San Luis Obispo my beloved California Live Oak
Santa Margarita to San Luis ObispoSunday, March 7, 2010
San Luis Obispo my beloved California Live Oak
San Luis Obispo my beloved California Live Oak Santa Margarita to San Luis Obispo
Santa Margarita to San Luis Obispo Lyn Hanush
Santa Margarita to San Luis Obispo Lyn Hanush
Templeton, CA
San Miguel Mission Paso Robles, CA
Paso Robles, CA Dear Friends, 3/2/10
I had three nights at the Farmhouse Motel in Paso Robles thanks to my friend Bob Lee in San Francisco. On Tuesday night I went to the Paso Robles city council meeting. I told Jada's story and talked about the walk. Then I made two requests that they share information about how to become a member of the National Bone Marrow Registry online with all city employees and that they make a proclamation for an annual bone marrow donation awareness day. The city council meeting is broadcast and when I got back to my hotel room I had a message from Dave Hanush. In the message he said his wife, Lyn, had walked across the counry and that they would like to meet with me before I left Paso Robles if there was time. I called them back right away and we made arrangements to meet the next day following my walk to Atascadero. They kindly offered to pick me up and bring me back in the morning so I could enjoy one more night at the Farmhouse Motel in Paso Robles. Lyn and Dave drove me around Paso Robles so I could make contacts for a bone marrow donor dirve and follow up with the city council contacts from the day before. Then we shared a wonderful Italian dinner and ice cream from Cold Stones. Lyn said that she would like to walk with me from Atasacadero to San Luis Obispo the following morning. Great contact in Paso Robles!
Bradley, CA
Bradley, CA
Dear Friends, 2/28/10
When I arrived in Bradley, population 120, I went to the CalFire station the note on the door said that they were closed until April. Good fortune was on my side and the battalion chief was there working. He introduced me to the neighbors and arrangements were made for me to pitch my tent in a strip of grass behind the houses near the tracks.
The first woman I met was Darlene. When I started to tell Jada's story tears began to well up in her eyes. I stopped speaking and began to listen to her story. She lost her granddaughter to leukemia in 1994. Her granddaughter was diagnosed when she was 3 years old. Her brother was her donor. She was 10 years old when she died. Darlene spoke about bringing her granddaughter's favorite foods to the hospital and about holding her through the physical pain. There was an understanding and connection between us because of our common experience.
After our conversation I went to the fire station where my phone was charging.
Elizabeth, another neighbor, came by and invited me to dinner with her family. They were already having guests and Elizabeth said there was plenty to go around. I had a great evening visiting with Barry, Elizabeth and Alondra. After dinner they even offered to let me have a shower. Barry is a custom auto mechanic and had lots of good ideas about our marrow mobile.
When I got back to the tent there was fruit outside left by Darlene. When I got up in the morning Darlene brought a hot cup of tea. Breakfast with the Gilmores and I was on my way again. Enriched by the people I had met in Bradley.
Dear Friends, 2/28/10
When I arrived in Bradley, population 120, I went to the CalFire station the note on the door said that they were closed until April. Good fortune was on my side and the battalion chief was there working. He introduced me to the neighbors and arrangements were made for me to pitch my tent in a strip of grass behind the houses near the tracks.
The first woman I met was Darlene. When I started to tell Jada's story tears began to well up in her eyes. I stopped speaking and began to listen to her story. She lost her granddaughter to leukemia in 1994. Her granddaughter was diagnosed when she was 3 years old. Her brother was her donor. She was 10 years old when she died. Darlene spoke about bringing her granddaughter's favorite foods to the hospital and about holding her through the physical pain. There was an understanding and connection between us because of our common experience.
After our conversation I went to the fire station where my phone was charging.
Elizabeth, another neighbor, came by and invited me to dinner with her family. They were already having guests and Elizabeth said there was plenty to go around. I had a great evening visiting with Barry, Elizabeth and Alondra. After dinner they even offered to let me have a shower. Barry is a custom auto mechanic and had lots of good ideas about our marrow mobile.
When I got back to the tent there was fruit outside left by Darlene. When I got up in the morning Darlene brought a hot cup of tea. Breakfast with the Gilmores and I was on my way again. Enriched by the people I had met in Bradley.
San Ardo, CA
San Ardo, CA
Dear Friends, 2/27/10
Walked 18.5 miles today from King City to San Ardo. Sun and rain came together and manifest the most beautiful rainbow. A treasured moment.
I had arranged with the California Highway Patrol in King City to pitch my tent in the car port of the Sheriff's substation in San Ardo. As I was pitching my tent children popped their heads over the fence to find out more about the lady who was going to spend the night in her tent.
It was really sweet. One young man named Ramon was particularly interested in the walk and learning more about what it means to be a bone marrow donor.
He invited me over to introduce me to his grandmother. I had such a good time with the Vaca family. More treasured moments!
Dear Friends, 2/27/10
Walked 18.5 miles today from King City to San Ardo. Sun and rain came together and manifest the most beautiful rainbow. A treasured moment.
