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.
This month, I’m excited to introduce you to my dear friend, mentor, and yoga teacher, Texas Strong Woman of the Month LeeAnn Matson. Meet LeeAnn Matson Originally from Houston, LeeAnn now lives in southwest Austin with her husband Doyle and their daughter Adaline. She is an amazing mother, an accomplished dancer and a dedicated and…
February’s Texas Strong Woman of the Month is my local pal–biological and adoptive momma, social worker, and essential oils maven, Kaylynn Schrandt. Meet Kaylynn Schrandt Originally an Amarillo girl, Kaylynn relocated to central Texas for college, ultimately earning her master’s degree in social work at the University of Texas, and now lives in Buda with…
Central Texas loved our #texasstrong tanks benefiting Hays County flood relief so much that we’ve put them in stores! We have now raised over $138,000 on Teespring for the United Way of Hays County Disaster Recovery Fund, benefiting flood victims in Hays and Caldwell Counties. A limited quantity of Texas Strong tanks is available at…
Creating a playlist of songs that will comfort people in their grief for my Where Did My Sweet Grandma Go? launch party really calmed my anxious heart.
I am 31 years old. Somehow, turning 31 in April felt much more difficult than turning 30 the year before but I’ve found that there’s beauty in this age. I’m old enough to know who and whose I am, what I want and what I don’t want, yet I’m young enough to know what I…
If writing is not for the faint of heart, then self publishing is definitely not for the faint of heart. My debut children’s book, Where Did My Sweet Grandma Go?: A Preschooler’s Guide to Losing a Loved One, is a labor of love on many levels. How I brought my children’s book to life When you…
