Racing to Save Lives

My brother`s name was Kevin Satin. He was loved by his friends, cherished by my parents and adored by me. He loved everything little boys love. Lego toys, little cars and trucks and sports. His special joy was playing ice hockey. Everyone said he played like a pro.

One day, while playing ice hockey, Kevin said he felt sick. My parents took him to the Pediatrician thinking it was a Virus. After some testing, the Doctor`s office called back and told us that Kevin had Leukemia. In that shocking moment, my father recalls telling the Doctor, "that`s impossible, it`s got to be a mistake". But it wasn`t. A parents worst nightmare was coming true.

After 4 years of battling Kevin`s Cancer, at some of the best hospitals in New York and New Jersey, his Leukemia came back for the 3rd time. We were told that his only remaining chance to survive depended on having a Bone Marrow Transplant. The hospital recommended was The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

We moved to Iowa and during the year we spent there Kevin`s life became more and more unbearable. In this last ditch effort to keep him alive, my blood was determined to be the closest thing to a match. I was asked to be the Donor. At only 6 years old and terrified of having these big needles put into my back, I knew I had to try and save my brothers life.

The transplant was done and the first month was very hopeful. However, soon after, it all came crashing down. Right through the Bone Marrow transplant, Kevin`s Leukemia came back again. One night, while in the apartment with us, Kevin got very sick. My father tried to rush him to the hospital. On the way to the car Kevin fell and as my father tried to help him up he died in his arms.

I think about Kevin a lot. I miss him deeply and often wonder how differently my life would have turned out if he had survived. I also think about the many possibilities we could have had as a family if he hadn`t gotten sick. It is a loss too devastating for any family to have to endure.

I am training to participate in an endurance event as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of my brother and for all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!