I had arranged with the California Highway Patrol in King City to pitch my tent in the car port of the Sheriff's substation in San Ardo. As I was pitching my tent children popped their heads over the fence to find out more about the lady who was going to spend the night in her tent.
It was really sweet. One young man named Ramon was particularly interested in the walk and learning more about what it means to be a bone marrow donor.
He invited me over to introduce me to his grandmother. I had such a good time with the Vaca family. More treasured moments!
Greenfield, CA
Greenfield, CA
Dear Friends, 2/25/10
My friend Amina says to be ready for the divine surprise. Today when I finished my days walk I walked Greenfield from one side to the other looking for housing but I was not able to find any. I was tired and it was beginning to get dark so I decided to walk back to the police station to see if they could help me. When I got there the office was closed but there was a non-emergency number on the door. I called and the dispatcher said she would send an officer. Officer Raul Garcia made some calls and helped me to get a room for the night.
Dear Friends, 2/25/10
My friend Amina says to be ready for the divine surprise. Today when I finished my days walk I walked Greenfield from one side to the other looking for housing but I was not able to find any. I was tired and it was beginning to get dark so I decided to walk back to the police station to see if they could help me. When I got there the office was closed but there was a non-emergency number on the door. I called and the dispatcher said she would send an officer. Officer Raul Garcia made some calls and helped me to get a room for the night.
Gonzales, CA
Gonzales, CA
Dear Friends, 2/24/10
I had the most wonderful hosts for the last two nights, the Lopez family from Gonzales. Their eldest son, 15 year old Jose, is fighting leukemia. Even though Jose and his Mom will be going to Standford tomorrow for a treatment, which takes 5 days, they graciously opened their home to me.
Magda Silva and I were able to set up a marrow donor drive at Madonna del Sasso, in Salinas on March 26. This is just the first of many drives planned in an effort to find a match for Jose.
I appreciate each opportunity I have to meet someone who is waiting to find their match. Their stories encourage me to keep on going. I hope their stories will encourage you to join the registry if you have not registered yet. It only takes a cheek swab to see if you are the match that can save a life.
Dear Friends, 2/24/10
I had the most wonderful hosts for the last two nights, the Lopez family from Gonzales. Their eldest son, 15 year old Jose, is fighting leukemia. Even though Jose and his Mom will be going to Standford tomorrow for a treatment, which takes 5 days, they graciously opened their home to me.
Magda Silva and I were able to set up a marrow donor drive at Madonna del Sasso, in Salinas on March 26. This is just the first of many drives planned in an effort to find a match for Jose.
I appreciate each opportunity I have to meet someone who is waiting to find their match. Their stories encourage me to keep on going. I hope their stories will encourage you to join the registry if you have not registered yet. It only takes a cheek swab to see if you are the match that can save a life.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Following Jeana - February 28, 2010
Vaca Family from San Ardo
Morning walk from San Ardo to Bradley
San Ardo to Bradley Salinas River Only 294 miles to LA
Almost to San Ardo, CA
Walking to King City outside of Greenfield, CA only 294 miles to LA
On the way to Greenfield, CA 
Walking from Salinas to GreenfieldPhotos along the way...
Salinsa, CA
Chema when he was 2 now 15 battling leukemia from Gonzales, CA
Chualar exit from 101 El Camino Real
Magda Sylva and MAry Jo Castello settin gup the marrow drive at
Madonna de Sasso in Salinas, CA
Mission San Juan Bautista - Eva in photo
Back To San Francisco
Dear Friends, 2/22/10
This morning Rick drove me into Sunnyvale where he works. There I took CalTrain into San Carlos and met up with Magda Silva of the National Marrow Donor Program. Magda and I went to San Francisco to the Regency Grand Ballroom for a marrow donor drive with the Take Action Tour. http://takeactiontour.com/ We registered 46 potential donors with the Be The Match Registry. I love that we can recruit donors from so many different venues reaching out to a full range of diverse populations. Racial and ethnic heritage are very important factors when looking for a match for a bone marrow transplant. Patients are most likely to match someone of their own race or ethnicity. Today, there simply aren't enough registry members of diverse racial and ethnic heritage. Adding more diverse members increases the likelihood that all patients will find a life-saving match.
Members of these backgrounds are especially needed:
Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian, including South Asian
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multiple race
Dear Friends, 2/22/10
This morning Rick drove me into Sunnyvale where he works. There I took CalTrain into San Carlos and met up with Magda Silva of the National Marrow Donor Program. Magda and I went to San Francisco to the Regency Grand Ballroom for a marrow donor drive with the Take Action Tour. http://takeactiontour.com/ We registered 46 potential donors with the Be The Match Registry. I love that we can recruit donors from so many different venues reaching out to a full range of diverse populations. Racial and ethnic heritage are very important factors when looking for a match for a bone marrow transplant. Patients are most likely to match someone of their own race or ethnicity. Today, there simply aren't enough registry members of diverse racial and ethnic heritage. Adding more diverse members increases the likelihood that all patients will find a life-saving match.
