, loved member of the community, was just diagnosed with a life threatening disease.
Kris went to the doctor just before Labor Day weekend to pick up some antibiotics before heading out of town with her family. She hadn’t been feeling well and just assumed it was some kind of infection. The doctor wanted to do a blood test just to make sure everything was alright. After the weekend, she was called by her doctor to come in immediately, and to bring her husband because something was wrong with her blood. A bone marrow test confirmed the doctor’s suspicion. Leukemia. She received the news and was told to be at the hospital by the end of the day to spend a month doing chemotherapy.
After the month of treatment, and two separate week long treatments, along with several blood and platelet transfusions, Kris is in remission. Her doctor at City of Hope Cancer Hospital wants to do a stem cell transplant on her now because she’s doing so well. This gives her a better chance of the leukemia not returning.
For the week prior to her stay at City of Hope, Kris was taking anti-seizure medication and going to her doctor to do chemotherapy tests before beginning her intensive treatment. When she begins her stay on February 13, she will be doing several days of chemotherapy followed by several days of full body radiation therapy. Then they will transplant the stem cells they harvested from her (she was not a match with her brother, children, or the National Donor Registry). This option gives her a better chance of her body not rejecting the transplant. Then the slow recovery begins.
It has been the most difficult thing in the world to see Kris go through this. She is a very strong person and I have no doubt this will just be another one of life’s obstacles she hurdles right over. But to feel so helpless at doing anything for her has been the hardest part.
Which is why Wil and I decided we would be part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s marathon. We will be walking 26.2 miles in San Diego this June to help raise money for a cure. Since we can’t donate our blood (not the right type) we can at least donate our feet. Our goal is to raise $25,000. A very small percentage of the daily funding needed for research.
Kris is so happy we are doing this in her honor. She already plans on being at the finish line with us so we can all celebrate this huge victory.
Here’s a link to our Team In Training Homepage. Please visit it, and help us reach our goal. Kris, along with thousands of other people dealing with this disease, need our help and encouragement.
Wil here, with a final thought: We kicked massive ass in the Avon 3 Day, and raised over 17,000 dollars in about six months. My stats tell me that about half a million different people read this site each month. Even more read it through various forms of syndication. Can you imagine how much we could do if you all kicked in a dollar, or two dollars? If every person who visits this site were to collect change and stuff for a day, and sponsor us for that amount, we would, together, contribute over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to help fund research that could save Kris’s life.
Think about the power you have. Isn’t it wonderful?

123 thoughts on “Comments from the wife, version 3.0”

  1. I don’t have a lot of extra money right now, but I tossed $2 your way. I did my part to reach that $1 million mark. ^_^
    Good luck, all of you, and God bless.

  2. Unfortunately, I can’t donate money to a charity that funds animal testing. I just don’t believe that it’s right to try to heal humans with the suffering of other creatures. There are MANY cancer foundations that don’t test on animals, including the Lympoma Foundation of America. A listing can be found on PETA’s website at http://www.caringconsumer.com/page/CharitiesDont.pdf. I know I’ll be flamed for posting this, but I think it’s important that people know about the entity they’re donating money to.

  5. I just tossed 20 bucks your way! I wish it could be more. I am glad to hear you are so supportive of your friend.
    My brother’s best friend, Ryan Mullaly, died a little over a year ago at age 20. He was diagnosed with Stage 2B Hodgkins Disease at age 13. He fought like hell through chemo, a stem cell transplant, and radiation. Ryan never got to finish high school. We miss him terribly!
    5 months ago my uncle died of the same thing and now my grandmother is battling both ovarian and cervical cancer. As you can tell fighting cancer is a cause near and dear to my heart! I want to thank both of you for making it a cause near to yours as well!
    I am currently planning my wedding and instead of doing a traditional favor, we have decided to make a donation to the Ryan Mullaly 2nd Chance Fund in the name of each of our guests. The fund was set up by Ryan’s parents. It provides college scholarships to those kids who have suffered from forms of pediatric cancer. Many of the families of these kids can’t afford to send them to college after all the medical bills come in. 100% of the money donated is used as scholarships to give these cancer warriers a shot at higher education. If anyone else is interested in this fund, go to http://www.ryans2dchancefund.org/index.html.
    Sorry for the shameless plug! I just feel strongly about helping those with cancer! Bravo to you, Wil and Anne!

  7. This is such a good cause that it’s caused me to not only donate but leave my first comment ever on a blog. One suggestion I have for Kris (and for maybe the both of you also) is if you haven’t done it yet to read Lance Armstrong’s first book “It’s Not About the Bike”. He focuses mostly on his battle with cancer and how it surprisingly changed him for the better, and I think especially for a cancer patient it would be an amazing read.

