People used to ask June Carter how she was doing, and she used to say -- "I'm just trying to matter."

Isn't that a goal most of us have, live a good life and make work that means something to somebody. 

I didn't know how to start this blog; I've barely ever read anyone else's let alone write my own. So I chose a phrase that really struck me. I heard that phrase when Reese Witherspoon quoted it as she received an Oscar for her role as June Carter.

That phrase, that thought process has really stuck with me, I use it often when someone hits me with the all too common 'how ya doing?'

Shortly after starting the blog with June's wisdom, I got the following e-mail forward from a colleague. Colleen and the rest of the staff, who works like me, in the fight against blood cancer. It was good news from a patient’s mom.

Hi, Team!

I know that recommitment is upon you all & you might be feeling some pressure.  I want to tell you about this last week for our family.  I hope it inspires you to continue doing what you have started to do.

This week was a particularly special one.  Collin, Jay & I went to Memphis TN for Collin's END OF TREATMENT testing.  Yes, as you may have already been told, Collin has completed his chemotherapy treatments.  Monday & Tuesday were a blur of tests for Collin.  (Xrays, dental exam, CT scan for bone density, ultrasound of the testes [because leukemia cells like to hide there], blood work, spinal tap & bone marrow aspiration.)  Tuesday afternoon was a time of recovering from a busy schedule & awaiting test results.  Finally, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, we started to get them, including the most important ones.....Collin's spinal fluid & bone marrow showed no sign of leukemia! 

Wednesday was a day of celebrating!  We went back over to the hospital so that the staff could sing the 'No Mo' Chemo' song to Collin & spray him with silly string!  That evening we went out & spent the most enjoyable evening riding go karts (Jay & Collin both first-timers!), putt-putting, playing video games & bumper-boating.  Jay & I had the biggest grins on our faces!  (Bigger than Collin, I think.)

Today, we got the last & most important test result.  Collin's MRD (minimal residual disease) test came back negative.  This test is finer than a standard 100 cell slide....it looks at 10000 cells at a time!

Now, why did I just tell you all of this?  Because I want you to know that what you are doing is making our son's life possible!  The LLS has supported research performed at St. Jude.  That research has led to the development & implementation of more effective, less toxic treatments for childhood cancers.  That research has led to the development of MRD testing, which St. Jude & others are now using to guide treatments for children with cancer.  None of that research would be possible without selfless, committed individuals like yourselves & your donors!

So, from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Collin & Jay, I thank you!  Thank you for taking a step to improve the lives of people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma & other blood diseases.  Without your help, this road would not be as far along as it is today...closer to the cures!

May the wind be at your backs & the sun shine on your faces!  (But, don't forget the sunblock!)

Love,

Collin's mom

When any of us get these messages, of good news or even when the news is not so swell we need to be happy regardless, because the work matters, it makes the difference. Sometimes it makes ALL the difference.

I wish everyone that works and gives unselfishly, no matter what, would simply sit back and reflect on that simple everyday question How ya doin’? and when asked , even if you do not want to say it out loud, you can know it in your mind, and feel it in your heart.

How am I doing? I’m making the difference, what I do matters, I matter, that’s how I am doing.