Members of these backgrounds are especially needed:
Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian, including South Asian
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Hispanic or Latino
Multiple race
Santa Cruz, CA
Dear Friends, 2/21/10
I walked from Watsonville to Salinas today, 17.9 miles! It rained and rained and rained. I was given shelter at a Mexican Restaurant in Prunedale. They welcomed me even though I was dripping puddles on the floor. They fed me and let me warm up and dry out before I continued on my way.
Rick and Fran picked me up in Salinas. We had a fabulous dinner with Rick's parents before returning to Santa Cruz. Rick is helping me to understand how to more effectively use facebook and twitter; how to send pictures to twitter, how to link facebook and twitter etc. Rick has also offered to volunteer to help the Jada Bascom Foundation with our website. Issa has been doing a very good job but can really use some help updating the site with photos, events, etc. We are so fortunate to have Rick's support.
Soquel, CA
Dear Friends, 2/20/10
I had the opportunity to join the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training annual Honoree Potluck this morning. They gave me time to share about the Steps To-Marrow project. I was warmly received and I felt a natural connection with the team. If you don't know about the Team in Training program you can learn more at: http://www.teamintraining.org/ It is a wonderful program that helps to raise money for research for Leukemia and Lymphoma and helps folks to stay healthy at the same time.
Following the potluck I walked from Soquel into Watsonville. A 15 mile walk. A beautiful 15 mile walk. Vicki picked up in Watsonville and drove me back to Santa Cruz where I am spending the night with Rick and Fran Castello. Rick and Fran are members of Team in Training and were at the honoree potluck this morning.
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Dear Friends, 2/19/10
Magda, Karim and I worked very hard today enrolling donors at UC Santa Cruz. We enrolled 76 potential donors with the National Bone Marrow Registry. The marrow drive was held in conjunction with a blood drive. Many of the students who were interested in being blood donors were also interested in becoming potential bone marrow donors. I extend my gratitude to all of the students who joined the Be The Match Registry today.
Dear Friends, 2/19/10
Magda, Karim and I worked very hard today enrolling donors at UC Santa Cruz. We enrolled 76 potential donors with the National Bone Marrow Registry. The marrow drive was held in conjunction with a blood drive. Many of the students who were interested in being blood donors were also interested in becoming potential bone marrow donors. I extend my gratitude to all of the students who joined the Be The Match Registry today.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA
Dear Friends, 2/18/10
I had a good visit in Palo Alto. Suzie drove me around to several different corporations with offices in the area. I am happy to report that Facebook gave a very positive response to our request that they hold a bone marrow donor drive. They are working with the local National Marrow Donor Program recruiter to set a date for the drive. We are waiting for confirmation from several of the other corporations.
Yesterday I went over the 1000 mile mark in my walk as I was cresting the Santa Cruz mountains! It felt really good.
Today I said good bye to Suzie and Julie and walked to Soquel, CA. I am with the Melendy family tonight. They have been very good to me. They understand intimately my passion for recruiting potential donors...their son had a bone marrow transplant just one year ago. Vicki and Greg and I had a chance to talk earlier this evening. We share a common language around our experiences of...medications, Graft vs Host Disease, what it is like to be in the hospital for nearly a year, being cautious because of suppressed immune systems, set backs, little successes...
After a nap Vicki and Greg took me with them to Team in Training the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) groundbreaking charity sports training program for more information and to see what events are available in your area go to: http://www.teamintraining.org/
Tomorrow Vicki will drive me to UC Santa Cruz where I will meet Magda for the bone marrow donor drive.
The Bay Area
Dear Friends, 2/15/10
I want to take this opportunity to thank the families that hosted me in the bay area; Michele and Tessa Moore in Lafayette, Joanna and Jeremy Brewer in Berkeley, Mason and Amelia Moore in Berkeley and Autumn Robertson and Alex Rosan in San Francisco. Thank you all so much for your hospitality and generosity!
I spent the last two days with Magda Silva and Jim Evans in San Carlos while I walked south of San Francisco as far as Palo Alto. Magda is a Recruitment Account Executive with the National Bone Marrow Registry. We have been working together for several months and will continue to work together long after I have left the bay area. Magda is passionate and energetic. It is my pleasure to work with her to grow the National Bone Marrow Registry.
Tonight I will be staying in Palo Alto with Suzie Henise and her Mother, Julie Spengler. Suzie and I are good friends from my days in Chester, CA. She drove all of the way down the mountain to see me! It is a joy to see her.
Going to a bone marrow drive on Friday 2/19/10 with Magda at UC Santa CruzThe Bay Area
Dear Friends, 2/15/10
I want to take this opportunity to thank the families that hosted me in the bay area; Michele and Tessa Moore in Lafayette, Joanna and Jeremy Brewer in Berkeley, Mason and Amelia Moore in Berkeley and Autumn Robertson and Alex Rosan in San Francisco. Thank you all so much for your hospitality and generosity!
I spent the last two days with Magda Silva and Jim Evans in San Carlos while I walked south of San Francisco as far as Palo Alto. Magda is a Recruitment Account Executive with the National Bone Marrow Registry. We have been working together for several months and will continue to work together long after I have left the bay area. Magda is passionate and energetic. It is my pleasure to work with her to grow the National Bone Marrow Registry.
