"I was first diagnosed with blood cancer two-and-a-half years ago by taking a bone marrow biopsy at the Albany VA Hospital. No family history, so I was surprised. I have little immune system. It is supplemented by 5 separate antibiotics daily."

"At my first doctor visit after being diagnosed I asked the oncologist, 'How long do I have to live?' I said, 'Two weeks, two months, two years?' He never answered. Instead, he sent me to palliative care. They were happy to answer. They told me to do my will and get my affairs in order. I took this to mean I was in deep trouble. I finally Googled the illness. The world's unofficial doctor stated I had a couple of weeks to a few months to live."

"I decided to look into treatment to try extending my life. I would have to go to Albany for chemo every 28 days, for 5 days of azacitidine treatment. It's about 140 miles away and two-and-a-half hours from home. I hate traveling for long distances in the car - it feels like my joints are filled with concrete by the end. But you have to do what you have to do to stay alive."

"I will forever be indebted to Mercy Medical Angels' ground transportation program for their generosity and kindness. They sent me gas cards so I could afford the frequent drives to Albany for my treatment.  I have met so many wonderful people and truly fantastic organizations since getting cancer. An odd thing to hear myself say, but so true. There are no words to convey my deep gratitude and appreciation for what so many have done for me in the most trying part of not only my life, but my family's lives."

"Now, it's been two-and-a-half years since the blood cancer diagnosis. I add it to my memories of surviving a heart attack and a stroke. Because of all this, I consider myself lucky. Wouldn't you consider yourself lucky if you were supposed to be dead - but kept living anyway?"