Why have I expanded my fight to include Leukemia?



In 2003, my close friend and sponsor, Eric Drew, was diagnosed with ALL PH+ (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia), a form of Leukemia that is easily cured in children, but very rare and "terminal" in adults. He went through several rounds of chemo-therapy and two failed half-match bone marrow transplants before being told, "There is nothing more we can do for you. Go home and die."

Additionally, while on his deathbed, he had his identity stolen by a hospital worker in Seattle. When the police would do nothing, and unwilling to die before the guy was caught, he personally tracked the guy down with the help of a Seattle reporter, and forced the Federal Government to prosecute him under the HIPPA Patient Privacy Laws. The guy plead out and served 18 months for his crime. It is still the only conviction on the books to date.

Eric returned home to California in November 2004, after undergoing an experimental transplant using non-controversial stem cells from donated umbilical cord blood (UCB). He is still Leukemia free and is now a national advocate for umbilical cord blood banking and non-controversial UCB stem cell research. Through the Eric Drew Foundation, he also educates and helps other serious and terminally-ill patients get the treatments they need. He and his long-time fiance, Nicole will be getting married on August 8, 2008.

See Eric's NBC interview on cord blood stems cells. (Summer 2007)
See Eric on the Fox News report on cord blood stems cells. (Spring 2007)
See Eric on The Montel Williams Show. (October 19, 2006)
See Eric on The Big Idea with Donnie Deutsch. (February 2006)
See Eric's story on DatelineNBC. (December 25, 2005)
See Eric on the Geraldo at Large special, "Operation Identity Scam". (March 6, 2005)
Read a news article on Eric. (March 3, 2005)

How you can join the fight to stop Leukemia.
(Click on the logos to learn more.)


Visit the Eric Drew Foundation.
Learn more about Eric and how the EDF is helping other patients with serious and terminal illnesses.
Get registered in the National Bone Marrow Donor Database
You can save a life! It's a simple blood test. Registered individuals are compared with those who need a bone marrow transplant. Minorities are especially needed.
Visit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society website.
To learn more about Leukemia and other blood-related cancers.
Participate in one of the LTN Walks across America.
Short 1.5 mile walks after dark, benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Get involved, join Team In Training.
A series of Marathons, Century Rides, and Triathalons around the country to challenge participants of all skill and fitness levels. Benefiting research and services for those diagnosed with, and at risk for, Lukemia and Lymphoma.

This page last updated November 20, 2007.

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