In recent years, two of my Texas Aggie friends, Carrie Giles Freeman and Megan Morley Haverland, have lost their fathers to a type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma. Prior to their parents’ battles, I had never even heard of the disease.
A few months ago, Carrie, Megan and I decided to turn my #texasstrong shirts maroon for Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month this March, in hopes of spreading the word and supporting research for this devastating cancer.
In multiple myeloma, malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out the normal plasma cells that help fight infections. These malignant plasma cells then produce abnormal proteins (m protein) which may cause tumors, damage the kidneys, and impair immune system function. In some cases, the malignant cells may cause a single tumor, called a solitary plasmacytoma, but if multiple tumors are formed, then the disease is called multiple myeloma.
Carrie and Sarah with their dad, Mike Giles
Remembering Mike
Carrie and her sister, Sarah (also an Aggie), lost their dad, Michael Giles, in 2012, after a valiant battle against multiple myeloma. Soon after, they also lost their mom, Deborah, to a different type of blood cancer.
Mike was born in Austin, and, while he didn’t graduate from Texas A&M, he rooted for the Aggies and loved watching the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band perform at Kyle Field. He will be remembered for his quick wit and coined phrases. Mike’s daughters miss his weather updates, his cautionary tales, his daily phone check-ins, and his free advice.
Megan with her dad, Col. Tom Morley
Remembering Tom
Megan lost her dad, Col. Thomas V. Morley, Jr., USA (Retired), in 2013, after a valiant battle against multiple myeloma. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Tom was a member of the Class of ’78 and reserved a special place in his heart for both Texas A&M and his hometown of Pittsburgh. Following the Aggies, Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates gave him great joy or misery, depending on the success of the season. Tom’s quick wit always kept life entertaining. Megan, her brother, Sean, and her mom, Kris, all miss him dearly.
Austin, Texas, blogger, author and speaker, Jen Hatmaker’s newest book, For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards, is a refreshing and much needed pep talk for ladies who love Jesus, especially over-extended moms of littles. I’m so honored to be on the launch team and gearing up for its official release on…
I was born at Seton Hospital in Austin in 1984. I think it’s safe to say that my hometown has experienced a few changes since then. After all, I was here before the hipsters arrived, before SXSW started, before Sandra Bullock and everyone else decided ATX was the place to be. In honor of all my fellow native Austinites,…
This month’s Texas Strong Woman of the Month is my very brave second cousin–meningitis survivor and multiple limb amputee Amy Aiken. Meet Amy Aiken Amy Aiken grew up in San Marcos and is now my neighbor near Austin. She works as a communications specialist for a major department store but spends her spare time pursuing her love…
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