billwixey.com

Over the past few weeks, I've taken you inside my cancer treatment, and revealed how my family is dealing with my diagnosis.  I'll be honest with you.  At first, I didn't know if going public with this was such a good idea.  I didn't know how folks would react.  But what I've learned, is that sharing my story is helpful for me in dealing with the process.  What has really surprised me though, is the incredible generosity and support of my friends and the community. 

Through my blog, I've received hundreds of messages--messages of encouragement, and hope, messages from fellow cancer patients, thanking me for bringing our disease into the light.

Here's an amazing letter I just received from a fellow cancer survivor named Glen:

Bill,

I just wanted to let you know that I am more than impressed with your will to survive, and to continue your life as you had before your diagnosis. I was diagnosed in 2000 with Hodgkin's Lymphona (stage IV-B, but with the aggressive support of my Oncologist (Dr. Amy Yu from Tacoma) we beat this dreaded disease! It took me much longer to accomplish this (ABVD Chemo 1 week, followed by blood transfusions the following week). This went on regularly for 9 consecutive months - the transfusions lasted an additional 5 1/2 months - but we beat it! I had faith; I had the encouragement of the doctor & her staff; I too had a reason to live. "Healthy" people do not realize how important it is to somehow get involved with the understanding & support of the patient. Anyway, it's now been in remission for nearly 8 years, and I count every day as a blessing. I've also learned (as I'm sure you have) that there are important people in our lives, and there is so much more to accomplish in life.

Continued success in your progress, and thank you so much for putting a well known "face" to this dreaded disease.

Folks that I had never met before have stepped forward to support me in amazing ways.  The SeaTac BMX Track  dedicated their recent "Race for Life" event to me, which was flattering and amazing.  The whole family came out to the track, and had a blast.  Will and Gigi each raced on the track for the first time, and each og them were awarded trophies (which Gigi took to school with her the next day).   Plus, we went out and raised $7,762 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"To have someone so close to us, and to be able to ride for you, that puts it all in perspective", said Clay Procter, one of the event organizers.

The Social Networking community is also rallying for the cause.  Steven Matsumoto, whom I met on Twitter, is organizing a Bellevue Tweetup in my honor.  It's Tuesday, July 14th at Lucky Strike Lanes in Lincoln Square, beginning at 6pm.  

My Facebook friend Damien Shenefield, started up a Bill Wixey Cancer Support page on Facebook.  As of today, more than 700 people have joined. He also came up with some interesting ideas for Team Wixey t-shirts for the upcoming "Light the Night" walk to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

                                                                                      

Another Q13 FOX viewer,Lori Anderson was the founder of Team Wixey.  She created a BeatHodgkinsNW Twitter page to raise awareness, and then launched the fundraising effort for the Light the Night Walk, which is coming up on September 26th at Green Lake. Our goal is to raise $5,000, and we're already on our way.

So, what I'm learning in this process is that by taking a step in faith, blessings really do come in multitudes. 

We're so grateful.