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Honored Patients
Our Inspirations
Honored Patient
Dominique - CML Survivor
I was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) in February of 2005 at age 23. Six months later I started treatment ? daily doses of GLEEVEC. I never reached remission while I was on GLEEVEC, and in the summer of 2008 I learned that my body had become resistant to this treatment. Shortly after, I started a new treatment regimen of TASIGNA, and in May 2009, I found out that I reached remission.
While hearing that I was diagnosed with a form of leukemia so early in my adult life really threw me for a loop, I was determined to remain positive. A humorous person by nature, I decided that instead of being depressed on the anniversary of my diagnosis, I would throw a ?birthday party? for my leukemia and raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This past May, I celebrated my first (of many) remission party!
In 2010, I decided that I wanted to do more. I wanted to share my experience and show people that a cancer diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world. This past summer, I became a First Connection volunteer with LLS. In the fall, I participated in my first Light the Night Walk with several of my friends, which gave us the opportunity to support and celebrate patients and survivors.
I believe that Light The Night is a great program not only because it helps raise awareness for leukemia and lymphoma, but it also gives people the vehicle to support patients.
Some of my hobbies include cooking, entertaining friends and family, discovering new micro-brews, reading and making jewelry in my spare time. I also enjoy trying new restaurants and visiting breweries with my boyfriend, Pete. I love to travel and spend as much of my summer at the beach as possible. I am planning my first trip to Europe this year, which I'm very excited about.
Rich Perkins - ALL Survivor
On August 21, 2007, Rich ? or Rick, as he?s referred to by some of his family, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Until that point, he was like many other 37-year olds. He was married and hoping to start a family soon, he had a good job and he was looking forward to the kickoff of the Pittsburgh Steelers? football season. The symptoms had started just a few weeks earlier; he had had a slight toothache while he and his wife, Allison, were celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Neither of them thought much of it ? or his waning energy level ? until strange bruises appeared on his legs, followed hours later by a massive bruise on his abdomen. Allison knew then it was serious and pleaded with Rich to go immediately to the ER. He said he was too tired; he?d go in the morning.
On a beautiful Sunday morning Rich walked into the ER assuming he would be home a few hours later. He really didn?t have time to be sick; he had to prepare for a big meeting. But, doctors immediately recognized something was very wrong. Not yet aware of what they were dealing with, but knowing they had to take action, steroids were administered. However, they were too powerful and the result was devastating. Rich?s body couldn?t effectively process the breakdown of cancer cells caused by the steroids and, within hours, it began to shut down, starting with his kidneys. By Monday, he was extremely critical so he was transferred to Yale?s Medical ICU. By Tuesday, the official ALL diagnosis was delivered. It was incredible how drastically life had suddenly changed.
For the next few days, doctors fought to stabilize him, at one low point cautioning Allison that he wasn?t likely to make it through the day. But he pulled through ? and then some.
Once he was stable, the fight to beat the cancer began and the next eight months were grueling. It was an emotional and physical roller coaster. There were week-long stays at the hospital, a bout of pneumonia and other unsettling and painful developments. There was also the elation of finally coming home after that initial ? and prolonged ? hospital stay, raising the Steelers flag before the first game of the season, and never losing his appetite throughout the aggressive chemo regimen. He ate whatever he wanted without fear of being nagged about his lack of attention to healthful eating ? now that was a refreshing change!
In May 2008, the doctors officially declared Rich in remission! In June 2010, Rich and Allison welcomed their first child, Emma. And this summer they?re looking forward to relaxing with family in Nantucket.
Life is great!
We are so thankful for the unwavering love and support from our family and friends, and the tireless efforts of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We never could have imagined before the diagnosis how critical the LLS? knowledge, support and funding of life-saving research would be to our family.
Zack Pollack - ALL Survivor
Zachary Pollock is a 15 year old boy who lives in Sandy Hook with his parents and his 21 year old sister, Sara. He enjoys playing the drums, video games, and hanging out with friends. Zach will be a 10th grader at Newtown High School in the fall.
In September 2005, Zach was diagnosed with high risk t-cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Zach?s treatment included intensive chemotherapy along with cranial radiation. In January 2009, he completed a very aggressive chemotherapy protocol that took 40 months to finish. He faced the ultimate challenge with strength, determination and a witty sense of humor. Zach is now cancer free and is a survivor!
In September 2005, Zach was diagnosed with high risk t-cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Zach?s treatment included intensive chemotherapy along with cranial radiation. In January 2009, he completed a very aggressive chemotherapy protocol that took 40 months to finish. He faced the ultimate challenge with strength, determination and a witty sense of humor. Zach is now cancer free and is a survivor!
Bill Van Wilgen - AML Survivor
