December 2, 2009

Thank you to everyone who came out to the bone marrow drive last night.  We even made the channel 11 news at 10:00! 
Tomorrow it is back in the hospital for Casey for another round of chemo.  His doctor gave him an extra week and in that week he had Thanksgiving dinner, the Swim for Casey, went to the Eagles game and the bone marrow drive.  It was a full week, but now it is time for him to get back to the reality of being a cancer patient.
Sunday, December 6th is one year since Derrick Dull lost his battle with leukemia.  Derrick was a graduate of Ephrata High School and was 23 (same as Casey) when he was diagnosed.  We didn't know Derrick as well as we would have liked to, but felt a deep and common bond with him and his family.  In addition to his mother, father and sister, he left behind a young wife Mindy, who has kept his legacy through a foundation in honor of Derrick.  If you ever have an extra hour and box of tissues you should read his blog http://www.djdully.blogspot.com/.  It takes you through the horrors of the disease and the joys of his love of life and family, as well as his wedding.  In honor of Derrick on Sunday, December 6th, his family is asking people to light a candle and remember Derrick's message "Cherish each other & live life to the fullest."  The family hopes to have every hour covered starting at 1:00 am thru midnight.  They are asking people to sign up for time slots through his blog.  I got a battery operated candle for Casey's room at the hospital.  I know a lot of the nurses remember Derrick.  I think it is fitting to light up the town, because Derrick could light up a room with his smile.
God Bless
Peggy