Lightning struck and caused an explosion -- huge panes of glass flew and my brother-in-law Bob and niece Elizabeth were struck while on vacation.  After hospital visits, considerable pain, stitches and a cast on Bob's arm the vacation continued.  Back at home people reacted with -- "I am so sorry -- how horrible -- what bad luck!"

As it turns out this "Act of God" was great luck, because it was from the MRI of Bob's shoulder-- this unrelated injury -- that his cancer was discovered.  Bob had no symptoms yet has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma.  An incurable and aggressive blood and lymph cancer that affects only approximately 6% of all Lymphoma patients.   Moving quickly, the specialists at Weill Cornell have him undergoing aggressive treatment.  If successful he has up to approximately 55% chance of going into remission for a period of years. 

As many of you know Bob is a paramedic with Stamford Emergency Medical Services and has spent his career helping patients and saving lives.  As a medic, he is known in Stamford for his serious side in caring for patients and his humorous side for helping to keep spirits light in a very tough job.  In Katonah, he is known for his participation in town and local school activities.  At home, he is a great dad to Andrew and Elizabeth and husband to Kathy. 

Please consider donating  (whatever is comfortable, no contribution is too small)  to help defray the costs of Bob's care and treatment.  With incredibly high hospital expenses and treatment co-pays, and his inability to work, the burden weighs very heavy on his mind at a time where he needs to be focused on beating Mantel Cell Lymphoma. 

Please help Bob make it to the 55%!  A million and one thank yous!