ILLUSTRATIONS: RAFAEL LOPEZ
Industry group provides a lifesaving referral
Portland, Ore., resident and cancer survivor Ken Thompson was diagnosed with stage 4 multiple myeloma in December 1996 when he was 52 years old. After a successful bone marrow transplant at City of Hope, he has been cancer-free for more than nine years.
A former manager in the wholesale grocery industry, Ken was the featured patient speaker at the Pacific Northwest Food Industries Circle’s 18th annual Harvest Celebration Ball, which was held on Oct. 28, 2006, in Seattle. Now working in real estate, he enjoys horseback riding, hunting, fishing and hot-rod motoring. He and his wife, Rosemary, have two sons, a daughter and six grandchildren.
My doctor called me about my devastating cancer diagnosis the day before Christmas in 1996 — and he was not optimistic. He said that while I might survive for another two years, my cancer was terminal and treatment would only keep me comfortable during that time.
Initially, I was shocked and angry that something like this could happen to me. Then my anger turned to resolve. I wanted to fight back. And to do so, I knew I had to develop a strong, positive approach.
When news of my diagnosis reached my workplace at the time, Alan Jones — who is the chief executive officer of United Grocers — contacted me. He told me that the grocery industry was a longtime supporter of City of Hope and highly recommended it as the best place for me to go for my treatment. As I made my first appointment for Jan. 2, 1997, my hope began to grow.
My wife and I began to feel a sense of calm when we arrived at City of Hope. As we looked around, we noticed many others facing similar situations. It was good to know that we weren’t alone.
After completing my initial tests, I met with my oncologist, Margaret O’Donnell, M.D., who explained the protocol for my treatment. I was to receive a tandem stem cell transplant using my own stem cells. This experimental treatment was so new, I was one of the first 60 patients to receive it.
While I had concerns and fears about whether the treatment would be successful, someone always was there to answer my questions or to respond to my physical or emotional needs during those nine months. The care my wife and I received was so wonderful, it was as if I was the hospital’s only patient. Before long, I began to feel like the staff of City of Hope was an extension of my own family. It was also comforting to know that nearby on the same campus, researchers were working to find new solutions for treating my cancer, as well as many others.
My last transplant occurred on Sept. 25, 1997. I refer to it as my “born-again day,” because I honestly feel that City of Hope gave me my life back. I also feel grateful to all those who contribute their time and efforts fundraising to support research and treatment at City of Hope. It is inspiring to think of all of the lives they have saved.
This past September, I celebrated my ninth year of being cancer-free. Each year, as I acknowledge this special anniversary, I will remember all those people who helped me make it to where I am today. Alan Jones, Joseph Weresch, M.D., of Portland, Dr. O’Donnell, and all of the other staff members at City of Hope, and the many friends and family who were there always will hold a special place in my heart.
COURTESY OF THOMPSON FAMILYKen Thompson and his wife, Rosemary.