My friend with non-hodgkins lymphoma

Written on December 6, 2008 by joesaid in Personal, Social Media
20 Comments - Leave a comment!

Hey everyone!

michael & kate

Michael & Kate

A dear friend of mine, in fact my best friend, is having a stem cell transplant on Tuesday.  He’s 34 and his name is Michael.

He doesn’t know that I am writing this.

Mike found out he had non-hodgkins lymphoma 4 years ago.  He’s gone through a bunch of experimental treatments.  Work has been tough but for the most part he’s been doing good.  He told me the other day that he doesn’t want to have cancer anymore and that’s why he’s doing this experimental procedure.  The risk is pretty big and when he does recover he’s going to be pretty weak (unable to read, etc) for several weeks.

Mike’s a musician, writer, and poet.  He loves Jane Eyre, and some other crappy Brit Lit, non-fiction audio-books, LOLcats, TED, and anything educational.

So, I thought that if he were to get a few random cards or funny stuff in the mail it would be pretty cool.  I mean, every time he was feeling like shit, the twitterverse could make a difference.

He’s in Chicago and the address is:

Michael Oxenrider
University of Chicago Hospital
5841 S. Maryland Room TN 663
Chicago, IL 60637

Update: Mike is home now! .. Thx everyone!!

Below is the letter I got from his amazing girlfriend Kate.
It was addressed to me and three others.

Thanks for making the effort!!
-joe

—
Hi everyone!

Michael’s Stem cell transplant is this Tuesday. I will be decorating his room for him to come back to and if  any of you would like to send along a card or note for him to read when he is recovering, that would be so great!!!

Thanks everyone!
xo

P.S – After sleeping on it, I don’t know if this is the right thing to do. Let me know if you think its good or bad .. I might take it down if enough people tell me its a bad idea.

Addition: I am leaving it up.  Everyone seems to think its much more positive than negative.  Kate agrees.  Thanks everyone!!

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  • Hitesh Katia
    may god bless u Mich
  • feijing
    i am sorry to know about your friend and i believe he will fine.you are a kind man,
  • I wish I would've read this last month, I would've loved to send get well wishes. How is Michael doing? Any updates?
  • My husband had a stem cell transplant almost three years ago (Jan 2006). If you'd like to talk or email, then email me first, and I'll get back in touch with you. Or I'll give you my husband's email address and you can talk or email with him. His name is John. I am assuming you will get the email address if I fill out the info. below. If not, come to my blog and leave a comment saying you'd like to talk about Michael and his situation. It really does help to talk with somebody who has been through it, and John will be willing to talk with you.

    Krissy Knox
    http://sometimesithink-krissy.blogspot.com
    www.twitter.com/iamkrissy
  • I agree with Liam - I'd suggest taking down the street address and use a PO box .. wonderful gesture on your part...

    Hope the procedure went well today
    @tyropearl from twitter
  • David Woolums
    I think it's an awesome idea and I shall always hope to achieve a level of friendship like you have with Michael in my life. I'll be writing often and remembering Michael in my prayers, you are both very unique individuals that the world is better for having lead the charge.
  • Jennicricket
    So many people thinking positively and sharing goodwill is soothing and healing for the soul. I think this is an amazing idea. My son has cancer and I think at times feels really alone even with family and friends around. When he receives gifts, cards or just well wishes from a stranger he feels re-connected again.
  • We love you Mike. Stay strong for us.
  • Hello MIke:
    I'm trying to find a place to listen your music, hpe you're a little better now.
    Best wishes, as always,

    Federico (aka euskir)
  • Joe, I think this is an awesome idea, as long as people don't get personal. If I was in the hospital on his situation, the last thing I need is people wanting me to remember their names or even to say thanks back. Trust me, if you (the readers) plan to do something for him, be anonymous and respectful, he will appreciate it.

    Joe, you are a great friend.
  • this is @martin001 from twitter and I am going to the store to buy a card right now! I think its a good idea :)
  • This is a great thing Joe. If we can harness the collective goodness of the social web for your friend then why wouldn't we. Cancer sucks and experimental treatments are scary. But hope and love are the life blood of someone battling cancer (and their loved ones). I am sending stuff. And will ask my friends to send stuff. You are a good friend Joe Said.
  • I think it's a great idea. Keep it up! And I'll send him something. :)

    @LaraK from Twitter
  • Like Liam, I also thought of the annoying things that this can result in. I suppose sending cards and videos to an email address and screening them to Mike might turn out to be a better idea. Giving away the actual room number can be somewhat disturbing, especially when after such difficult treatment.
    You are a great friend and the gesture is beautiful.
  • Only concern I have would be that - should the Twitterverse act on this - it'll attract the attention of the Press. And do you want to chance reporters turning-up at Michael's hospital badgering people for comment?

    Remove the street address - use a PO box instead - keep everything else...

    Just my opinion!

    Liam
    http://twitter.com/limalicas
  • I believe it's a good idea!

    I say: don't worry if you think it's wrong. That's self-doubt, and it's only going to interfere with a thoughtful gesture.

  • You are a great friend :)
    Hope Michael has a speedy recovery!
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