Remembering Pat Killingsworth
The multiple myeloma community has lost one of its best-known patient voices.
Pat Killingsworth died earlier today, his 60th birthday, of complications stemming from multiple myeloma and the treatments he had received for the disease. He was at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida, in the company of his wife Pattie and other family members.
Pat was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April, 2007. Soon after his diagnosis, he began writing regularly online about the disease and his experience with it, and in 2010 he became the Beacon's first patient columnist.
Since then, Pat has written a total of 140 columns for The Beacon, covering just about every topic one can imagine related to life with multiple myeloma. Pat had a talent for making difficult topics easy to understand, and he also wrote honestly and openly about the challenges he and other myeloma patients face. As a result, Pat's columns were consistently among the Beacon's most popular.
Pat also continued to write on his own and engaged in many other ways with patients and caregivers throughout the United States. He visited with support groups, spoke at conferences, and had essays and other works published online and in print. It was not long until he became one of the best known members of the myeloma community.
When Pat's journey with multiple myeloma started in 2007, he and his wife were working full time as realtors in Wisconsin. His doctors found a number of bone lesions that required treatment with radiation, and Pat also started continuous therapy with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone.
Four years later, Pat relapsed, was treated with Revlimid, Velcade (bortezomib), and dexamethasone, and underwent his first stem cell transplant. He did not respond particularly well to the transplant, and therefore received consolidation therapy with Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone – drugs he continued to be treated with, off and on, for the next few years. His bone lesions also started to cause him problems again, requiring him to undergo another course of radiation therapy and, later, a hip replacement.
Eventually, Pat switched to treatment with Pomalyst (pomalidomide) and dexamethasone, and then Kyprolis (carfilzomib), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and dexamethasone prior to undergoing a salvage stem cell transplant. That transplant – his second – was soon followed by another.
Pat's decision to undergo the additional transplants last year was not an easy one for him. He had delayed his first transplant, did not respond well to it, and did not find a lot of support for further transplants when he consulted with several myeloma specialists.
Yet the transplants, combined with intensive combination therapy before and afterward, did succeed in putting Pat's disease into remission. As a Christmas present this past December, Pat got the news that he was “myeloma free.” He was elated, and, in his final column for The Beacon, he wondered: “Dare I hope for more than a year or two of precious life? Dare I dream about the future again?”
Unfortunately, Pat was not able to hope and dream much longer. He was hospitalized a week ago with pneumonia that led to a very high fever. While he was in the hospital, Pat's doctors discovered that, in addition to his infection, his kidney and liver had been damaged. It was not clear, Pat wrote in a comment on his last column, whether the damage was due to the severe infection, the treatments he had received, or both.
Pat also developed a platelet disorder – thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura – that resulted in a brain hemorrhage. He lost the ability to breathe on his own and, not long after friends and family held a small celebration at Pat's bedside today to mark his 60th birthday, the decision was made to remove him from life support.
Members of the myeloma community will remember many things about Pat. Some will recall his honesty and openness. Others will rightly focus on his commitment to patients and caregivers being educated about multiple myeloma, and being actively involved in the treatment and management of the disease.
It would be a mistake, however, if one of the strongest memories of Pat was something other than the fact that he appreciated so much everyone who let him into their lives. As Pat wrote in one of the final comments he left on a column here at The Beacon,
You are all so kind. I read each and every comment, and it fills my heart with hope. This might seem a bit "over-the-top," but it's true. Knowing so many are pulling for me – and that sharing details of my journey can help others – is … so important and touching to me. Things can seem pretty dark when faced with challenges like this.
Let slip the darkness, Pat. The light awaits. Godspeed.
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I will very much miss reading Pat's columns in The Myeloma Beacon. He fought so hard. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful message about our dear friend.
Without any hyperbole, Pat Killingsworth was a remarkable man. In the midst of his own very difficult ongoing battles with myeloma, he stood as a champion and confidant to so many of us. His contributions and outreach to the worldwide myeloma patient community are immense.
I began corresponding with him several years ago and was amazed at his breadth of knowledge, generosity, and commitment to those with whom he held counsel. He was opinionated, witty, passionate, and all-consumed with making a positive contribution to patients' lives.