Tonight I will be staying in Palo Alto with Suzie Henise and her Mother, Julie Spengler. Suzie and I are good friends from my days in Chester, CA. She drove all of the way down the mountain to see me! It is a joy to see her.
Going to a bone marrow drive on Friday 2/19/10 with Magda at UC Santa Cruz
Dear Friends, 2/18/10
I had a good visit in Palo Alto. Suzie drove me around to several different corporations with offices in the area. I am happy to report that Facebook gave a very positive response to our request that they hold a bone marrow donor drive. They are working with the local National Marrow Donor Program recruiter to set a date for the drive. We are waiting for confirmation from several of the other corporations.
Yesterday I went over the 1000 mile mark in my walk as I was cresting the Santa Cruz mountains! It felt really good.
Today I said good bye to Suzie and Julie and walked to Soquel, CA. I am with the Melendy family tonight. They have been very good to me. They understand intimately my passion for recruiting potential donors...their son had a bone marrow transplant just one year ago. Vicki and Greg and I had a chance to talk earlier this evening. We share a common language around our experiences of...medications, Graft vs Host Disease, what it is like to be in the hospital for nearly a year, being cautious because of suppressed immune systems, set backs, little successes...
After a nap Vicki and Greg took me with them to Team in Training the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) groundbreaking charity sports training program for more information and to see what events are available in your area go to: http://www.teamintraining.org/
Tomorrow Vicki will drive me to UC Santa Cruz where I will meet Magda for the bone marrow donor drive.
The Bay Area
Dear Friends, 2/15/10
I want to take this opportunity to thank the families that hosted me in the bay area; Michele and Tessa Moore in Lafayette, Joanna and Jeremy Brewer in Berkeley, Mason and Amelia Moore in Berkeley and Autumn Robertson and Alex Rosan in San Francisco. Thank you all so much for your hospitality and generosity!
I spent the last two days with Magda Silva and Jim Evans in San Carlos while I walked south of San Francisco as far as Palo Alto. Magda is a Recruitment Account Executive with the National Bone Marrow Registry. We have been working together for several months and will continue to work together long after I have left the bay area. Magda is passionate and energetic. It is my pleasure to work with her to grow the National Bone Marrow Registry.
Tonight I will be staying in Palo Alto with Suzie Henise and her Mother, Julie Spengler. Suzie and I are good friends from my days in Chester, CA. She drove all of the way down the mountain to see me! It is a joy to see her.
Going to a bone marrow drive on Friday 2/19/10 with Magda at UC Santa CruzThe Bay Area
Dear Friends, 2/15/10
I want to take this opportunity to thank the families that hosted me in the bay area; Michele and Tessa Moore in Lafayette, Joanna and Jeremy Brewer in Berkeley, Mason and Amelia Moore in Berkeley and Autumn Robertson and Alex Rosan in San Francisco. Thank you all so much for your hospitality and generosity!
I spent the last two days with Magda Silva and Jim Evans in San Carlos while I walked south of San Francisco as far as Palo Alto. Magda is a Recruitment Account Executive with the National Bone Marrow Registry. We have been working together for several months and will continue to work together long after I have left the bay area. Magda is passionate and energetic. It is my pleasure to work with her to grow the National Bone Marrow Registry.
Tonight I will be staying in Palo Alto with Suzie Henise and her Mother, Julie Spengler. Suzie and I are good friends from my days in Chester, CA. She drove all of the way down the mountain to see me! It is a joy to see her.
Going to a bone marrow drive on Friday 2/19/10 with Magda at UC Santa Cruz
National Donor Day
National Donor Day
Dear Friends, 2/14/10
The fog has burned off and it is a beautiful day. I left San Francisco yesterday and I am currently walking through Palo Alto along the Standford University campus.
Today is not only Valentine's Day it is also the 10th National Donor Day -- a day to give the gift of life.
Here are ways that you can participate:
Fill out an organ and tissue donation card, register with your State Donor Registry and make sure your family knows you want to be a donor.
Join the National Registry of potential volunteer marrow and blood stem cell donors.
Learn how you can donate your baby's umbilical cord blood stem cells at birth.
Donate blood.
Why do it Today?
Valentine's Day is the day of love and donation is the gift of life. Can you think of a more loving gesture than making February 14 the day you join thousands of Americans in making the donation decision?
For more info on National Donor Day go to: organdonor.gov
Dear Friends, 2/14/10
The fog has burned off and it is a beautiful day. I left San Francisco yesterday and I am currently walking through Palo Alto along the Standford University campus.
Today is not only Valentine's Day it is also the 10th National Donor Day -- a day to give the gift of life.
Here are ways that you can participate:
Fill out an organ and tissue donation card, register with your State Donor Registry and make sure your family knows you want to be a donor.
Join the National Registry of potential volunteer marrow and blood stem cell donors.
Learn how you can donate your baby's umbilical cord blood stem cells at birth.
Donate blood.
Why do it Today?