  8. I think what you guys are doing is fantastic. I just added $50 to the fund; a friend from college was diagnosed with leukemia in his early 20s. He’s fine now thanks to one of his 6 or 7 siblings, but I know not everyone is that fortunate.

  9. I read Wil’s post about the breast cancer walk a while ago. I have an aunt who’s a survivor, and I found the walk-a-thon story inspirational.
    As soon as the PayPal account is up, I’m in.

  11. Wow, I went to the training site at 7 am EST and it was right at $1000, and now, only 2 1/2 hours later it has risen to over $1400!
    This is a great thing Anne and Wil. I’ve lost too many people to cancer and my husband has a friend who is suffering with leukemia right now.
    If everyone in the world would do something like this, for any cause, can you imagine what a difference it could make?
    I hope that everyone reading here is inspired not only to give money, but also to get out and volunteer and make a difference with their actions as well.

  14. I would very much like to donate using PayPal as well. Please let us know as soon as this is possible!
    You guys are the greatest! Thanks for opening everyone’s eyes to this important cause.

  15. Hey Wil and Anne,
    i tried also to use various guises as i’m in the UK, as soon as you guys set up a way i’ll be donating i couldnt last time as i was poor and not credit card…
    keep fighting the good fight… love you both so much it hurts! Kris you are in my prayers and thoughts! with love and respect
    Andrea xx

  16. Dear Wil & Anne: I agree with all the wonderful before me commenting in saying the two of you are fantastic. I’ve sent my $20.00 in memory of my mother, Winona, who was not one of the lucky ones to survive cancer. I miss you mom. Give my best wishes to Kris and walk your socks off!! Martha

  18. Hi,
    I think this is a wonderful cause and would also like to participate. Is there some way that Canadians can send donations??
    You’re so right…if everyone just donated a dollar or two millions could be raised! And when it comes to Cancer every little bit counts!
    Hope and laughter,
    Channy

  19. Speaking of donations – how about blood? I’m O-, and gave my 33rd unit back on Jan20; I’m eligible in late March. Gotta say, I enjoy the early time off work, and a free soda and pack of cookies. 🙂 Oh, and a few years ago I signed up to be a bone marrow donor. I think it’s lifetime (may have to double check).
    1-800-GIVE-LIFE
    http://www.givelife.org

  22. You’ve got my support. After donating I spent a minute or so hitting refresh and watching your scale climb the goal. Amazing! Go Us! *proud*

  23. you do so much and ask so little.
    as soon as i can convince my mum to stop yelling at me (and have gone back to school in order to rally the troops) i’ll donate what i can. a girl in the year above me at school was diagnosed with lukemia last year. we raised over 300 pounds (i don’t know what that is in dolars) last term for stem cells to be grown.
    a message to those who think they can stand by when others need them just because they arent directly affected by it:
    You who live safe
    In your warm houses,
    You who find, returning in the evening,
    Hot food and friendly faces:
    consider if this is a man
    Who works in the mud
    Who does not know peace
    Who fights for a scrap of bread
    Who dies beacuse of a yes or no.
    Consider if this is a woman,
    Without hair and without name
    With no more strength to remember,
    Her eyes empty and her womb cold
    Like a frog in winter.
    Meditate that this came about:
    I commend these words to you.
    Carve them in your hearts
    At home, in the street,
    Going to bed, rising:
    Repeat them to your children,
    Or may your house fall apart,
    May illness impede you,
    May your children turn their faces from you.
    – Primo Levi
    it’s people like you two that make the world worth living in

  24. Pray for a cure. My mother was diagnosed in December and has not responded to any treatments so far. Her doctors say she has only a couple months. How can a person who was seemingly healthy–and only 46–die within months? I just don’t understand; it’s unfathomable that I will lose my mom to this.
    I gave as much as I could afford–now go walk your asses off!

  25. Combined, my wife and I have done 4 marathons for TNT and LLS. Best. Experience. Ever. Next time we’ll buy space on WWDN to solicit for donantions instead of Fark. 🙂

  26. Put me down as another Canadian requesting a Paypal option so I can donate. Our nephew by marriage was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia while on his honeymoon in the Dominican Republic a couple of years ago. He came through treatment wonderfully, and is in full remission. Our hopes and prayers are that everyone touched by leukemia and lymphoma will see good health and complete remission in the very near future.

  27. 10 bucks from me as well…
    My mom died of cancer in 98…
    You guys are really full of heart and it makes me happy to be able to contribute.

  28. Hi Wil and Anne, I tried to do a donation from the page link you have set up but it wont let me unless I put in a US state. I live in the UK so how do I still donate? I hope you see this because I am sure others that are not in the US still want to help. Good luck on the walk and give your friend all the best from us in Blighty.

