Leukemia markers

Leukemia markers

SO….

Um, she’s sick. My best friend’s sister’s boyfriend’s brother’s girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who’s going with the girl who saw Mrs. @Gattaca head to the hospital this week. I guess it’s pretty serious.

I know.

A completely flippant response to an incredibly heartbreaking situation.

My best friend Dave is going through something that I cannot possibly imagine.

I’m sure you’re all familiar with Dave – he’s the guy that posts about 100x as much material here as I do. He’s pretty awesome. Little known fact: His wife is actually awesomer.

Mrs. Lewis is one of those people that falls under the heading of “unreal” – she’s more beautiful and elegant than most celebrities – she’s smart and cogent and interesting – she’s an amazing cook – a wonderful wife and mother. I’m very proud to call her a friend.

And she’s sick.

Not “a little unwell” but… well… Dave put it best in his tweets yesterday:

She’s heading to the number one cancer care facility in the province and in a conversation with her yesterday, she didn’t even pause when she described herself going from the shock of diagnosis to the fight of her life. I wouldn’t recommend getting in her way – she’s a force of nature.

I’m asking – imploring – pleading with all of you to send as much positive karma her way. I know you don’t know her, and I know that you all have better places to spend what little karma you’ve got. But seriously. Please.

Dave and Mrs. Lewis are good people – bad things seem to disproportionately affect the good people.

More importantly: Mrs. Lewis has got a damn cute little 3-year old girl who needs her Mom back home and well.

This is totally disjointed and I apologize for that.

What you can do:

  • Don’t treat Dave any differently – he’s got too much shit going on for you to go all pity party on him – be sensitive but please don’t be all “oh man, that sucks, sorry, ummm… hope she gets better” because that’s fscking lame.
  • Donate $$ to whatever regional cancer charity you can find – Leukemia used to be always fatal – there is an excellent chance that not only will Diana beat this one into submission, but that she’ll be cured.
  • Donate blood – the stem-cell-ish precursors of white blood cells in your blood right now can be used to treat leukemia patients.
  • Sign up for Bone Marrow matching – if you’re going to DEF CON then get in on the BloodKode Challenge or the Be The Match Foundation Bone Marrow Drive – please
  • And if you’re in the GTA, don’t be surprised if I enlist you to help with stuff – we need to make sure that Dave has his time available for Mrs. Lewis, his daughter, himself and his jay oh bee – we’re going to take care of the rest and he can just suck it up and accept the help.

Thanks to every one who has sent good wishes Dave’s way – he’s completely overwhelmed by it.

And Bill – thanks for your posting.

EDITED TO ADD: If you’re in Teh Canadada – head to Canadian Blood Services One Match for details on what you can do to help. Thanks.

Comments

  1. James, I’m at GTA, please let me know if you guys need any additional help. I’m checking with the Canadian Blood Services right now to get the swab test kit too.

  2. I’m not in GTA, but I’ll come… or go… or help remotely… or wear a costume and pretend to be Dave at work functions. I won’t be at Defcon this year, but I’ll donate any pieces parts needed.

  3. As a Hodgkin’s disease cancer survivor, I cannot donate blood or marrow (and I hate that because before that I gave regularly). But I can pray, and I will.

  4. thanks for writing this, Jamie. It’s been such a shock for the whole family, but especially for David. He has wonderful friends, and he knows it.

  5. Prayer is powerful, and mine are with her. People like this are the reason I put in 8 hours a week at the oncology wing of the local hospital.

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