Friday, April 04, 2014


My beloved soulmate, David, died on March 6.

I'll post details when I'm emotionally able.

Marilyn                       
         

63 comments:

Jan Francoeur - Paintings - Pottery - Mosaics said...

Oh Marilyn we are so sorry.

Unknown said...

May he rest in peace

Anonymous said...

Marilyn I'm so very sorry, thinking of you. David will be missed by so many, there had not been a day since my diagnosis two years ago when I have not checked in on him to see how he is doing. He was an inspiration. So very sorry for your loss.

Deborah in Melbourne

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Anonymous said...

Marilyn, I'm so sorry. I've been reading this blog since my own CLL diagnosis in 2011 and was always rooting for him. I appreciate him sharing his experiences and have learned a lot. He was blessed to have you by his side through all of this.

Anonymous said...

Dear Marilyn ,
I'd like to tell you how much David's CLL Diary gave me information ,inspiration , courage , and , yes,good cheer.
God bless and Godspeed to David , and many and grateful thanks to you , Marilyn ,for sharing him with us in the CLL community.
Peace x
Love x

Anonymous said...

Marilyn,
My heart goes out to you in your loss. You have been an amazing partner and support for David, who in turn has been such a luminary in our CLL world.
Sending loving thoughts to you. Aloha 'oe, David.

Lynn Samuels

Anonymous said...

Marilyn, so sorry to hear this news. David and his blog were instrumental in guiding me along my own CLL journey. His blog was one of the very first I found after my diagnosis - I am so glad I did.

His humor, wit, and unflinching view of his disease enlightened many who are traveling the same path.

Thank you for supporting him and being his caregiver.

Jeff Meskey, Utah.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this news...I don't know you Marilyn, nor did I know David - although, like many others, I regularly checked into this blog since being diagnosed with CLL three years ago. I found it inspiring in its combination of energy, optimism, intelligence and realism. From work I have done researching the CLL community online, I know that others did too. He will be missed Marilyn, and you will be thought of by CLLers across the globe in your loss. Much love. Julia, UK x

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this sad news.pls write details when you feel yourself better.May he rest in peace.
Tuna

Anonymous said...

Marilyn,

David was a man who helped people he did not even know. What a legacy he has left in this world. All of those who benefited from his story will feel adrift without his insight and his shining example of courage, which somehow made us stronger.

My heart goes out to you, and my thoughts are with you as you navigate this world without him.

Brenda Breeland

Anonymous said...

Absolutely crushing news, and so unexpected by me. Marilyn, David was as brave as any soldier in combat, and has literally been fighting for his life, both physically and mentally, every day for so long now. And he has continually inspired his followers to do the same. I grew to love David, though I never met him. But his kindness, humanity, and courage could not be missed - but now they will be.

Denny

Terry P. said...

Marilyn…David's blog offered me so much comfort, humor and information. His kindness and courage will be forever remembered.
He was like a lifeline at my initial diagnosis in 2012. Thank you both for all you have
done for so many.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I always enjoyed David's posts, his updates, knowledge and humor. My very best to his family.

Jan

Anonymous said...

Marilyn ,I am so sorry for your loss, was not expecting to hear this sad news so soon . David`s blog was and still is the best for cll info.(and everything else) You must be heartbroken now, may God give you strength to get through this difficult time. Praying for you and David. Andrew (Ireland)

Skullgal said...

Dear Marilyn,
I am so very sorry for your loss. David's journey was a great source of hope and reassurance for me since my diagnosis. My heart goes out to you and I will of course have you in my thoughts. May David RIP.

Anonymous said...


Dear Marilyn,

No words only tears

RIP Great Warrior David

Anonymous said...

Marilyn I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my husband last year to CLL/ Richter's transformation.
My thoughts and prayers to you.
KN

Anonymous said...

Marilyn, I am shocked and saddened by David's passing. David's blog was inspirational and helped me no end. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Michael (Australia)

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss.
I only discovered this blog today and I immediately bookmarked it.
I was diagnosed just over a year ago with CLL.
DPS

Anonymous said...

My husband and I are very sorry to read of your loss, Marilyn. David's writing has been a source of information and inspiration for my husband who was diagnosed 18 months ago. David's blog will continue to be a font of knowledge, written so comprehensively with his marvelous talent and I'm sure it help many others seeking answers on how to face this disease. Our thoughts and hearts are with you,

Annie and Tony, Australia

Unknown said...

Marilyn---I am so very sad for the loss of David. I know you need time to deal with this. There are no words. My heart flies to you.
All my love
Jenny Lou

Anonymous said...

Marilyn - What a wonderful man you married and I am too grateful to have read his on-of-a-kind posts on this blog. My heart and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

This morning I was choking back tears for a man I didn't know but knew how courageous his fight was against his own cancer at the same time being an inspiration to others. David, thank you for that as my husband was diagnosed with CLL Oct 2011. Marilyn, thank you for being my inspiration as I am the support to my husband. Please take care and find comfort in knowing David touched the lives of so many CLLers...Love from Buffalo, NY

Anonymous said...

