Bill’s Big Adventure
In February 2024, Bill and I were starting to train for Des Moines Half Ironman in June. After struggling with a moderate training ride and a back pain that appeared out of nowhere we got him checked out with his doctor. Within 2 days, he was diagnosed with stage four Mantle cell lymphoma and further blood tests revealed a genetic mutation, (a missing gene that plays a vital role in regulating cell growth and preventing uncontrolled cell division), This added a twist that made things a bit trickier.
Our lives changed in an instant. The cancer progressed rapidly and within a week he was struggling to walk. Things were looking bleak. The extraordinary team at Siteman Cancer Center—led by Dr. Nancy Bartlett—took immediate action with a specific plan.....7 months of intense chemotherapy, followed by 2 months of CAR- T. Progress was achieved, but not to the point of remission.
While all this was going on, Dr. Bartlett saw a promising trial on the horizon. She and her team moved quickly to enroll him in a clinical trial that was not even available when this adventure began. Bill was patient number 3. By February of 2025 he was declared in full remission and on July 23, we left Siteman after his final treatment.
From the very beginning, we felt as though we were their only patient. Every nurse who cared for Bill during those long days of daily infusions and chemotherapy played a crucial role in his adventure. Their support, kindness, and tireless dedication helped carry us through—We know we would not be in the position we are today without the expertise and compassion of the doctors, and staff including the brilliant scientists developing these groundbreaking treatments at Siteman Cancer Center.
We are endlessly grateful to all the people, our friends, hospital staff, volunteers, blood donors and the doctors and nurses who never gave up on him—or our family. I am beyond proud of my strong and ever positive husband who—with the help of Dr. Bartlett’s team—kept a positive attitude even during the toughest days, while living through an E3 tornado severely damaging our home and surviving the emotional drop off of our daughter to begin her 47-month adventure at West Point. He never gave up and as soon as he was able, even while undergoing treatment, he started back with his workouts and competed in a triathlon where he medaled in his age group. His strength and resilience continue to inspire me every single day.
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