Reid Winkler

Originally written June 28, 2007:

This summer my older brother celebrates 15 years in remission from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was originally diagnosed when we were both in college - we knew that enlarged lymph nodes in his neck making it wider than his head and night sweats were not good things. Radiation therapy had him in remission for about a year before it all started again.

The second time around earned him 6 months of chemo while trying to finish his senior year of college. He did, and his graduation present was an autologous bone marrow transplant! He never complained - he was so strong and determined.

Unfortunately I was young - my level of maturity and strength were in no way comparable to his. My way of dealing with things was telling myself everything would be okay and burying my head in college studies. I just wasn't there for my brother the way I should have been. I know I can't go back and change that, but I have long wanted to find a way give back to the people, the researchers, and the organization that supported my brother when I fell short.

I first joined TNT in 2001 and ran the Rock n' Roll Marathon in San Diego. It was the most wonderful experience of my life. Educational and military commitments have kept me from a repeat performance until now. I just thought it would be a great way to celebrate my brother's milestone of being "cured" now three times over.

I see the benefits of the research the Society supports. I know patients being treated by a protocol similar to my brother's no longer have to spend 5 weeks in a laminar flow room and 3 months living at home with out going out in public. He can tell you that's a good thing. I'm proud that TNT and I are making a difference. I know my brother is too. That (and all the other honored teammates) is why I'm here.

Share if you like.

All the best,

Reid Winkler

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