It was Pat who encouraged me to share my myeloma story with others. He staunchly supported me and the other contributors to the Myeloma Beacon. For that we are eternally grateful.
Pat always signed off his posts with ‘feel good and keep smiling!’ Smiles will replace our tears in time, but today our hearts are heavy. We will always miss him. Our prayers remain with Pattie, the family, and with all who love Pat.
Rest in peace Pat. My condolences to his family.
Godspeed indeed. Thanks for carrying the torch, Pat.
Pat and I had several private debates over the years. While our relationship started out a little rocky, we both kept at it and would find areas of agreement and understanding. Our friendship began to have an easy respect for our different perspectives and he became one of my biggest fans, always encouraging me to write more and more. I was privileged to meet him in person a few times in Florida and then again this past October in Boston. He challenged us to always learn and know more about multiple myeloma and treatment options. It wasn't always comfortable, but it was always deeply heartfelt. I'm still struggling to process his loss. My heart goes out to Pattie, his friends and followers around the world. He will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry to hear this news. Pat was like a regular visitor to my home through his writing. I will so miss his words. My most sincere sympathy to Pattie – his love and devotion to you was evident so often in his words. Rest in peace my friend, Pat. You made a difference in this world.
Pat's commitment to battling multiple myeloma and winning says so much about how much he loved and valued life. He was an inspiration. May the high regard with which he is held by the myeloma community comfort his family.
I met Pat in the hospital after we both had our first stem cell transplants. We use to walk the hall together with our spouses. I will never forget his smile and spirit. I was planning on sending him an online birthday card today but instead, I could only think that it was ironic that he should die on his 60th birthday! I have been crying on and off all day. Heaven is lucky to have him. Here on earth, he will be missed, terribly! Rest in peace Pat. You deserve a break from all of your pain and suffering!
Thanks, Beacon Staff, for the nice tribute to Pat.
Every time we lose a member of the myeloma community, it is a punch in the gut. This punch is particularly strong because Pat was a voice for all of us and as much the face of our community as anyone. He was a spokesperson, an educator, and an inspiration within the myeloma community.
Condolences to Pattie and to the rest of Pat's family.f
I will miss reading Pat's columns in the Beacon. Always informative, but peppered with updates on his life and family, these posts helped followers see the humanity in Pat and feel that he was no longer a stranger but a friend. What a rare gift! Pat tried so hard to remain upbeat and optimistic in the face of this dreadful disease. What I will remember most about Pat was his determination to live life to the fullest - this is a message that we all need to take on board.
i am dumbfounded. Such a shock. Mr. Killingsworth, rest in peace. You shall always be remembered, always be loved.
My deepest sympathies to Pat's family. I have appreciated Pat's openess and honesty through his writing. I was pulling for him- as we all were.
Thank you for the wonderful tribute to Pat. We met him last year and were blown away by his energy, his knowledge, and his tremendous desire to go on living.
He helped a lot of people. We will all miss him.
My heart goes out to Pattie and all of Pat's family. I was stunned to read this and am so sad. I have multiple myeloma and have read Pat's writings for a long time. I recently lost my husband of 30 years to liver and kidney failure, so I have some idea of what Pattie is going through. Godspeed Pat and comfort and blessings to your family. You inspired us all.
Pat was always the most wonderful inspiration and a true myeloma warrior for everyone. May he rest in the arms of the Angels, and may God wrap his Heavenly arms around him. My deepest sympathy to his family at this very sad time.❤️
I read many of Pat's stories. May he now write for his God to bring hope to us all. Rest in peace for Pat and family. He will be missed.
