June 2016 Update

Hello and thank you for visiting my website. My name is Marc Shapiro and I BEAT CANCER!

If you have not been here before I’ll give you the quick version of my story. Scroll down for the more in-depth story. May 11, 2007: I had a bone marrow transplant in the hope to recover from one of the rarest forms of blood cancer, Stage 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. It was in my lungs, bones, blood, and lymph nodes. They didn’t give much of a chance because of the aggressive nature of this disease and since I had an unrelated 8/10 match. Needless to say, I am now fully cancer free for NINE YEARS.  I am so grateful to the individual who selflessly signed up on a worldwide accessible blood marrow donor website. She saved my life. And I am so grateful to the medical profession and the support of family and friends.

I want my website to inspire, educate, and give hope to anyone experiencing cancer or who may have a loved one going through it.  Over the last couple years I have felt stronger than ever.  I married my beautiful wife, Pamela in 2012 and a year ago we welcomed to our family a beautiful baby girl, Aurelia Aline Shapiro.  We are so blessed!   We have just moved into our brand new home and I have been promoted to lieutenant at my fire department.  

There are so many excellent websites out there for people dealing with cancer as well as survivor sites. I have found social media to be an outstanding resource. Facebook offers many groups that are interactive and very supportive. I have posted links to the groups that I belong to in the Facebook Links Section below. Please come and join!!!

And as always, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME with any questions you might have about your journey or the journey of a loved one, or to tell me your story! I will respond. Sending positive thoughts to everyone who visits my site. I want to thank my Aunt Bonnie who coordinated the info for this website.  Thank you to Josie Byington who created the website design, and to Ian Byington who so generously hosts it on his server – Thank you everyone so much for your ongoing caring support and help! 

Facebook links
Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Survivors Club - https://www.facebook.com/bonemarrowstemcelltransplantclub/?fref=ts
Cancer Survivors and supporters - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2214852731/
National Cancer Survivors Day - https://www.facebook.com/CancerSurvivorsDay/?fref=ts
Stand up to Cancer - https://www.facebook.com/su2c/?fref=ts
Bone marrow transplant group - https://www.facebook.com/bone-marrow-transplant-group-13075498063/?fref=ts

 

Marc Shapiro

Previous updates can be viewed in Marc's Archive

 

Photos from the Hospital

Sign the Guestbook Send Marc a message/photo.

This website documents the journey and provides updates on Vancouver airport firefighter Marc Shapiro’s progress in his courageous battle with cancer. We thank his many caring supporters, friends and family members who daily send healing prayers and energy to him. This site is also meant to give useful links to support and encouragement to those who battle cancer and to provide education and information for the families and friends of those who fight cancer. This aspect of the website is very important to Marc and will be an ongoing project.

Please check the Updates section of the website for the most recent news on Marc's progress. Check the Archives section for a brief history of events and previous updates.

Marc's Message

Originally Posted By:  Jesse Tucker on the GiveMeaning website
http://www.givemeaning.com/project/marc/member/13253

23/03/2007

Hello All, it's Marc here...

Well hello all. I know it’s been a while since hearing about the super interesting experience of my life. So I'll try to update you without a long winded story. So up until last month (February) I have been receiving two different types of chemotherapy. One is called CHOP, the other GDP. Both are used for Lymphoma but unfortunately unable to cure my type of cancer. The stem-cell transplant is my cure. Last month I had found a donor and all the appointments were set. I had started preparation for my catheter surgery and radiation size up and so forth. Three days before I was to check into the hospital my donor found out he had a disease that made it impossible for him to be a donor. Unfortunate for me but I feel horrible for this selfless 24 year old male that only wanted to help me and found out he has a incurable disease. On the other note I have found another donor and my transplant date is set for May 10th. As for all the fundraising I can’t say enough. This has made it possible for my mother to come and stay with me through chemo and most of all during my transplant. I will be in the hospital for 4 to 6 weeks and then will need an in house care giver that fortunately will be my mom because she is an RN. This will stop her from working for about 6 months so the money raised really puts our minds at ease. Thank you all so much. I will not be able to return to work for 12 to 16 months depending on my recovery from the transplant but I think I can cut that in half. All in all I am so positive and take this experience as a blessing because I am learning more about myself and others than I ever have. Thanks again for everyone's help. My love goes out to all of you.  Please  keep sending your prayers and healing energy. Lots of love.

Marc

Photos from the Hospital