Our community lost another valuable friend and contributor this week.
It is with great sadness that we pass along news that Beacon columnist Stephen P. Kramer died this past Friday as a result of an infection that developed after an allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant he had in June.
Stephen was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January of 2010, and he began writing his Beacon column, "Manhattan Tales," two and a half years ago. Stephen's columns clearly communicated both his desire to share his story with other myeloma patients and his dedication to prevailing over multiple myeloma for as long as possible. In addition, his writing conveyed the deep love and affection he felt for his wife and children ... and for his adopted home, New York City.
Stephen was always open in his columns about the challenges myeloma created for him, yet he always maintained a great deal of optimism and good humor despite the aggressiveness of his disease. Many Beacon readers commented – to Stephen, and to us in private correspondence – how Stephen's perseverance set an example for them, and how they hoped they could demonstrate the same resilience he did.
Please join us in thanking Stephen a final time for sharing his myeloma journey with us, and in wishing his family all the best during this difficult time.
A funeral service for Stephen will be held tomorrow (Monday, August 11) at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street, New York City, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.
Forums
Re: Stephen P. Kramer
Rest in peace, Mr. Kramer!
My deepest sympathies to the Kramer family!
My deepest sympathies to the Kramer family!
Last edited by dnalex on Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
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dnalex - Name: Alex N.
- Who do you know with myeloma?: mother
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2007
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Stephen P. Kramer
That is sad news. My thoughts are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
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LibbyC - Name: LibbyC
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 43
Re: Stephen P. Kramer
We MUST find a cure for this disease which continues to take loved ones from our lives. Rest in Peace and condolences to the Kramer family for their loss.
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meeshymeesh - Name: Michelle
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 40
Re: Stephen P. Kramer
Steve set an extraordinary example on how to live life fully by his unremitting courage, perseverance and devotion to all that is good in life. Many of us got to know him better from his postings on the Myeloma Beacon. His writings and his love of life live on. I send my deep sympathy to his always loving family.
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Jeanne Kent
Re: Stephen P. Kramer
I am upset to hear about the loss of Stephen Kramer, and I hope that his family knows that he reached out and touched many of us readers with his terrific columns on the Beacon. From one of his earlier columns where he described mountain biking until he talked about his walks through Central Park, his writing was always interesting. He did share many of his problems openly. My deepest sympathies go out to his family now.
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Stephen P. Kramer
This such sad news, especially after Dr. Goodman's passing. Steven's posts were so helpful and I loved the NYC scene he wrote about. He will be missed by us all.
Sending the deepest condolences to his family. I hope they know how many lives he touched by sharing his journey.
Sending the deepest condolences to his family. I hope they know how many lives he touched by sharing his journey.
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Christina1952
Re: Stephen P. Kramer
My deepest sympathies go out to the Kramer family. The previous posters expressed my thoughts very well.
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Mark11
Re: Stephen P. Kramer
My heartfelt condolences to the Kramer Family. I was fortunate to have been one of the people he personally emailed with information and support when I first started reading the Beacon. He spoke about his MMF bracelets and I asked how to get some, since my co-workers wanted to wear them (and still do) for support of my diagnosis. I wear one and I never take off along with one that is burgundy and white with the phrase that keeps me going: CANCER SUCKS! My husband knows that these two do not leave my wrist - ever! I now wear it for Stephen's memory and Arnie.
God bless the Kramer family in this time of grief.
Mary
God bless the Kramer family in this time of grief.
Mary
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Mary Degenkolb - Name: Mary Degenkolb
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 54
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