Thank you Beacon staff for posting this informative, heartfelt tribute to our "Messenger of Everything Myeloma", Pat Killingsworth. Like everyone else, I am so incredibly sad, shocked and devastated that Pat is really gone. He was (and will be forever) a giant in the world of myeloma. I never met him personally, but like everyone else, I felt such a personal "virtual" friendship with him via his writing, which was so incredibly helpful and informative when I was diagnosed in December 2009. My heart goes out to his dear wife Pattie and his family. I am deeply grateful for all your writings, postings, research, sharing, investigating, etc, Pat. You have indelibly and forever changed the world. You will live on forever and ever in virtual "Myelomaville". Thank you for sharing your life with us Pat. Julie
I try to keep up with the latest myeloma news, and Pat was everywhere. Indeed, he was like the unofficial "President" of the myeloma community (at least when taking out the doctors). I knew him after a sense, although I never had the pleasure of meeting him. He will be sorely missed by many. I hope he inspires others to keep the sense of community and helping each other going, in a positive, and even fun way. My condolences to his family.
There are two sayings that come to mind, that I think provide the essence and motivations of this great man, Pat. "If you can read this, thank a teacher" and "Teachers touch the future".
Having read his posts daily for several years, I would often check in more often to be part of the evolving topics and news. Reading the many comments and reactions of others, I could simply learn, understand, and inquire further. He kept us all reading, reasoning, and looking ahead, not to mention entertaining us and brightening our days with laughter! In the process his realities and steadfast determination to reach us and push us to action was always evident. There have been days for me, that I cringed at details or was challenged by the day's lesson. That was part of it and he understood that so well. He always gave us more, sometimes much more than maybe we were ready to hear. He provided a place to find support and understanding with love and his time. He gave us good questions to ask of the medical professionals in charge of us and our loved ones. Inspiring, questioning, listening to every person he could reach to push open closed doors, to imagine new solutions to complex medical problems and to simply chose a path with thought deliberation, information and then finally resolve, for each of us to take action. Pat, I am so glad to have been in your class. Your many students will carry on well into the future, you will be proud of all you have done to make things better for all us. We will smile again and be well, in a little while.
Pat was the best. I never cried more for a person that I never even met. I feel like I lost a very good and dear friend. I corresponded with Pat numerous times. When I first was diagnosed, he helped me to understand what I was dealing with. He was my teacher and a go-to guy. I will miss him terribly. Rest in peace my friend.
Mike from NY
My condolences to Pat and his family and thank you to the Beacon for publishing such a wonderful and fitting tribute.
I personally just began participating in the Beacon forums and have found great strength there. It was reading the many patient stories here that eventually gave me the strength and courage to open up to this world. Pat's columns in particular were so well written and so balanced with honesty and hope. His last column in particular stuck with me longer than the rest. I hope he knew how much he helped so many on this journey. He will be missed.
RIP Pat.
Pat helped so many of us. He has made an impact on the myeloma community in ways that few ever will. I am so very thankful to him for his tireless work, and I pray that all who grieve his loss will be comforted by the legacy he leaves behind.
Pattie, I most especially hold you in my thoughts and prayers. Though we've never met, my heart breaks for you. Peace be with you today and in the days to come.
Please send my thoughts of comfort midst your grief. Pat left his mark on so many of us, including me. He was not afraid to write about difficult topics, such as "The Elephant in the Room." Because of his writing and other myeloma authors, I took courage to begin writing for the Myeloma Beacon. The rewards have been many, some unexpected. Yet then each of us are also vulnerable to the grief of loss. Like another reader, the news "hit me like a punch in the gut."
Pat will not be forgotten to many in this special world of myeloma patients. For me, I almost feeling sorry for myself after a difficult week of treatments, I am now focused on making this a good day.
Thank you, Pat, and may you rest in peace,
Maureen
Every comment I have read here is what I am feeling at our loss of a good man. All I can say is godspeed Pat. My condolences to Pattie and his family. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace.
Pat from Florida
My heart breaks at this very sad news. Pat was such an inspiration to us and we followed all of his ups and downs. In his latest column where he asked, Dare I Dream Again, many of us said, "Yes!" He was myeloma free and looking forward to the future. His very tough journey with multiple myeloma will continue to inspire us for years.
Our condolences go out to his wife Pattie and his family as well as to all his friends, near and afar.
A giant legacy by a kind and lovely gentleman who reached out to so many. Pat will never be forgotten and his memory will always be a blessing. May his spirit soar with the angels. Deepest sympathy to his loved ones.
I, too, am saddened and shocked at how quickly things turned for Pat. He was a champion for all of us. He will be so missed. I send loving thoughts to his wife, Patty, and his family.
