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Welcome to my "Light The Night Walk" homepage where even $5 or $10 will make a such a difference. :)

The Walk: Saturday, August 22, 2009

Angel Stadium - 2000 Gene Autry Way - Anaheim, CA 92806

Walk Distance: 2 miles

Check In: 5:00PM - Opening Ceremony: 6:00PM

Walk Start Time: 7:30PM

UPDATE (10/5/09): I am so sorry to say that our courageous Matty lost his battle against EBV-HLH and NK T-Cell Lymphoma at midnight on Friday night, October 3rd, 2009. Unfortunately, the brain radiation weakened him so much... it opened the door for the EBV to flood in, attack and shut him down. It happened very, very quickly and he went peacefully with family members surrounding him... that's certainly the silver lining in all this. As you can imagine, we're all still in shock and completely devastated that he's no longer here with us, but we're all so grateful that we had those 18 months together (since May 2008) and we certainly made the most of every single day.

Thank you again for all of your kindness and support and love... We Cwiertnys certainly couldn't have done this without you. Thank you.

We will continue his fight and will fight for those who are still battling these Evil diseases.

We love you and miss you, Matty. Peace and love forever.

Michele

UPDATE (7/02/09): Last Friday, we learned Matt's EBV-HLH and NK T-cell lymphoma have returned for another battle. This time, the lymphoma has manifested as two tumors in the brain and one in his knee. So, instead of celebrating with Matt at the walk, we'll be there with him as he once again fights these blood diseases. Currently, he's undergoing chemo treatments and will soon be participating in an experimental t-cell clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which we're all positive will put him back on track for a full recovery.

And then, we'll find the CURE for blood cancers!

Take Care,

Michele

(6/04/09) Thank you so much for stopping by! This is my family's second year participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Light The Night Walk," an event close to our hearts. Once again, we'll be walking in honor of my brother-in-law, Matt, who is still kicking some NK T-cell lymphoma butt (because he's awesome and he's going to win the battle). And again, we'll be joining Team Jack's Mannequin in Anaheim on August 22nd!

Why did we choose Team Jack's Mannequin? Because the front man/lead singer of JM, Andrew McMahon (pictured in white sweater), is an Acute Lymphatic Leukemia survivor, as well as a hero to many, as he gives to cancer research and helps others deal with cancer through LLS and his Dear Jack Foundation.

So, if you're able to help me raise some money to wipe out blood cancer... then WONDERFUL!!! Any amount is greatly appreciated!!! And, of course, words of support and encouragement are always welcome! :)

Also, if you're in the area and would like to join our team, click the "view team" button on my page and join in! We'd love to have you!! Oh, and there are Jack's Mannequin Teams all over the nation, so you can find one close to you and join that one if it's more convenient! Last year, we raised $100,000 as a team (nationwide)! How cool is that?!!

Want to know more about it? Here you go: "Light The Night Walk" is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's evening walk and fundraising event. It is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds lifesaving research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and treatments for other types of cancer, such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. These treatments have helped patients live better, longer lives. New targeted therapies that kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue are providing drugs and procedures that are improving quality of life.

• A donation of $25 provides patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
• A donation of $50 makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.
• A donation of $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.
• A donation of $1,000 makes possible one- on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care team.

Please make a donation to support my participation in the Light The Night Walk and help save lives. Be sure to check my Web site frequently to see my progress, and thanks for your support!

Take Care!