Valentine's Day is the day of love and donation is the gift of life. Can you think of a more loving gesture than making February 14 the day you join thousands of Americans in making the donation decision?
For more info on National Donor Day go to: organdonor.gov
UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley
Dear Friends, 2/11/10
We were able to hold a drive today at UC Berkeley. My niece, Amelia, will graduate from UC Berkeley this May. She is the one who originated the drive. Then the UC Berkeley Colleges against Cancer Chapter stepped up to sponsor the drive and supplied volunteers to make the drive a success. Magda Silva from the National Bone Marrow registry brought the expertise, materials and more volunteers. The Jada Bascom Foundation hosted the drive for Viet Lam. We enrolled 62 new potential donors. My gratitude to all!
The night before I spoke with the Colleges Against Cancer students. They are in the midst of their planning for their annual Relay For Life event. So I really appreciate the time they gave me to talk about the ease of joining the National Bone Marrow Registry and the importance of joining.
The momentum from the walk is building I am waiting to hear the results of two drives held in Oregon in Feb. We are approaching 500 new enrollments with the registry and we have more drives scheduled for March.
Dear Friends, 2/11/10
We were able to hold a drive today at UC Berkeley. My niece, Amelia, will graduate from UC Berkeley this May. She is the one who originated the drive. Then the UC Berkeley Colleges against Cancer Chapter stepped up to sponsor the drive and supplied volunteers to make the drive a success. Magda Silva from the National Bone Marrow registry brought the expertise, materials and more volunteers. The Jada Bascom Foundation hosted the drive for Viet Lam. We enrolled 62 new potential donors. My gratitude to all!
The night before I spoke with the Colleges Against Cancer students. They are in the midst of their planning for their annual Relay For Life event. So I really appreciate the time they gave me to talk about the ease of joining the National Bone Marrow Registry and the importance of joining.
The momentum from the walk is building I am waiting to hear the results of two drives held in Oregon in Feb. We are approaching 500 new enrollments with the registry and we have more drives scheduled for March.
Steps To-Marrow San Francisco Walk
Steps To-Marrow San Francisco Walk
Dear Friends, 2/9/09
As I was walking through Oregon I had the idea that I would like to invite others to walk with me in San Francisco. We gathered today in Golden Gate Park at the Music Concourse and walked to San Francisco State University where we followed with a bone marrow donor drive. Some of the people who came to walk with me had read about the Steps To-Marrow project online, some I had worked with at the Peacemaker Community, some were friends of these other connections, some were connected through people I had met earlier in my walk and some were family members. We all wore signs as we walked to bring awareness to the need for bone marrow donors. We got to know each other better and shared ideas to continue to increase the numbers on the National Bone Marrow Registry. My thanks and gratitude to all of you who joined me on the first of the Steps To-Marrow Donor Awareness Walks.
At SFSU we held an online bone marrow donor drive with the National Bone Marrow Registry for Viet Lam. I extend my gratitude to all of the students who took the time to sign up. We are still awaiting final numbers for the drive.
Dear Friends, 2/9/09
As I was walking through Oregon I had the idea that I would like to invite others to walk with me in San Francisco. We gathered today in Golden Gate Park at the Music Concourse and walked to San Francisco State University where we followed with a bone marrow donor drive. Some of the people who came to walk with me had read about the Steps To-Marrow project online, some I had worked with at the Peacemaker Community, some were friends of these other connections, some were connected through people I had met earlier in my walk and some were family members. We all wore signs as we walked to bring awareness to the need for bone marrow donors. We got to know each other better and shared ideas to continue to increase the numbers on the National Bone Marrow Registry. My thanks and gratitude to all of you who joined me on the first of the Steps To-Marrow Donor Awareness Walks.
At SFSU we held an online bone marrow donor drive with the National Bone Marrow Registry for Viet Lam. I extend my gratitude to all of the students who took the time to sign up. We are still awaiting final numbers for the drive.
Bone Marrow Donor Drive in the Park
Bone Marrow Donor Drive in the Park
Dear Friends, 2/7/10
The Jada Bascom Foundation was invited to participate in a Bone Marrow Donor Drive in Golden Gate Park this morning following the Kaiser 1/2 marathon. The drive was promoted to help find a match for Dr. Viet Lam. We enrolled 109 potential donors with the registry. I would like to introduce you to Dr. Lam. She is from Michigan and is of Vietnamese and Chinese descent. She has B-cell lymphoma and is in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant. She is currently being treated at Stanford Hospital in the Bay Area, and without the transplant she will surely not survive.
Here is her story:
I would like to introduce myself and ask for help in search of a potential cure. My name is Viet Lam and I am 37 years old. I am grateful for the many wonderful opportunities that were given to me. I was born and lived in Vietnam for eleven years before my two siblings and I defected on a small boat. After refugee camps, we settled in the United States of America. Through the generosity and the kindness of many people, I graduated from college and went on to obtain a medical degree.