I hope after the tears we can all "smile and feel good."
Very sad news and my condolences to Pattie, his family, and friends.
Pat's super writing was a constant inspiration to me as a fellow myeloma sufferer. He always spoke from the heart and said it as it is. He was immensely knowledgeable about the illness and treatments and was able to explain things in such a way that even my own doctors cannot.
Rest in Peace Pat and I'll look out for your smile when I'm around your neighbourhood in time.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to our Myeloma Hero. He certainly fought the good fight, empathized, encouraged, and educated us all, as he battled on. Pat will be sorely missed, and never forgotten. Prayers go out to Pattie and his family.
My condolences to Pat's family. Beacon, I hope you send this tribute and the reader comments to Pat's family so that they can see how much Pat was valued by the Beacon community.
I hope I never progress beyond smoldering, but if I do, I can only hope to have half the courage and wisdom that Pat displayed during all of his treatments.
Please send my deepest condolences to Pattie and his other family and close friends. Pat will be sorely missed, and it is amazing that he could always be cheerful even in the midst of his own problems. His influence on the world of myeloma patients has been very widespread and will not be forgotten.
I always believed that Pat would be the first one cured, and told him that many times. When we hit a bump in the road, I would ask Pat his opinion. Something on Don's blood test that I didn't understand or couldn't find by myself, asked Pat. Talked to him on the phone. Sent pictures. He was our "go-to guy". Don passed 9-2-14. But I still read all that Pat writes, looking if something new is on the horizon. My sincere sympathy to Patty, and the family. Pat will be missed by so many.
It is with great sadness to hear of Pat's death. I have followed him for several years as he attempted to acquire knowledge of myeloma and educate the rest of us in the myeloma community. There is no one who can fill his role. His family and friends must know the benefits that he provided to so many.
No better ambassador. Rest in Peace Pat.
Well said.
Mike
This is difficult news to bear, particularly given Pat's final column. He will remain an inspiration to all of us who struggle with this disease and its treatments.
I am so sad and sorry to hear of Pat's death. Like so many others, I was touched by his wonderful columns, always laced with his special brand of humor. I will miss him. My most sincere sympathy to his family and friends. I hope his loved ones find comfort in knowing that he made a difference in the lives of so many.
What a nice and well-deserved tribute to Pat. Early on I read his stem cell transplant guide, which was enormously helpful. I continued to find Pat's writings to be both informative and inspiring. He gave so much to all of us.
The rendition of Pat's most recent history, which reflected great hope to be followed much too quickly by this sad news, demonstrates what all of us face – you just never know. It should motivate us all to live life to the fullest every day.
Upon hearing this news, my heart dropped. Pat was a giant among us dealing with this disease every day. His contributions to the world of multiple myeloma will forever be remembered by those of us he inspired every day.
Great loss, great loss. It is so saddening. I used to wait for his columns impatiently. He was an inspiration, a motivator, a great human being. He always used to make difficult things so easy for us to understand so easy. I will miss you Pat very badly. My hugs to Pattie; may God give you the strength to bear the loss.
Nancy from India
I really cannot come to terms with this sad news. Indeed, have never cried so much for someone I did not even meet. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Killingsworth. And to think of it, his last column is going to haunt me forever. Mr. Killingsworth, you were, are, and will remain a monument.
Pat was an inspiration to me. "Carry it forward" is one way we can honor Pat. May I, in some small way, serve the greater myeloma community, as Pat did.
Like others, I have a very heavy heart and tears in my eyes as I read this news. Pat touched so many lives, even those of us who never met him in person. We came to feel that we knew Pat quite well from reading his columns. Pat gave fellow patients and caregivers hope, while at the same time reminding us of the reality of living with multiple myeloma.
Pat showed us how to live.
My deepest condolences to Pattie and the rest of Pat's family. May you find peace and comfort in your memories and from knowing how much Pat meant to so very many people.
So sorry to hear this. Got a lump in my throat immediately. Sometimes we can put this disease out of our minds, when doing good. Life is so precious, can go down slow quickly. Godspeed to you Pat!
So so very sad to hear.
