Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Oh What a Night!




Light the Night in Providence, RI took place on Saturday, September 30, 2006. It was an incredible event. I did not realize how many people would be there. There were over 1000 registered walkers and many more who were not registered. A sea of red and white ballons lit up the dark skies down Blackstone Boulevard. It was a moving experience.

I was so impressed with my team. We really rallied together and were able to raise a huge sum of money. Prior to the event, our total was over $21,000. More money came in at the event and over the next couple of days. I am awaiting our final tally from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

It was overwhelming to feel the support of my family, friends, and coworkers who have been with me throughout this process. To see a team of 60 or so members walk in my honor was very humbling. It is hard to put into words the meaning of this support and what these fundraising efforts symbolized to me.

In other news, my six months results came back and they were quite good. My PCR test showed an almost 2 log reduction since I started. This is a complicated statistic, but it means that my numbers are heading in the right directions. A 3 log reduction is expected by 18 months on treatment so I am getting close. Also, my cytogenetics test showed that as opposed to March when my cells were 100% leukemic, they are now only 1%. My doctor told me that anything less than 3% was in the normal range. I have not seen the lab results yet, but this is the information my doctor emailed me. This is all great news indicating that Gleevec is working. All the more reason to give to an organization like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They funded some of the research to help develop this medication.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are so grateful for your good results. We love you dearly.
Mom and Dad
All the support was beyond terrific.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful, wonderful, Jon and family!
Fantastic results on your 6 month tests too - 1%, that brings tears to my eyes its so great!
Going in the right direction - keep going, Jon. You have an incredible family and support group.
LLS is the best......
Annie
(Steven's mom)

Anonymous said...

We are all so thrilled with your results. It was great to see all of the support for you at the walk. See you soon.

Love,
David, Lisa, and Josh

Anonymous said...

Jon: Great test results and a great event. With all your hard work for the society and with your numbers going the right way what more could we ask.You are something else!

Anonymous said...

Jon,

We felt so honored to be included in this most memorable walk to help support such a wonderful cause. We are also thrilled to hear of your improved test results-you are going in the right direction and we are all behind you 100% of the way!

Love,
The Kasten Crew