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Bill Nelson
UCSD patient since 2004
In 2002, I was diagnosed with CLL. I was 50, and like most folks was stunned with news. My faith in Christ has provided great peace and hope. This was especially true the following year when I began searching for the best CLL care in the world… which led me to the UCSD team led by Dr. Kipps. Since first seeing me in February 2004, Dr. Kipps has closely monitored the disease’s progression while providing insight and guidance. Those of us who see Dr. Kipps are blessed to have an internationally acclaimed and gifted physician who can speak plainly and answer questions in lay terms.
Throughout 2007 and the beginning of 2008, I had the privilege to participate in a UCSD sponsored Genitope MyVax trial. The fact that I live in Wyoming did not faze the UCSD team a bit. They worked with me to accommodate travel schedules and appointments. Moreover, this innovative trial seemed to temporarily postpone the CLL progression. When Genitope aborted the trial we were all disappointed but knew that Dr. Kipps had other trials available.
One of the wonderful side benefits of coming to UCSD has been the opportunity to meet other CLL patients from all over the country. It has been a blessing to make good friends from near-and-far and to compare our various situations, share new understandings, and to pray for each other.
In mid-2009, since the disease progression was accelerating, Dr. Kipps indicated I should consider another trial. As such, in October 2009, I began a combined Revlimid and Rituximab research study as a First-Line treatment. I am currently two months into this seven-month trial. Throughout this entire program the entire UCSD Clinical Trials Team has been extremely helpful and professional. Each person has taken a personal interest in my needs and concerns, including coordinating insurance coverage, clinical exams, bone marrow biopsies, blood draws/reports, answering my many questions, and truly making me feel welcome and cared for.
Every family that is visited by CLL undergoes its own journey. What began as a shock for my wife and two young children over seven years ago has turned into a true blessing. Together, we have become closer to each other and to our Lord. I have no doubt that each member of the UCSD Clinical Trials Team is a direct extension of the Lord’s provision and care. I am truly a blessed man.
Fredrick DeNicola
Meet Fredrick DeNicola, a special guy who knows how to be a special friend. Fredrick has a rare genetic disorder called Costello syndrome that is characterized by delayed development and mental disability. Just 200 to 300 cases have been reported worldwide.
That doesn’t stop Fredrick in the least. He has a job at the Hope Work Experience in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, making food and flier drops every day. He also makes and sells unique jeweled bracelets and doing a brisk job of it too!
Recently, Fredrick was inspired to launch a “shave my head for cancer” fund raising campaign to honor Dione Lang a dear friend to Fredrick and his mother Myrna Miller. You see, Dione was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia eight years ago and, for the last three, has been receiving her care from Thomas J. Kipps, MD, PhD, Deputy Director for Research at Moores and top expert in blood cancer disorders.
Dione’s husband, John, unexpectedly passed away last January and was Fredrick’s very special connection to a mutual love of football and other shared activities. After the shaving ceremony, Fredrick sat down and wrote a letter to explain about Dione and John. With letter in hand he marched off to his job, collecting from staff and clients, as well as family and friends. He promptly raised $652.00 for Dr. Kipps’ Blood Cancer Research Fund, or BCRF.
Fredrick presented his check to Dr. Kipps among friends and family during a patient visit on July 8. “I am so grateful to Fredrick for his special commitment to friendship and to our work,” says Kipps. “He and patients like Dione inspire us to keep doing what we do.”
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