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DEC 13, 2009

Dear Eric,

Never did I dream that our meeting almost by accident (if there is such a thing!) would result in you coming to our rescue.  That day at the Market when we met for the first time and found out about your foundation for seriously ill people, I thought I could help you with your fundraiser, but little did I know that you would help me save Lew’s life. 

When we met, Lew’s CLL was taking a toll on his body and the doctors were reluctant to give him any more chemo.  You guided us toward clinical trials, and the one we thought would benefit him the most was available.  We set up the appointment and saw the doctor, and were excited we were doing something instead of just sitting and watching the cancer grow.  Lo and behold, just as we got our hopes up, the trial closed.  It was crushing to Lew because his body was getting weaker and sick.  He ended up in the hospital after the bad news with an infection.  Finally in desperation I called you and asked you to help me through the foundation and without any hesitation you jumped right in and called the drug company and the next day Lew got a call that he could participate. 

Once again we were excited and then Lew ended back in the hospital.  He was too sick to go to the trial.  But, after talking to you, I talked to Lew and told him to call the trial people and tell them he would be there the next week.  They listened and agreed.  Then you called him and gave him a much needed pep talk (based on your own experiences) and he became more determined to sit in the chair on Monday (tomorrow) and participate in the trial. He convinced all of the doctors at Kaiser to work to get him better so he could go to Stanford on Monday and they all got on board, changed his meds, and in a matter of a few days he was so much better.   Well, the doctors sent him home today and we will be at Stanford tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. 

All of this would not have happened without you and your wonderful foundation.  If it can help Lew it can help anyone, because Lew had no where else to turn.  You got him calling everywhere and that gave him hope.  Thank you Drew, for your foundation and the amount of care that you have and give.  You are loved.

Warm regards,
Trish Bass