A Letter From Lee Grayson :
This is a story that I think would be interesting and informative. My name is Lee Grayson. I'm a 55 year old musician (guitarist, vocalist, music catalyst) from Long Island. Nine years ago I was diagnosed with a particularly nasty disease called Multiple Myeloma also known as bone marrow cancer. This is the same disease the Yankee's pitching coach Mel Stottlemeyer and Geraldine Ferraro are currently being treated for. The information I received at the time was that this disease was, and still is, an incurable cancer with a life expectancy of three years.
For the first two years my disease remained inactive and I required little to no treatment. About five years ago this situation began to take a wicked turn and physical problems began to multiply to the point where I could not move. My bones had gotten so weak and brittle that I needed help to sit up, or lie down. I had multiple bone fractures all over my body, I lost three inches in height due to spontaneous compression fractures of the spine and had my sternum and various other bones broke from pressure of growing tumors. I suffered from a stroke, hypercalcemia and various other complications from the cancer. Standard treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant were of very little benefit.
Through the pain and horror I have found something wonderful. The International Myeloma Foundation. The IMF is a non-profit organization that provides education, support and hugs to Myeloma Patients, families and caregivers. In the darkest moments the IMF provided with me the light I needed to get through the day. I am currently back in treatment and entering what could be the most difficult crisis yet knowing that there is no cure for Multiple Myeloma and limited options of treatment remaining. What motivates me through each day is the work that I am now doing for the IMF. I am speaking to patients all over the world offering them hope. I am planning a fund-raiser which will be called Multiple Musicians against Multiple Myeloma. I am trying to find the positive things I have learned from this experience and give them to others. I am writing to ask your support for my upcoming fundraiser. Anything you could donate for an auction or raffle item would be appreciated.
- Lee Grayson
Lee's fund-raiser "Multiple Musicians against Multiple Myeloma" was a huge success. Lee ended his battle with Multiple Myeloma in November of 2002. His work with the IMF still continues. That is just a part of Lee's Legacy. Sunday July 15th, will be the Sixth annual "Multiple Musicians against Multiple Myeloma".
Any support you can offer would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Email: Naomi Margolin