  29. Wow, it is 12:30 (CST US) and since I donated at around 7:30 this morning (CST US) the donation total has gone from ~$2000 to ~$3500. That is $300/hr. Pretty awesome. I don’t think you will have a problem making that $25,000 number, Mr. and Mrs. Wheaton!

  30. Wil said: “I’m pretty sure that would mean the actual people who donate would lose the deduction, though.”
    That’s okay. The tax receipt won’t do any good for those of us in Canada and abroad. I’ll donate some money once Paypal is set up.

  31. Hey Wil (and Anne),
    I’d like to make my donation via PayPal, too. Good luck with your donation drive. I participate in the Diabetes Walk and know getting people to donate is more difficult than any walkathon.

  33. You’ve got my donation. It’s cool to hit refresh on my browser a couple times and see the total go up.
    It’s not much from me, but I’m a starving student.
    All the best for the event, and to your friend Kris.

  35. anne, wil… you guys are awesome.
    donation is in!
    my mom died of pancreatic cancer in 1997 and i am a breast cancer survivor since 1999.
    best wishes to kris! keep the faith!

  38. To all it may concern.
    There is a way to mail a donation in and still give the credit to Wil and Anne.
    If you mail your donation to
    The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
    Office of Donor Services
    1311 Mamaroneck Ave.
    White Plains, NY 10605
    And put the Team ID and the name of the team it will get put on their teampage and donation total.
    Just sharing some info.

  39. I’m in for 10$, I’ve another friend who will be participating in the Chicago Team in Training group, so will be contributing more later! 🙂 As many others have mentioned, the least I can do is help with a little bit considering the entertainment you provide us year round!

  40. Wil and Anne.
    Been reading your post for a long time and well when you mentioned this is Marathon i thought it about time to drop a line and tell ya how much i think you people are wonderful. You have my 30 buck donation and my support (be cheering for you…). I would also like to wish you make it to your goal of 25 Grand. Post a pict of you and your wife at the finish line if you can. Otherwise have a great day…

  42. Anne – sorry to hear about your friend Kris… My sister passed away in ’96 from Multiple Myeloma (Bone Marrow Cancer) so I know what Kris is going through with all the treatments, as well has emotionally – my sister had two kids, and was married to her teenage sweetheart, living a fairy-tale life. If there’s any way I could get out there to participate in the walk, I will – also, let me know if there’s a paypal option for donating….
    One more thing – if they tell her there’s “no match” don’t believe them. They told my sister the same, and I did some “l00king ar0und” (I’m sure Wil knows what I mean) and found 5 perfect matches and 2 “better than perfect” (one of whom came over from England and donated marrow willingly – she is an angel for sure)
    If she needs any help in finding possible matches, I will gladly do whatever I can to search – just give her my email address.
    This is another reason why I have to say again – you two are uber-kewl. You are definitely the kind of people we need more of in this world. I hope one day I can meet you and Wil – I’d be honored to toss back a few beers with him, and you’re definitely a first-class role model for my daughters….
    I’ll make a donation as soon as possible – give Kris my regards and let her know she and her family are in my prayers.

  43. Wil and Anne,
    Thank you for being true role models for a society in need of compassion, understanding, and most importantly-LOVE. The hopes and dreams that we strive for today will be tomorrow’s reality.

  44. iskipped past a great deal of people blogging…tell me where to send the donations into? i am already a member of the donor association, but would be more than honored to help out in any way that i can.
    *cheers*

  47. I wish I was there to walk with you guys to help raise money for the sick. Unfortunatly I don’t live anywhere near san diego in fact I live on the other side of the county. I will try my best to do what I can for those who need it. Money isn’t everything, but I would rather give money to those who need it to find a cure for a disease. I’ll look into flight listings and try to get there if possible. You guys will be rewarded greatly! There is a price to pay and what you give will determin what you get back and right now you guys are doing what you feel is best and you will be repayed in return however that may be. Im glad I came to the website today to hear about this donation. Thank you Wil and Ann

  48. My boss was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. A mastectomy and full breast reconstruction later, she’s as good as new (though emotionally spent). Luckily, she was able to avoid chemo and its ravaging side effects. I feel for Kris and appreciate the effort you guys are putting forth. I’ve made a donation and hope it helps. I’ll beat the bushes over at Fark and see what I can scare up. Later, you damn good egg, you.

  49. One of my coworkers was diagnosed with leukemia a couple of months ago. He has been through two rounds of Chemo and is not getting ready for a bone marrow transplant (from a sibling donor). My husband and I will be chipping in some funds and I will ask around at work to see who else would like to donate.

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