I want to thank all of you for your kind wishes, for patiently going through a process that would allow me to raise money for my medical needs and family needs. I appreciate and understand your thoughts both about the excessive cost of health care and society taking responsibility for each other.
My father died of cancer 14 years ago. To give you a bit of background, I have a management degree and studied a lot about how labor intensive medical facilities are. There are numerous legal factors that increase those costs. I would much rather have the quality of care that I am receiving in our current system.
Yesterday, I went through the infusion process using my own stem cells for my bone marrow transplant. My father did not have his own stem cells, which made the wait for his procedure very long. Today I saw my chief infusion nurse and Bone Marrow Transplant surgeon while I went through my first post-BMT fluids. What I was told would happen from this point was exactly what he told us 7 weeks ago when we first met with him.
My father was one of the hardest working people I have ever known. He was an entreprenuer that owned his own printing and mailing business for about 30 years. He taught me the value of working hard, taking responsibility for my family, and also to help others through charitable contributions. He believed this work ethic made all businesses better serve mankind. I wish he had had the benefit of the research, development, long hours, and lots of money that has gone into cancer treatment since that time.
My wife has tirelessly cared for me by driving 16 miles early every morning, spending most of the day with me handling all the details of my treatment, and putting up with my passenger seat driving. She has also managed all the sales and shipments for selling my Oppo as well as the media sales here. At this point, we have a minimum 21 straight days in the infusion center. We have processed about 12 orders so far, and I would love to encourage her with a lot more sales, especially some of the bigger box sets.
Tomorrow we will be updating what is left (some orders were multiple).
Let me state that while I would love to be able to continue enjoying this hobby, I would feel foolish for keeping it from others who I know would also enjoy it and help provide for my family and my medical needs.
I was a mobile DJ for about 15 years, and was able to put together a enjoyable music playback setup which I still enjoy. During that time, I was also able to deduct all music purchases from taxes, and I took great advantage of it. I simply hope that those of you who make any purchases for my cause will thoroughly enjoy them as much as I have.
You're a true mensch, Keith. Thanks for giving us that window into your situation. We're all pulling for you--and we hope you get to continue enjoying the people (and the things) you value in this life for many years to come!