Marilyn,

I am so sorry for your loss. He was such an inspiration to so many and he will be missed.

Please accept my deepest condolences.

Anonymous said...

Marilyn,
I am so sorry for your loss. To see your post that David had passed away came as a total shock. I simply sat with a pit in my stomach and a sadness for a man I never knew personally. But through his humor and courage to share his CLL journey with all of us CLLers, I felt I knew him. Certainly he would be telling me to never give up, and I won't. God Bless David for sharing his life with all of us. It has made my (our) journey(s) so much easier.

May his memory be eternal!

Mark

Anonymous said...

Marilyn, (She Who Fights Insurance Companies)
I usually begin my day by checking in with David to see if he has posted anything new. When my husband was dx in 2011, I found David and loved his writing style. I will miss his writing very much. Give us some details of what went wrong when you are able. His last post was so positive and hopeful. I am very sorry for you loss, you were a great help and comfort to him.

Anonymous said...

I will miss him. Thanks, David, for sharing with us.

Unknown said...

I found David's Blog early in my journey and found a kindred spirit and marveled at the eloquence of his ability to write and truly communicate what it was like to dance with the CLL Bear. It was devastating to hear of his RT and now this...!

I am humbled by David's journey, not only in the way he lived or navigated through it but in his humanity of spirit that he so generously shared with us all. What more can we say than He fought well, lived well and our hearts can only go out to Marilyn and those who were close to him for their loss and ours as a community.

Rest, David, without the burden of your long struggle as now your spirit can truly soar untethered to the anchor of disease.

WWW

Anonymous said...

Marilyn

I want to let you know that I found David's blog post on your visit to the cancer park in Santa Rosa the week I was diagnosed with CLL and thyroid cancer. I felt an instant connection and found comfort in his words at a difficult and confusing time. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm thankful for all David shared. I hope you find comfort knowing the energy he shared helps many of us.

JB

Anonymous said...

Marilyn;

Words are little consolation, but David's contributions and spirit will live on.

I hope that knowing what a difference he made (and continues to make) in so many lives brings you comfort and peace as time goes on.

Thank you for sharing all along, and for letting us know about the sad news.

Mike Abrams

Unknown said...

So many tears, Marilyn. I loved this guy in the electronic way that so many else did.
May his memory be for a blessing.

Sherry Gardner

Anonymous said...

My most sincere sympathy to you and all of your family for the loss of this wonderful person and courageous trailblazer who inspired all of us. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my appreciation.

BETTY

Anonymous said...

I have been traveling the CLL journey with David's guidance and inspiration for many years. His absence is like a hole in my soul. He wrote of you, Marilyn, with such love. He used his gifts for the benefit of so many of us.

He and I emailed periodically with our mutual love of classical music and our similar political views. David was a true "mensch," and he will not be forgotten. My heart goes out to you for the loss of such a wonderful soul-mate.

Helen from Illinois

Dennis B said...

So sorry to hear about David. My thoughts are with you Marilyn.
Dennis Bayer
Sausalito, CA

Kathy in Ohio said...

I am sorry for your loss. David's blog gave me much comfort and information. I appreciate how he shared his journey. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to your family.

Brian Koffman said...

Marilyn,

So sorry to hear of your loss. David's blog was always a source of strength and wisdom.

He will be missed by many from near and far.

Brian

bkoffman.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

What an unexpected and devastating loss!

I've followed his journey since it started on his blog.

When you are able, please expand on what happened. He may continue to help us even when he is gone.

My condolences

Scott

Anonymous said...

Dear Marilyn,

I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. David's blog was truly an inspiration for living despite this disease and your love and support helped him through. I only came to it recently as my mum has richters and has relapsed after CHOP - OR. We are in a difficult place and I was really rooting for David. Thank you to him and yourself for helping and inspiring so many people in a dark place. Thinking of you.
Vicki

John Wagner said...

Marilyn,
Only this morning did I read of this. I am so deeply saddened. David was one of the first people to reach out to me when I was first diagnosed in early 2005. He inspired, encouraged, and educated me. I followed his blog from the start. His love for you, and from what he often wrote of you for him, was deep and one of those rare relationships that can be honestly be described as soul-mates.

There are no words I can offer to ease your pain. Just know that I and many others just send our love to you.

Anonymous said...

May I also offer my condolences to you and David's family. What an incredible human being and writer. He will be missed the world over.
Sharon

Anonymous said...

So so sorry. David's blog gave hope and intelligent advice to all CLL patients including me who has had CLL for 15 years.
Michael Sweig
OC CA

Anonymous said...

Marilyn,
I am so sorry about David. Everyone's comments echo mine. You have been a great strength to him and he has always been so supportive, brave and helpful to other with CLL.
My prayers to you and your families. He will be missed.

