I was honored to be asked to deliver a keynote address at a celebration event for transplant survivors last week, which accompanies this post. The event, held at the Skirball Center in LA, was organized and paid for by the head of the Cedars Sinai transplant program. About 500 people were in attendance, 90% were transplant survivors and family. Not all were myeloma patients. And there were many who, unlike me, had allo transplants (requiring donors).
The address is about 6 minutes long. It is upbeat and positive, as fitting the occasion. I'd like to advise my fellow myeloma sufferers that I struggle with how best to relay my good fortune when so many of you have a much harder road. I do feel particularly blessed with how well I've done and I attempted here to simply tell my story...with the thought that it can provide some semblance of hope for those that aren't as fortunate. Susan felt i glossed over a lot of the difficulties I encountered along the way. Maybe so. But be assured that I have not lost site of how difficult the battle is and can be for those who have not had the good fortune that I enjoy. My heart is very much with you.
Thank you-may your backwards memories always be glossed over and your optimism and awareness persist with you.
ReplyDeleteAs always, great speech Ed. The right mix of humor, optimism and humility. Keep on the path of your journey traveler! Uncle Lee
ReplyDeleteEd
ReplyDeleteGreat speech ! Very uplifting.
Thanks
John
Well done, Sir, on all counts.
ReplyDeleteFantastic, Ed. I'm so happy to hear that you're continuing to do so well.
ReplyDeleteI was happy to bring your name up recently when I met a friend of my husband's who has recently been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She has endured chemo but is not a candidate for a transplant due to her age. However, I could cheerfully encourage her with reports of your progress and success over so many years.
Clearly, you are both LIVING and ENJOYING life.
I'm "Kevelling" and proud to call you MY brother
ReplyDeleteWay to go, good friend! Badgers are on a roll! In Green Bay for today's game against Browns. Cold, but who cares! Pattie sends her love- Pat
ReplyDeleteGreat speech, Ed! My story is so similar in that I feel like I breezed through my treatments and transplant. I am 18months out, have VGPR, without any maintenance chemo. My husband feels like I gloss over what I went through, but I know there are so many out there that suffer much more. Glad to know you are still doing well!
ReplyDeleteGreat speech, Mr. Wolfman. I am part of the class at Downstate you video chatted today. Just wanted to say thank you so much for offering to do this. It was very helpful in putting in perspective what we've been learning thus far; stepping away from the science and witnessing the human aspect of it. I hope you keep doing amazing. Again, thank you!
ReplyDeleteHello I have been reading your blog, it's very encouraging. My father has been diagnosed with MM and has been undergoing treatment, unfortunately he is not ready to receive a transplant yet. More than anything it is incredible how much hope and stamina you are able to maintain despite the grim diagnosis. My dad barely gets out of the house and generally his mood is awful. The emotional roller coaster is taking a high toll on my mom wish he could be upbeat and play tennis or ride a bike or have a glimpse of hope even if for only the days, years that are left. Wish you health you are an inspiration.
ReplyDelete