Practicing internal medicine in California allowed me to serve a diverse community. Yet, I did not truly grasp what my patients and their families go through until May 2007 when unexpectedly, I was diagnosed with an advanced aggressive Large B-cell Lymphoma. How could it be possible when I led such an active life? I did not have significant symptoms, except intense itching. After going through the usual emotional stages, I was determined to overcome this obstacle. With the help of a great medical team and loved ones, I successfully went through eight cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy. Equipped with a new life perspective, I lived each day to its fullest. In 2009, a wave of suspicion and fear crashed over me when the same intense itching and new profound fatigue hit me. It was confirmed that I had widespread recurrence. My determination and optimism did not reward me with a remission after an additional three cycles of R-ICE chemotherapy. I do not have a matched donor in my family, like 70% of patients needing a marrow transplant. Therefore, my only chance for a potential cure is an unrelated donor match.
My Chinese Vietnamese ethnicity provides me not only a unique life perspective, but it also makes it much more difficult to find a match. This is why I am asking you, particularly those from a Non-Caucasian background, to consider being a potential donor. There is a tremendous and urgent need for thousands of people who continually hope for a miracle. I am encouraged and hopeful that we can expand our national registry and particularly those of under-represented backgrounds. Through your awareness and support, I believe that we can both close the registry gap and provide a second chance at life for those thousands of patients. I thank you for learning more about the National Marrow Donor Program and for the gift of life.
Dear Friends, 2/7/10
The Jada Bascom Foundation was invited to participate in a Bone Marrow Donor Drive in Golden Gate Park this morning following the Kaiser 1/2 marathon. The drive was promoted to help find a match for Dr. Viet Lam. We enrolled 109 potential donors with the registry. I would like to introduce you to Dr. Lam. She is from Michigan and is of Vietnamese and Chinese descent. She has B-cell lymphoma and is in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant. She is currently being treated at Stanford Hospital in the Bay Area, and without the transplant she will surely not survive.
Here is her story:
I would like to introduce myself and ask for help in search of a potential cure. My name is Viet Lam and I am 37 years old. I am grateful for the many wonderful opportunities that were given to me. I was born and lived in Vietnam for eleven years before my two siblings and I defected on a small boat. After refugee camps, we settled in the United States of America. Through the generosity and the kindness of many people, I graduated from college and went on to obtain a medical degree.
Practicing internal medicine in California allowed me to serve a diverse community. Yet, I did not truly grasp what my patients and their families go through until May 2007 when unexpectedly, I was diagnosed with an advanced aggressive Large B-cell Lymphoma. How could it be possible when I led such an active life? I did not have significant symptoms, except intense itching. After going through the usual emotional stages, I was determined to overcome this obstacle. With the help of a great medical team and loved ones, I successfully went through eight cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy. Equipped with a new life perspective, I lived each day to its fullest. In 2009, a wave of suspicion and fear crashed over me when the same intense itching and new profound fatigue hit me. It was confirmed that I had widespread recurrence. My determination and optimism did not reward me with a remission after an additional three cycles of R-ICE chemotherapy. I do not have a matched donor in my family, like 70% of patients needing a marrow transplant. Therefore, my only chance for a potential cure is an unrelated donor match.
My Chinese Vietnamese ethnicity provides me not only a unique life perspective, but it also makes it much more difficult to find a match. This is why I am asking you, particularly those from a Non-Caucasian background, to consider being a potential donor. There is a tremendous and urgent need for thousands of people who continually hope for a miracle. I am encouraged and hopeful that we can expand our national registry and particularly those of under-represented backgrounds. Through your awareness and support, I believe that we can both close the registry gap and provide a second chance at life for those thousands of patients. I thank you for learning more about the National Marrow Donor Program and for the gift of life.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Hopland to the City - San Francisco
2/4/10 - Novato, CA
Dear Friends,
My route has to be very carefully mapped now because the 101 is an interstate and I can not walk on it. Shayne has spent countless hours using google maps to help me find the shortest path from town to town. Today I walked from Petaluma to Novato and the route was really challenging. I was following a small dirt road called Fire Road. The road turned into a private drive and then disappeared. So I ended up on quite an adventure walking across swampy fields, through cow pastures, throwing my pack over and shimmying under barbed wire fences. I soon made it to the railroad tracks and followed them safely into Novato. If you live in the Petaluma area or are traveling through, stop by Cardoza's Deli Cafe 25 Petaluma Blvd South. It is locally owned and operated and yummy.
2/3/10 - Petaluma, CA
Dear Friends,
Left Sebastopol this morning. I had such a good time with Nancy and Clayton. I stayed with them for a week. Walked from Santa Rosa to Petaluma and made great contacts all around Sonoma County. Last night I went with Nancy to the Sebastopol City Council meeting. I was able to share Jada's story and talked about the walk. They are going to draft a proclamation for an annual bone marrow donor day. I was pleased with their response and will post the proclamation as a model for other cities to follow. My gratitude goes out to Mayor Gurney and all of the council members.