I am a care giver AND father. I am the encouraging one, the positive one. Stem cell transplant, bone marrow test, radiation therapy, ICU bedside, chemo, I have been there through it all. Contributors like Pat kept me positive. My son was diagnosed about 3 years ago. After the initial shock, I read articles in the Beacon about long-term survivors. Pat among them. OK, we can handle this, I thought ... Pat's passing shakes me to the core. God's speed to you, Pat, and all the multiple myeloma survivors.
Godspeed Pat. My deepest sympathies to Pattie and family.
I am so very sad to hear this news. May Pat’s wife, family, friends, and virtual friends in the myeloma community find peace and comfort in the knowledge that his life touched so many people in such a generous, kind, and positive way. Rest in peace, Pat.
Needless to say I am in total shock when I first read it. I thought I was dreaming could not believe it is real. He was so hopeful with the last double stem cell transplant and so looking forward to a few good years. A great and wonderful man's life cut too short. My heart and prayers go out to Patti and his family. I know we all feel like family and especially felt Pat a part of ours. Heaven has just welcomed a wonderful, kind, and loving man who is finally pain free and can now live in peace. God Speed Pat.
Pat's passing has been very hard for me to take. He was so full of life and the willingness to fight and blaze the trail for the rest of us. He went so incredibly fast that it was really hard to prepare for. Many with multiple myeloma have time to sort their affairs out before the end. Pat really did not and was planning for his annual beach party in April. The stress of the second stem cell transplant along with the consolidation treatment turned out to be more than his body could handle. It was a risk he was aware of, but both he and Pattie thought worth it. Unfortunately it did not work out. I don't think anyone could have expected this type of result. There is a special place in heaven for Pat Killingsworth.
My sincere sympathy to the family. One more indication that multiple myeloma is so fragile. One day at a time and be grateful for each day. May God bless you all.
For you Pattie, and your children, thank you for sharing Pat with us. May God be with you at this sorrowful time.
Julia
Aloha No Pat!
You were my inspiration for becoming a writer at the Beacon. You provided me with an honest guiding light about what this disease really was and how it might really affect me.
More importantly, you inspired me to do more than just be a passive victim. The power of sharing with others what we are going through so that they may better understand will live on beyond you and me.
I am very sad and a little bit scared of going on without you, but I will do it! Your family should be very proud!
I'll see you in heaven!
I am heartbroken. I have read Pat diligently since my husband was diagnosed with myeloma. He has helped me get through so many days of worry. I cried when I read the news. My sincere sympathy goes to his caregiver Patti, who supported him through this journey. Rest in Peace Pat – you were truly loved.
Our deepest sympathy to Pat's wife and family. We enjoyed reading his columns. So sorry to hear about him passing. May he rest in peace.
Our sympathy,
Rosalie & Joe
This disease sucks. Most of us with this illness will die before our time. Pat knew this. He wrote his story, our story, my story, with great courage, wit, and compassion. He will be missed.
Very sorry to read this. Bit of a shock, since I've been reading his words for years, detailing his fight against this illness. R.I.P. Pat
I was so hoping that with reading remission Pat would've gotten more time to live and enjoy life. I'm very thankful to Pat for writing his column. He reminded me so much of my husband, who is still battling myeloma after 13 years. As the wife of a myeloma survivor, I would look to Pat's column for hope, inspiration, and ideas on how to beat this. My heart aches for his family and friends who mourn such a terrible loss. God bless Pat! Godspeed!
I cried when I read that Pat Killingsworth is gone from this world. His columns were amazing and so helpful to so many. I felt that I knew him!
He truly made a difference. There is an old Irish saying that, translated, says "His likes will not be here again." That sums it up.
Sincere sympathy to Pattie on your great loss from a fellow recent multiple myeloma widow.
What a sad outcome after such courage and perseverance. We will miss you, Pat.
You left us so suddenly Mr. Killingsworth. The sensitization that you have brought to the world about multiple myeloma and life with it, shall remain indelible. Thank you.
