Woody Bedell has been a friend and inspiration to so many of us for so long. Nearly four years ago, his body was attacked by an especially aggressive form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Despite a grim prognosis, Woody fought this challenge as courageously as we all would have expected. After hundreds of hours of chemotherapy, many surgeries and the return of the cancer which precipitated a stem cell transplant which meant 30 days of inpatient care, by the fall of 2014 Woody was miraculously back on his feet. His medical team marveled at his strength. He returned to work at his family run exercise studio, and continued to enjoy the incredible support of his loving wife Joyce and his three sons. He has also been fortunate to take a position with the United Methodist Church of the Northern Illinois Conference as their HR Director and travels into the Chicago three to four times a week.

This Christmas Woody and his family took a long anticipated vacation to St. Maarten. Woody had never felt healthier in his entire life. The second day of the vacation, the entire family was involved in a boating accident that led to significant trauma to Woody’s body, including substantial internal bleeding. Upon his return to Chicago, medical tests conducted in connection with the trauma revealed the worst of news. Not only was the cancer back and appeared to be extremely aggressive, the side effects from the accident now complicated his treatment options.

In order for Woody to qualify for a clinical trial he first will have to undergo rounds of chemo and toxic pills. These prescriptions will cost $15,000 monthly, with a co-pay of $3000 per month. His absence from the exercise studio and the UMC will significantly impact his income as well as Joyce’s, who will be consumed by her role as his caretaker.

Woody has responded well to chemo in the past and is hopeful about the future - because of his family, his faith, his physical strength, his many friends. As he mobilizes for yet another fight, he does not need the worry of co-pays and diminished income. He has touched the lives of so many; his Caring Bridge updates evidence a remarkable person, reflective, stoic, yet passionate, hurting but prepared to deal with the hand he has been dealt. Please contribute what you can. Woody has been a faithful member of a community of love. We all now have the chance to express our gratitude and our love.

Fred Lyon

Jean Palamar