Hi Everyone!

It has been a few months since I posted so I thought I would provide some recent updates.

Since I last posted, I have left the company I had worked at for over 36 years due to my company being acquired and many positions being eliminated including mine. I have been really enjoying my new found freedom! I do have plans to eventually become a personal trainer so that I can do something I really enjoy which is helping people gain fitness as I have been able to do. I also completed the Road Runners Club of America coaching course to become a better run coach.

Other updates:

I am the event coach for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for the San Diego Marathon with many amazing participants that are also friends of mine! I just got into the Chicago Marathon through the lottery process! I am going to do MCM again in the Fall!

Also, let me give you a few updates on my Alports Syndrome condition:

-I had a follow-up test in February and my kidney function continues to decrease.

-The Dr. Estimates I will most likely need a kidney transplant within 2 years but it will really depend upon my creatinine numbers and how I am feeling. So far, I feel great with no noticeable impact on my physical condition!

-The study nurse tells me that I will get access to the experimental drug to see if it will stop the destruction of the filtering membrane on my kidneys by the end of the year which is great news!

-I go for my next precise blood test to evaluate my current kidney function in May.

-I still have my donor and back-up donors which is so amazing and selfless!

So, overall, pretty optimistic situation!

In the meantime, I will enjoy my new found freedom in this whole new world for me! I will make sure that I do things that I am passionate about and love! After all, you need to live each day to it’s fullest!

Until next time,

Gratefully yours in this whole new world!

I WILL NEVER QUIT!!

Gary