I am the wife of a myeloma man and have read Pat's column for several years. What a fountain of knowledge he was! I am so sorry that he left us way too soon. Pattie is to be commended for her generosity in sharing her husband with the multiple myeloma community. I am also a daughter of a brave woman who suffered from this terrible disease and died before the new treatments were available, and who suffered with multiple fractures. Pat was so understanding and wrote all the write words when he communicated with me. Thank you, Pat Killingsworth, for your life. Someday we will meet in person. Sleep warm my friend. Love, Nancy
The news of Pat passing away is so tragic. He was such a wonderful author about multiple myeloma (which I also have), and the knowledge that I learned is invaluable. He will be missed greatly missed by your family and all of his multiple myeloma family. God Bless him and his family.
Pat's passing is like losing an old friend, so much of what my husband I learned was from Pat. He was a pioneer for us that paved the way through some of the darkest times in our myeloma journey, I will miss reading him. God rest your soul Pat, the Angels hold you now!
My condolences to his family, he was so brave. RIP Pat
February 13, 2016
IN MEMORIUM
Pat Killingsworth was not satisfied with simply visiting us throughout his journey in our world of multiple myeloma. He was here to make his mark, committed to making our shared realm of living with serious illness a better place. He was, in fact, for the rest of us, a gracious and generous host, a role model, a mentor, and an energetic champion of the “cure myeloma” mission we hold onto so tenaciously in common.
Pat’s acts of kindness, good deeds, and footprints of stewardship are virtually everywhere. His dedicated virtual DNA is archived in annals of advocacy.
Pat’s absence from the life as we have known him is now merely physical. His spirit will remain a driving force for so many individuals, particularly those living with myeloma or in the midst of myeloma, caregivers, and educators, as well as MM advocacy and support teams and the advancement of awareness.
Pat and I had barely scratched the surface of forming any bond as distant "myelomates." However, the simple, brief exchanges we did make, in addition to the vast offerings of his writings, publications, and appearances, struck chords with me that will resonate for as long as I survive. That synergy with him has enlightened and informed me and enriched my existence as a being.
Pat is now in regal total remission, in fact, permanently cured. May his spirit be clonally infused into each and every one of us, replete with its unlimited options and opportunities for open, honest conversations, mindfulness, education, and proactive engagement in disease system management, treatment, advocacy, and honoring Pat’s presences, including as our honorary drum major leading the parade of progress, promise, and victory.
In loving gratitude,
Jan Martin Bopp
Pat:
Congrats on a life well lived. I am blessed that you found your way to the Myeloma Beacon and shared your life here. I have found much encouragement for myself and my bride, who has multiple myeloma. Thank you for your courage and care.
My sincere sympathy to Pat's wife and family. He was such a positive force for good in the multiple myeloma community. On a personal note, his column was the first one I read on the Beacon when I was diagnosed in 2013, and it was such an inspiration - honest about the illness and also hopeful and strong. I'll never forget him.
Thank you, Beacon staff, for writing a tribute to Pat that recognizes his contributions and his wonderful gift for reaching others and helping them.
I'm so so so sadenned by this news. I'm at a loss for words. God bless your family.
I have followed Pat since the week after my husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 3 years ago. Finding the Beacon was a kind of lifeline for me. I was so desperate for good information and didn't know where to turn. The first time I saw his picture and read his article, I was hooked. He wrote from his heart and in an understandable way. I don't know if it is like this with most couples, but Dave has left most of the research to me. I have learned much from Pat and will miss his nuggets of wisdom. I know I will continue to look for his articles. It's just really hard to believe he is gone.
Good bye dear friend, we have all lost an irreplaceable myeloma treasure. We loved you man! Keep Smiling down on us!
Rest in peace Pat, your sharing gave me the peace of mind to understand that it is quality, not quantity of time we have in this world. Your honesty, caring, affection spread to all of us in this community and I am so blessed to have found your writings and that of many other courageous people in this forum. Thank you for being a part of my life.
We are so sad to hear of Pat's passing. He was a true Beacon for us when David was diagnosed out of the blue with no symptoms in 2010. David had been feeling fine as always with no symptoms when after an annual exam his doctor called to say he needed to see a hematologist. We were totally blindsided. We'd never heard of the disease and when we went in our panic to do research there was the Beacon and Pat. Pat was someone who had been there, was there and was sharing everything about his journey. He led us along, he educated us, and he was a friend. He was a Light in the Darkness for us. We will never for get him. Our hearts go out to his wife Patti and to the entire myeloma community, which has lost a true hero.
