An Organization Close To My Former Appendix

Friday, March 28th, 2008 at 12:56 pm

LLSFor some reason completely unbeknownst to me, I found an organization that I really want to promote: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I just feel this uncontrollable urge deep where my appendix used to be that I should tell you a bit about the society in a two-sentence mission statement lifting directly from their website.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The Society has dedicated itself to being one of the top-rated voluntary health agencies in terms of dollars that directly fund our mission.

As with many similar organizations, they rely solely on privately-donated funds since they receive no federal funding unlike a certain war that 60 - 70% of the American population disapproves of, but I won’t get into that. Not only do they fund much research but put just as much money into patient and community service including a little program I applied for to get financial help with my insurance co-pay which I’m sure will come in very handy once the bills start coming in.

LLS donateStarting today, I’m going to put this picture in the right-hand column of the blog so anytime you feel like it, Red Bandyou can donate even a small amount to LLS. You know, when the guilt is too much to bear. I kid, but donating does relieve guilt. If you need something physical to make yourself feel better, check out the LLS store where they have everything including PJ bottoms, backpacks, holiday ornaments, etc., etc.! Or you can get one of these bracelets thingys, too.

As for an update about me, I had my PET scan Monday which I still haven’t heard anything about; however, if something icky came up my doctor would have contacted me. Tuesday, I went to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center to learn all about the chemo I’ll be receiving and tips on keeping myself healthy during treatment. The staff there was incredibly nice and while I’m not looking forward to the infusions, I am looking forward to being in such a positive environment for a day every three weeks.

Up next is my bone marrow biopsy on April 5 where they make sure that it hasn’t spread to the white-blood cell manufacturing center. The doctor is pretty sure it hasn’t, so this is a ‘just in case’ procedure. My mom will be in town for that and will be spending at least a week with me. She is hoping to be here from my first infusion although I don’t know why she wants to sit in a cancer center for 8 hours. Booooring! Anyway, now that I able to be a bit more active since my surgery, I hope to be blogging a bit more frequently, too. We’ll see. Take care.

Listening to: “Girl” - Beck
Beck - Guero - Girl


10 Responses to “An Organization Close To My Former Appendix”

  1. Steve Says:

    It’s so weird because I’m not sure what to say. Is it alright to be my goofy self and poke fun at you? Of course, I will click on that link and make donations when I can.

  2. Leslie Says:

    Blah blah blah…Cancer is so booooring without pictures. Can’t you start a “cancer account” with Flickr or something?

    I think I just answered Steve’s question.

  3. Leslie Says:

    P.S. Thank God you have brought awareness to a different cause than just Breast Cancer.

  4. Hayes Says:

    It has dawned on me why Lymphoma sounded so familiar now… I actually donated $50 to them last year for my cousin Pam. She did the Hike for Discovery last year to raise money for the organization… She raised $7700.00 last year for the society!

    http://www.active.com/donate/hfdnmep/PMillerhikes

  5. Andy Says:

    Like Steve, not sure what to say (yes, a rare moment). Other than I know you’ve got a great sense of humour to help get you through this. x

  6. HDW Says:

    Howard - we do this walk every year,too, and donate this way. The walk was at Wash Park - very very cool. http://www.lightthenight.org/s...../b.710065/

  7. Dan Says:

    I feel so blessed to have a friend go through a painful procedure on my birthday. You give the best gifts Howard!!!

  8. Howard Says:

    HDW: Oh, thanks. I signed up for their newsletter so I should be able to find out about this year’s.

    Dan: Anything for a friend.

  9. Phillip Says:

    Howard,
    I’m glad that you found the LLS, they are in fact a great organization that I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with for the past five years. I’ve done multiple marathons and the Hike for Discovery with them. When I can finally get my fat ass exercising again and do something with Team In Training again, you’ll definitely be on my list of people I do it for.

    And I’ll keep you in my thoughts, especially on April 5th.

  10. Howard Says:

    Thanks, Phillip. Hope you are doing well yourself.

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