| Memoriam
You never really think you are going to get these diseases you hear about
until it happens to you, or someone you know. Many of you knew Johnny and he is
the reason I keep raising funds for the Leukemia Society. He and the many, many
others who are struck each day by this disease.
Johnny was diagnosed in June of 06 with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and lost his
battle to Leukemia on April 17th, 2008. He was 52 years young.
Johnny loved to play golf and ride his Harley and listen to rock and blues and
country and classic rock. Some of his favorites were Kenny Wayne Sheppard and
Stevie Ray Vaughn. His favorite song was Cowgirl in the sand.
Johnny had the type of Leukemia that required a bone marrow transplant, but we
never found a match. Research showed that some patients could survive on what
they called a Maintenance plan, a concoction of different chemo drugs including
a fairly new drug called Gleevec. However, it was only a matter of about 8
months before that quit working so we moved to the next drug, Sprycell. When
that quit working we went to Tasigna and when that quit working the doctor had
to look out-of-the box to find a way to get Johnny into remission. Many of the
drugs he took were new. We basically ran out of options.
The reason I tell you this is because by raising money, we can help find new
drugs. Money raised will help fund research for Drugs that will save lives. It
always amazed me at how many people were in the clinic and the hospital every
time we went.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma society helped us by providing $500 to help pay for
medicine copays.
They also help by providing current literature on the many different types of
blood cancers and what to expect in terms of treatment options. But most
importantly they fund live saving research.
Leukemia is a tough disease. But by walking, we raise money and you honor Johnny
and many others who fought and continue to fight. I thank you for remembering
Johnny again this year. It is such a blessing to me and to our family and an
honor for Johnny.
Please make a donation to support my participation in the Light The Night Walk
and help save lives. Be sure to check my Web site frequently to see my progress,
and thanks for your support!
Rhonda Thompson - October 2009
This photo and Story were copied directly from the two websites listed below.
Please visit them.
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Carrollton-Farmers
Branch TXGenWeb