Good People,
It has been a few months since I contracted Stage 4 Colon Cancer and even though ther is still a 96% stage four colon cancer will kill me in 2-3 years things have changed! First, your support has been helpful. Second, there is, at present a lot of evidence that I may be in the 4% club and not die on ya'll!
Scans show that the tumors have either shrunk (liver) or remained stable (everywhere else). I will continue chemo infusions every two weeks. I will also start getting some bonus drugs. An infusion to strengthen my bones to reduce fracture risk and a shot keep my white blood cells in fighting trim. Bottom line: The cancer is responding to the treatment and I am going to be in for another year or so of chemo.
We have two jobs. My job is not to die on ya'll and I'm all about it. Your job is to help me not die on ya'll, which is something that would upset all kinds of people.
So, here is what I have been up to on My Job:
I am running two miles a day. They are 10 to 15 mintute miles depending on the day, but they get hit everyday. I have a re-conditioning coach. (I am crazy out of shape chemo sucks.) After three months of not lifting I have spent the last two weeks back at the weights. We passed the Centralized Waitlist Ordinance, the biggest housing justice victory in Chicago in 30 years. CHI is doing its part to pass a new set of Tenant Protections via the Protecting Renter's Ordinance or something like it... which will be the next biggest housing justice victory in Chicago in 30 years. Two for two in the social justice work if we pull it off. I am getting ready to go to Theology grad school at the Catholic Theological Union, and helping people deal with ICE in my own quiet way.
Most importanly, I am all out the business of not dying. People, I can't leave the timeline looking like this. Sadly, I am nowhere near hitting my goal here. Even with insurance cancer has unexpected bills it hits one with and fighting with nazis, something I had hoped would be less of a thing is more of a thing. I need your fiscal help to make it through these less than happy times.
Your Job: If you have contributed thank you so very much. If you can't contribute don't sweat it. Things often just work out. But here is what we need.
1. Get/stay engaged and fight for justice. Find an issue. Punch a nazi. Protect someone and learn something.
2. Donations. Post the plea for dollars far and wide and if you can give please do.
3. Very soon my friend Charlie has created a t-shirt, very stylish you can buy to support me and you will get a cool reminder that every day we have a chance to fight for justice with a smile!
4. Sometimes I need rides to or from things. I'd love you to join the caravan team.
5. Sometimes I need visitors to help me kill time during the visit. Visitation Team loves visitors.
