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Our friend Bill needs us.
Bill has been one of my closest friends since the 7th grade—the kind of friend you can count on no matter what. He’s an incredible father of three boys, and a mentor to many people in the restaurant business. He’s an essential contributor to our men’s 12 Step retreat at the Wilson House in East Dorset, Vermont—cooking the healthiest meals the house has ever seen. In recent years, he’s dedicated his life to being of service to many young folks from the Boston 12 Step community.
Whether you can contribute a dollar or a thousand, Bill needs to know he has our love and support. Please consider donating what you can.
-Tim Collins
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Several months ago, our dear friend Bill was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.
He is facing many challenges at this time, in that the alternative treatments that complement the effectiveness of the chemo are very expensive and not all are covered by insurance. He will spend between 2-4K per month on his care, most of which will have to be out of pocket. Unfortunately, he is unable to work in his current state of health.
Despite Bill’s health, he continues to join us at the same daily 12 Step meeting at Children's Hospital, where Bill is known as a solid guy.
Together, we can help Bill fight this disease.
-Marie B., LPN
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This is Bill's story in his own words:
Last August, I had a much needed knee replacement. I was scheduled to participate in a 12 Step Retreat at the Wilson House in mid-September. I attended, but did not feel well. I blamed it on the knee surgery. My knee surgeon was alarmed, and referred me for further testing. A lung scan revealed a large mass in my right lung. It was lung cancer.
Further tests led to a brain MRI, the results of which were devastating: three additional brain tumors, one inside the skull. Now I was at Stage 4.
Due to the side effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy, I lost over 20 pounds! Although I was not symptomatic to the various cancers, the side effects of treatments was overwhelming.
On 10/28 a biopsy was taken of the right lung mass. The results were alarming, the mass was measured as 8 cm. x 3 cm. x 2 cm! I was in shock.
Due to the aggressiveness of this cancer, they needed to build an immediate course of action, including 15 week-long cycles of radiation (daily), and six 3-week cycles of chemotherapy. I started on Cisplatin on 11/7. My oncologist, Dr. Erin De Rose, recommended Immunotherapy, as well, to be introduced after my 6th chemo cycle. She is also exploring naturopathic remedies that will complement the other chemo strategies.
Focusing on my healing has been a full time job. I find it exhausting. I am unable to work, and I filed for Social Security Retirement early, but that yields only $2,000 per month. After two full years of free health care coverage from Children's Hospital, I had to buy my Blue Cross coverage through Cobra, which takes half of my SS check. Ouch!
I have been focusing my energy on tending to my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. I feel deeply blessed to be able to spend time with my three kids and two grandchildren, as well as close friends and family.
I’ve also continued to work with kids from the Young People's 12 Step community whenever my physical strength will allow. Continuing my 12th Step work is a vital part of my healing.
I am so thankful for this life. I am so very grateful for the support of my family and friends, which inspires me every day to stay strong.
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Bill King
Boston, MA
Bill has been one of my closest friends since the 7th grade—the kind of friend you can count on no matter what. He’s an incredible father of three boys, and a mentor to many people in the restaurant business. He’s an essential contributor to our men’s 12 Step retreat at the Wilson House in East Dorset, Vermont—cooking the healthiest meals the house has ever seen. In recent years, he’s dedicated his life to being of service to many young folks from the Boston 12 Step community.
Whether you can contribute a dollar or a thousand, Bill needs to know he has our love and support. Please consider donating what you can.
-Tim Collins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Several months ago, our dear friend Bill was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.
He is facing many challenges at this time, in that the alternative treatments that complement the effectiveness of the chemo are very expensive and not all are covered by insurance. He will spend between 2-4K per month on his care, most of which will have to be out of pocket. Unfortunately, he is unable to work in his current state of health.
Despite Bill’s health, he continues to join us at the same daily 12 Step meeting at Children's Hospital, where Bill is known as a solid guy.
Together, we can help Bill fight this disease.
-Marie B., LPN
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is Bill's story in his own words:
Last August, I had a much needed knee replacement. I was scheduled to participate in a 12 Step Retreat at the Wilson House in mid-September. I attended, but did not feel well. I blamed it on the knee surgery. My knee surgeon was alarmed, and referred me for further testing. A lung scan revealed a large mass in my right lung. It was lung cancer.
Further tests led to a brain MRI, the results of which were devastating: three additional brain tumors, one inside the skull. Now I was at Stage 4.
Due to the side effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy, I lost over 20 pounds! Although I was not symptomatic to the various cancers, the side effects of treatments was overwhelming.
On 10/28 a biopsy was taken of the right lung mass. The results were alarming, the mass was measured as 8 cm. x 3 cm. x 2 cm! I was in shock.
Due to the aggressiveness of this cancer, they needed to build an immediate course of action, including 15 week-long cycles of radiation (daily), and six 3-week cycles of chemotherapy. I started on Cisplatin on 11/7. My oncologist, Dr. Erin De Rose, recommended Immunotherapy, as well, to be introduced after my 6th chemo cycle. She is also exploring naturopathic remedies that will complement the other chemo strategies.
Focusing on my healing has been a full time job. I find it exhausting. I am unable to work, and I filed for Social Security Retirement early, but that yields only $2,000 per month. After two full years of free health care coverage from Children's Hospital, I had to buy my Blue Cross coverage through Cobra, which takes half of my SS check. Ouch!
I have been focusing my energy on tending to my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. I feel deeply blessed to be able to spend time with my three kids and two grandchildren, as well as close friends and family.
I’ve also continued to work with kids from the Young People's 12 Step community whenever my physical strength will allow. Continuing my 12th Step work is a vital part of my healing.
I am so thankful for this life. I am so very grateful for the support of my family and friends, which inspires me every day to stay strong.
--
Bill King
Boston, MA