1/31/10 - Still in Sebastopol, CA
Dear Friends,
Nancy has been connecting me to people all over Sonoma County. That is one of the beautiful things about my journey...being hosted by fire stations, churches, families, etc. gives me an introduction to the community I would not be able to make otherwise. Nancy and I made a video yesterday to ask President Obama a question for the online Q and A scheduled for Monday. To view the video go to www.youtube.com in the search field type "stepstomarrow" We had a good response from the media here. KRCB is airing an interview on Monday, Feb 1. The Sonoma West Timeswill publish an article on Feb 2. And the Press Democrat will highlight the Steps To-Marrow project in Chris Smith's column next Thursday. Today I was back to walking. I walked through Santa Rosa and part of the way to Petaluma.
1/29/10 - Sebastopol, CA
Dear Friends,
I arrived in Santa Rosa on Wed afternoon. My friend, Nancy LoDolce picked me up and drove me to her home in Sebastopol. I have been staying with Nancy and her husband Clayton Takaya for two days. When I arrived I was three days ahead of schedule so I have been using the time to arrange bone marrow donor drives and coordinating our Steps To-Marrow walk in San Francisco on Feb 9th. I have also been able to get some R and R. I had not seen Nancy and Clayton since our days at the Zen Center of Los Angeles 25 years ago so we have had fun catching up.
1/27/20 - Healdsburg, CA
Dear Friends,
It took me two days to walk from Cloverdale to Healdsburg. The first day it rained on and off. At the end of the day I was walking in a downpour as I entered Geyserville. I took refuge at the Geyserville Inn as I awaited a ride from Andy Grose. He and his wife Jacquie kindly hosted me for the night. Many thanks to Andy and Jacquie and to the folks at the Geyserville Inn for the shelter and the local connections. The next days walk was much drier. I have enjoyed walking through wine country. It is so beautiful. Thanks to Karl and Judy Hilgert for hosting me in Healdsburg.
1/26/10 - A sidebar Christmas Story
Dear Friends,
I want to step back and tell you a Christmas story. I was in Brookings on Christmas Day. The sun was shining and I was walking across town from one hotel to spend the night at another hotel on the other end of town. As I walked along the highway with my pack on my back I noticed 4 homeless men across the highway. They were waving for me to come over. I decided to go and see what they wanted. After crossing the street I was greeted by the oldest of the homeless men. He stood and laid out his coat on the ground creating a comfortable and clean place for me to sit. Among the four was a young man whose handle was Apache. Apache had been on the road for several months. The others had been in the streets for years. We sat and talked. I shared sunflower seeds from my pack. Apache told me his story...I talked about Jada and the walk. Even though there was a bit of a chill in the air it was warm sitting in the sun along hwy 101. In time I thanked them for the companionship. As I stood to go and was putting on my pack. They all reached into their pockets and together came up with 7 dollars to help me along my way. What a special Christmas gift from those with so little to give so much!
1/25/10 Cloverdale, CA
Dear Friends,
The Cloverdale Fire Protection District helped find me a room for my first night in Cloverdale. On Sunday I visited the United Church of Cloverdale. They generously shared hot soup lunch with me and arranged housing for the next three days; one night in the shelter in Cloverdale, one night with a couple from the church on the way to Healdsburg and one night in Healdsburg with members of the church.Before visiting the church I was looking for a ride back to the tracks I had walked the day before. I met a young man named James. James was kind enough to drive me back to the tracks and even walk them with me looking for a battery I had lost. It was raining and we had to slog through the mud and climb up over a cascade of rocks to reach the tracks. Then James took me back to Cloverdale. I am grateful to him for his kindness and company.
Dear Friends,
My route has to be very carefully mapped now because the 101 is an interstate and I can not walk on it. Shayne has spent countless hours using google maps to help me find the shortest path from town to town. Today I walked from Petaluma to Novato and the route was really challenging. I was following a small dirt road called Fire Road. The road turned into a private drive and then disappeared. So I ended up on quite an adventure walking across swampy fields, through cow pastures, throwing my pack over and shimmying under barbed wire fences. I soon made it to the railroad tracks and followed them safely into Novato. If you live in the Petaluma area or are traveling through, stop by Cardoza's Deli Cafe 25 Petaluma Blvd South. It is locally owned and operated and yummy.
2/3/10 - Petaluma, CA
Dear Friends,
Left Sebastopol this morning. I had such a good time with Nancy and Clayton. I stayed with them for a week. Walked from Santa Rosa to Petaluma and made great contacts all around Sonoma County. Last night I went with Nancy to the Sebastopol City Council meeting. I was able to share Jada's story and talked about the walk. They are going to draft a proclamation for an annual bone marrow donor day. I was pleased with their response and will post the proclamation as a model for other cities to follow. My gratitude goes out to Mayor Gurney and all of the council members.
1/31/10 - Still in Sebastopol, CA
Dear Friends,
Nancy has been connecting me to people all over Sonoma County. That is one of the beautiful things about my journey...being hosted by fire stations, churches, families, etc. gives me an introduction to the community I would not be able to make otherwise. Nancy and I made a video yesterday to ask President Obama a question for the online Q and A scheduled for Monday. To view the video go to www.youtube.com in the search field type "stepstomarrow" We had a good response from the media here. KRCB is airing an interview on Monday, Feb 1. The Sonoma West Timeswill publish an article on Feb 2. And the Press Democrat will highlight the Steps To-Marrow project in Chris Smith's column next Thursday. Today I was back to walking. I walked through Santa Rosa and part of the way to Petaluma.
