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Marina and I have been amazed by the generosity of our old and new friends. We have received what we expect will be 2+ years of medical expenses.
The insurance companies have started to come through, and I think we are in good shape to have almost everything covered. There is one ambulance ride (Day 3 hell) that is getting passed around again and again, but hopefully that'll be taken care of to.
Just so you know, medical costs have topped $150,000. Marina and I will pay <$5000 before this year is over, but that doesn't bother us (especially with the help we have received).
Many thanks again,
Peter
| Marina and I in Tilden Park (Berkeley) |
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As many of you know, there are a number of fundraisers going on out there to help Marina and I defer what are now some uncertain medical costs. Some of you know me to be a little "wierd" about money, so I wanted to let you know my attitude toward this wonderful generosity.
First and foremost, do not feel that you need to make a donation. Our attitude, even as we selected a medical path that had less financial certainty, was that our money will come and go and, in time, come back again. We both enjoy promissing careers (when I get back to mine), and over the last year have spent money on things more frivolous (weddings, cars, etc...). We would not feel well thinking that our friends sacrificed any more than we ourselves are investing in my care.
In the long term, Marina and I plan to become active in fundraisers for cancer research and patient care. Unfortunately, cancer touches nearly all of us through family or friends, many much more aggressivly than me (at 28- I have just about every chance- a tough fight but every chance).
Among the immediate plans is a website "Racebacktoremission.org" to help keep you up to date on both the medical and financial news. If at any time you are not comfortable with the way that the monies are being managed, please let us know and I can assure you that we will return it. We will also let people know before monies are donated to organizations like the Lance Armstrong Foundation or Team in Training in case there is a better use for their money. Please feel free to bring other such organizations to our attention- I know this disease is as ubiquitous as the warmth flowing to us. I don't know how I shall make this up to everbody, but everything will be remembered.
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On July 31st, Warren Lewis delivered a basket and a sizeable collection that was gathered around JDS Uniphase San Jose Campus. Warren's personal feeling is that "no-one should go broke to get medical care." Mission accomplished- although it will be a while before we know exactly how well the insurance companies will pony up- this collection stands a chance of defering an entire year of medical expenses (and the first year is the hardest year, believe me). If you did not receive a copy of the letter after this fundraiser, please let me know.
On July 29th, Tim Myer's Band " Minus Linus" held a benefit concert in Los Angeles, attended by some people I haven't caught up with in a very long time, as well as some people I may never catch up with, but still wish to thank. Tim's efforts, along with those raised by the rest of the class of '92 will, for example, cover the MRI co-pay I'll be having every three months for the next few years.
On August 8th, a fundraiser will be held by in Toronto Canada which will include several impressive prizes, casino games, and other good stuff (sorry I can't be more thorough in the description). Anyone interested should contact the Toronto folk in the "Contacts" section.
In addition to trying to write something heartfelt in thanks, I also plan to post a number of photos (my own) that I would be happy to make in to prints for you in thanks. You'll have to be the judge of whether the images are good, or they just remind you of the fun of chemotherapy (October Joy). Just let me know the size (up to 12x18, though a little smaller will produce a better image quality), and your address.
Photos from a recent trip to Golden Gate Park are available. Despite getting in to photography to shoot sports, I quickly learned that I prefer to participate in the sports, and found much more success shooting flowers (irony...).
The photos are posted on www.racebacktoremission.org, and should be up after Wednesday, August 20th. Please give me a few weeks to respond to your requests. Please check back here if problems persist.
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