Pat was the reason I came to this site. I discovered it while searching for nutritional supplements and diet info. I am coming up on 2 years since I was diagnosed. Didn't really alter my diet until I got a toxic reaction to Cipro and my doctors decided to disconnect instead of offering advice and support. Kind of takes the "care" out of "health care." We have to share the responsibility for what we put into our bodies. You might take Revlimid 1 time a day but food is chemo 3 to 6 times a day, and what you choose to put into yourself should be well thought out. I am reclaiming my body after the Velcade and ciprofloxacin caused havoc. Dex has also damaged me mentally and physically. But through the help of a good naturopathic and lots of research online you can inform yourself to keep the body functioning as long as possible. Pat was a shining example of a patient who took matters into his own hands and lived way beyond the expectancy. He was tough and intelligent. It's a big blow to me to know he is gone.
Great article by the Beacon Staff and moving comments by all. I was going to use the same word that Gary P used a couple of posts above - irreplaceable - to describe Pat.
Pat's work and service for myeloma was exceptional and outstanding. He carried a torch for all of us. A true champion. He will be sorely missed. May a cure be found.
Our hero. A great friend. We will miss him immensely while our family journeys now the myeloma road. There is a void, an emptiness, and now a vulnerability that we feel without him. I wish we could go back and change what has happened, but we can't. So we will be brave and carry on like he did. Some day we will win. We are so close. We will have a cure. Let us all pray, some day soon.
We were all shocked by the great contrast between Pat’s relief at being myeloma free, his hope of gaining more than a year or two of “precious life,” and his sudden death.
Heartfelt condolences to his family, who lost such a brave and generous man.
Like so many others, I will greatly miss Pat and the wonderful column he wrote. Because of Pat I have begun to better understand the challenges we face when multiple myeloma is diagnosed. He brought information and understanding about multiple myeloma in ways my doctors could not. He spoke as the informed patient, telling us about his experiences and the many options he (and we) will probably face. Thank you for sharing and caring. May you rest in peace with the knowledge that you did make a difference.
After my mum was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the Beacon and particularly Pat’s columns have been such a constant source of strength, bravery and hope. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Pat.
“for life's not a paragraph
and death i think is no parenthesis”
e.e. cummings
We will miss Pat, whose writings in the Beacon inspired us to fight on. An exceptional person. Our condolences to his family. God Bless.
It is snowing in my heart.
A huge loss for all of us who grew to love Pat. I am at such a loss for words right now. Pat will always be in my heart. I wrote to him once over the years, and I will never forget that he replied. He replied to every one who wrote to him. He was that special!
"I LOVE YOU PAT" ... R.I.P.
I am deeply saddened by Pat's passing. As was the case with many people, I knew Pat through his writing – his intelligent, honest, courageous thoughts and the encouragement he gave to all of us in this community. My thoughts are with his family at this time of loss.
I will remember him with the deepest respect and affection.
I'm overwhelmed by the news. The tributes and outpouring are well deserving Pat, the steward of the multiple myeloma journey. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the multiple myeloma community.
I'm just reading this sad news today (February 18th). Pat was a wonderful guy, and was so extremely inspirational and helpful to my family when my sister started her multiple myeloma journey a number of years back. Our condolences to Pat's wife, and to all of his family and friends.
I always love to read Pat's columns and his comments. They gave me the knowledge of the disease. I was so happy when I read his last column that he said he was myeloma free. This was so unexpected sad news, he will surely be missed.
RIP Pat. My condolences to his wife and family.
Thanks, Pat, for helping me negotiate this journey. You were like a friend even though I never met you. Your writing, my support group. You will be missed. You fought fearlessly. Warrior like. For the cause of many, with a kind heart. If heaven exists, you belong their!
Shocked and saddened to hear this news. What a bright and loving soul was he, a true beacon of light for the entire multiple myeloma community.
Peace be with Pat and Patti and to all of us as we continue to love and support one another.