Janeen
Franklin, WI

Anonymous said...

Marilyn,
My heart is with you. His commitment to the CLL community was deeply appreciated. His blog was a great educational and supportive source for us all.

Anonymous said...

Marylyn,
I am deeply saddened by your loss, and the loss to the CLL community. When my wife was first diagnosed with CLL in 2010, I found this blog, and read it, starting with his first posting. I admired the intelligence, heart, courage, grace, wit, and aplomb he showed as he confronted this nasty, relentless, shape-shifting disease. He was a wonderful communicator, and for me, his narrative humanized the struggle better than any other person I have read. Your lives have touched all of our hearts. May he rest in peace, and may you find comfort in his loving memory.
-Barry

Anonymous said...

Maryilyn:

Very sad to hear of your loss, You and Your Family and Friends are in our thoughts.

A.E.Sturnacle

beth said...

Marilyn,
I am so sorry to hear this news. David was of such big help to my friend Gene. When Gene got CLL, I googled the heck out of it and found David's blog. And much to my surprise, I learned that we were all UC Santa Cruz grads! I wrote him immediately and he took the time to set us on the right path. As a direct result of David's advice, Gene was able to 1) get a real scientist doctor, 2) avoid FCR (which his cardiologist later said would have killed him), and 3) actively and proactively manage the CLL. We owe such much to David and how he lived his life. Plus, he was a damn good writer…definitely a Banana Slug!! You are in our thoughts. Beth

Anonymous said...

No one deserved to beat this more than David. Deeply though I mourn this loss, I know for certain his spirit is with us forever. David set me on the path of CLL knowledge years ago when I was bewildered and facing my transplant. Thank you David. I will never forget. Rest in peace.

Bob Larkin

Gary Elrod said...

Dear Marlyn. We are so sorry to hear about David's passing. Please know David has helped so many with his fight and his experiences and wisdom had become a very important part of my wife's Cll fight. Love and blessings to you and your family.

Gary E.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, Marilyn. As many others have said, David was a great inspiration. Ever since my own diagnosis, two years ago, he provided knowledge, humor, and yes, hope. All the best to you and my fellow cll'rs. David will be remembered!

AM

Chonette said...

I have been away for the whole of winter without reading any digest and today I just saw the sad news of David passing away.
It makes me feel so terribly sad to read this news.
I have very fond memories of him in my early years living with CLL, he did so much to help me and was always an inspiration, my thoughts are with you Marilyn in these very sad times.
Chonette Taylor

716tj said...

Words are inadequate at a time like this. As for so many others, David was an inspiration to me and an example of how to live with CLL. I never met him but I so admired his indomitable spirit. May your memories comfort you.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I started following David's blog when my uncle was diagnosed with CLL and found your husband's ability and willingness to share his experiences with others heartwarming. I have continued to check in on his blog to see how he has been doing and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with you.

Pam said...

Dear Marilyn
I was on vacation when the news of David's death was announced. Now that I am home I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Like the other members of the CLL List,I am sad that we have lost another member of our CLL family. Whilst I was in France I lit a candle at Sacred Coeur for all the members of the CLL List and the families of those we have lost. You were foremost in my thoughts at that moment.
Pam Peterson

Anonymous said...

Words cannot describe my sorrow. I have been reading his blog since 2005 and he was a wonderful inspiration. May G-D rest his soul. I a so sorry Marilyn. He was a great man and helped so many. Its hard to express how sad I am. He is in a better place

Anonymous said...

So very sorry to hear about David, I followed his blog since getting my own leukemia almost 5 years ago. My heart goes out to you! R.I.P. David, I'll see you soon....

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry to hear about David. I have been reading his blog for a few years now. My heart goes out to you!

Mireille

David R said...

My sincerest condolences. David’s blog and Terry Hamblin’s were the most useful things I found on the internet when I was first diagnosed with CLL over two years ago. It feels like I lost two very good friends in a short space of time even though I never met either of them in person.

Anonymous said...

Dear Marilyn My deepest sympathy to you and your family. David was such an inspiration to so many of us. My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Dorothy from Colorado

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you. I always wished to know my Uncle better.
ian

Rick Reyna said...

Sorry to hear about David. I have not read his post since March 1st of this year. He has always given me hope since I found out about my CLL two years ago. I just hope I can last as long as he did. I am just like him and that I am not ready go yet either.

Anonymous said...

Dear Marilyn, I am so very sorry for your loss of your soulmate, David. My husband was diagnosed with CLL in 2009, and I often come here to read David's blog. It took my breath away when I read your post this evening. My heart goes out to you. I wish you strength and healing peace. Cathy from Ohio

Anonymous said...

Such a huge loss to the CLL community! I have read his blog since I was diagnosed last July. He was so enthusiastic about his research of the disease. I had prayed he would get his transplant. I am so deeply saddened by your loss. His love for you was so inspirational and the fond memories of David will get you thru this. Betty from Texas