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DEC 17, 2009

It wasn't just a phone call. It was a turning point.

It was a down day in which my brother wasn't answering his phone. And even though that day he didn't recognize your number, for some reason he answered yours. 

And so it was to be. Two guys-two strangers-on the phone thousands of miles apart and worlds away...but with an understanding of a what a real fight is like...when you're fighting for your life. Each day a blessing but a curse with the pain, uncertainty and fear that looms when you have a rare illness. An illness few have and even fewer could even begin to understand.

Your understanding, your words of affirmation about the pain and suffering, your coaching to question, to research and to fight were just what he needed. It meant the most because you spoke from experience-you were the one person that really had been there...and knew what it would take to see him through his fight against MDS.

You lifted him up that day. You told him that he would make it...and maybe you were the first outside our family to do so. And he has...your phone call last summer was a real gift Eric. Several times, my brother has privately acknowledged what your phone call, support and prayers meant to him-to his survival.

The monies donated to research - important. The press needed to drive funding and interest in illnesses-essential. A survivor calling another in the midst of a battle for their life to say, "Yes, you can." - priceless. 

As Mother Theresa said, "If you can't feed a hundred, then just feed one." You fed one that day Eric. You helped to save my brother's life.

Glenn, his wife, Kirsten, his boys, Chad and Chase (twins, 8), my parents Glenn and Jane Jernigan and I...are sincerely grateful for that important call and your on-going support for Glenn and the many others in the midst of their own battles. And all, while fighting your own.

Thanks for your gracious gift of supporting others through your foundation and your personal touch to assure so many that they never fight alone...

And prayers for your own health and recovery...

Thanks so very, very much!

Lisa Black (Glenn Jernigan's sister)
Tampa, FL