Education

From TUESDAY MAY 11TH
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Video of Dr. Oz Gleevec Show

Click below for local listings of more Dr. Oz Shows.

I was invited to participate on the Dr. Oz show and happily accepted.  I was asked to provide my GIST story and photos.  Now many of those photos are in my GIST Journey Video (above).

I went with my daughter Amberly and the entire experience was quite memorable.  It was a pleasure personally meeting Dr. Oz and having the opportunity to thank him for raising public awareness concerning GIST.  This may support more research and help increase the potential of Gleevec targeting other forms of cancer through additional research paid for by donations to organizations like GCRF.

It was on the Dr, Oz show that I first learned that the number of cancers that respond to Gleevec is now up to TEN! The kind of research and the results of the work done by scientists like Dr.Brian Druker, who discovered Gleevec should inspire everyone touched by cancer, in any form and I ask that you take a moment to support this research with a donation of any amount you can afford.

The entire experience was wonderful from seeing many friends that I have met through my GIST journey to making new friends, especially the pioneers of the original GIST clinical trials who have been on Gleevec for over 10 years - but the high point was meeting Dr Druker, shaking his hand and seeing my daughter, Amberly, give him a hug for, most likely, saving her Dad.

Thanks
Bill

FOX 5 News, Dr. Sapna chats with Amberly and Bill

Bill carries a tired Amberly along the walk while having a chat with Dr. Sapna of FOX 5 News.  I thanked her for her support and personal committment to helping those of us with "orphan" cancers.  She is a kind and caring person and we wish her success with her career at FOX 5 News.

Walt with a smile, pictured with Zander and Bill   Walt poses with Zander and me before the walk.  He is never to busy to share a "celebrity moment" with any of the Walkers.  He joked about how many kids wanted to have their pictures taken with him because he retired well before they were born.

Walt "Clyde" Frazier signs pictures for the Smiths Above - Walt "Clyde" Frazier takes a moment to chat with Zander and Amberly while we look on at his bold signing of last year's pictures.  He is a humble, great man who continues to support our fund raising effort.  There is no way to thank him enough for his help but he says that "our appreciation is all the thanks he needs."

The pictures in the video show how much has happened since I wrote the section below, in 2007...

As for my family and me, so many things have changed so fast over the past year. Amberly, became a Tae Kwon Do Black Belt, started fourth grade and during last year she was accepted into ORIAN, the gifted children's program. My little baby, Zander, got on the school bus for the first time this year and started pre-school. Zander had the third surgery in as many years and is progressing nicely with his development. He had a rough start and has some catching up to do. He finished his at home therapy after three years and now gets OT, PT and speech in pre-school. We miss the visits from the therapists who were so close to Zander. The were like family but it was time for them to move on; Zander is growing up. Jeanne is thinking about going back to school and possibly going into the medical administration field. She had a rough year and a half since I was diagnosed but is the rock for our family.

Amberly proudly accepts her Tae Kwon Do Black Belt and Mom and Dad are very proud

Zander's first day of school

Jeanne, keeping it all going smoothly though it's been a bit rough.

Bill elected VP of Lindenhurst Rotary Club

Zander and Bill get a break at the beach