1/29/10 - Sebastopol, CA
Dear Friends,
I arrived in Santa Rosa on Wed afternoon. My friend, Nancy LoDolce picked me up and drove me to her home in Sebastopol. I have been staying with Nancy and her husband Clayton Takaya for two days. When I arrived I was three days ahead of schedule so I have been using the time to arrange bone marrow donor drives and coordinating our Steps To-Marrow walk in San Francisco on Feb 9th. I have also been able to get some R and R. I had not seen Nancy and Clayton since our days at the Zen Center of Los Angeles 25 years ago so we have had fun catching up.
1/27/20 - Healdsburg, CA
Dear Friends,
It took me two days to walk from Cloverdale to Healdsburg. The first day it rained on and off. At the end of the day I was walking in a downpour as I entered Geyserville. I took refuge at the Geyserville Inn as I awaited a ride from Andy Grose. He and his wife Jacquie kindly hosted me for the night. Many thanks to Andy and Jacquie and to the folks at the Geyserville Inn for the shelter and the local connections. The next days walk was much drier. I have enjoyed walking through wine country. It is so beautiful. Thanks to Karl and Judy Hilgert for hosting me in Healdsburg.
1/26/10 - A sidebar Christmas Story
Dear Friends,
I want to step back and tell you a Christmas story. I was in Brookings on Christmas Day. The sun was shining and I was walking across town from one hotel to spend the night at another hotel on the other end of town. As I walked along the highway with my pack on my back I noticed 4 homeless men across the highway. They were waving for me to come over. I decided to go and see what they wanted. After crossing the street I was greeted by the oldest of the homeless men. He stood and laid out his coat on the ground creating a comfortable and clean place for me to sit. Among the four was a young man whose handle was Apache. Apache had been on the road for several months. The others had been in the streets for years. We sat and talked. I shared sunflower seeds from my pack. Apache told me his story...I talked about Jada and the walk. Even though there was a bit of a chill in the air it was warm sitting in the sun along hwy 101. In time I thanked them for the companionship. As I stood to go and was putting on my pack. They all reached into their pockets and together came up with 7 dollars to help me along my way. What a special Christmas gift from those with so little to give so much!
1/25/10 Cloverdale, CA
Dear Friends,
The Cloverdale Fire Protection District helped find me a room for my first night in Cloverdale. On Sunday I visited the United Church of Cloverdale. They generously shared hot soup lunch with me and arranged housing for the next three days; one night in the shelter in Cloverdale, one night with a couple from the church on the way to Healdsburg and one night in Healdsburg with members of the church.Before visiting the church I was looking for a ride back to the tracks I had walked the day before. I met a young man named James. James was kind enough to drive me back to the tracks and even walk them with me looking for a battery I had lost. It was raining and we had to slog through the mud and climb up over a cascade of rocks to reach the tracks. Then James took me back to Cloverdale. I am grateful to him for his kindness and company.
1/23/10 - Hopeland, CA
Dear Friends,
I walked into Hopland and stopped at a little pub to use the restroom. I spoke with the bartender to tell her about Jada and the walk. As I spoke she really perked up. She turned and pointed down along the bar and said "His granddaughter has leukemia too." I spent about a half an hour chatting with this man about his granddaughter and her journey. She is in remission. After leaving the pub I walked across the street to Brutocao Cellars Tasting Room to see if they would be interested in hosting a bone marrow drive. There I met a woman whose 2 year old nephew has leukemia. I walked over to the Hopland Volunteer Fire Dept. There I met Roy, from my host family. Roy drove me to his home on the way he told me that his wife's step-father had passed away from leukemia. I was in the small town of Hopland for less than an hour and I had already met 3 families effected by leukemia, one how had not found his match and died, one still waiting to find hs match and one in remission because she found her match. I want to extend my gratitude to Roy and Wendy and their two sons Rusty and Caleb for their warm hospitality. What a relaxing and comfortable visit.
Dear Friends,
I walked into Hopland and stopped at a little pub to use the restroom. I spoke with the bartender to tell her about Jada and the walk. As I spoke she really perked up. She turned and pointed down along the bar and said "His granddaughter has leukemia too." I spent about a half an hour chatting with this man about his granddaughter and her journey. She is in remission. After leaving the pub I walked across the street to Brutocao Cellars Tasting Room to see if they would be interested in hosting a bone marrow drive. There I met a woman whose 2 year old nephew has leukemia. I walked over to the Hopland Volunteer Fire Dept. There I met Roy, from my host family. Roy drove me to his home on the way he told me that his wife's step-father had passed away from leukemia. I was in the small town of Hopland for less than an hour and I had already met 3 families effected by leukemia, one how had not found his match and died, one still waiting to find hs match and one in remission because she found her match. I want to extend my gratitude to Roy and Wendy and their two sons Rusty and Caleb for their warm hospitality. What a relaxing and comfortable visit.
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