First of all I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit my Castleman Warrior page. This cause is extremely important to me and my family; I was diagnosed with Multicentric Castlemans Disease (MCD) in 2003 and my life was changed forever. Living with a rare disease has opened my eyes to a new set of challenges that many individuals face every day. Limited resources, accessibility to care, and approved therapies for treatment are just a few of many challenges to overcome.

Shortly after I was diagnosed with MCD, family and friends in my local community came together to create an non-profit organization, Castleman's Awareness and Research Effort (CARE). Our goal was to provide seed funds to support a Castleman Disease research laboratory at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas. Over the next few years CARE held a number fundraisers and worked to raise awareness in our community. On April 28, 2009 CARE accomplished its inspirational goal with the official dedication of the Gregory R. Pacheco Castleman Disease Research Laboratory at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas. Now with a new goal to accelerate research and treatment for Castleman Disease, CARE introduced the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN), a global network of physicians, researchers and patients.

Its hard for me to believe I have been living with Castleman Disease since 2003. At the time I was diagnosed the prognosis was a survival rate of two years. Since then I have been on an experimental drug therapy and am living proof that you can live with the disease--not only live but live with a normal quality of life. I have been involved in the Castleman Disease community and found that many others have not been as fortunate as myself. Due to a lot of persistence from my family and friends to keep fighting the disease, I have been given the opportunity to be actively involved with my children's activities and like to think that my involvement will leave a lasting, positive effect on their lives. I hope that one day there will be a cure for Castleman Disease and I will no longer have to live with the thought that the MCD that lives in my body will likely one day rear its ugly head again in my life.

My goal for 2014 is to raise $15,000 to contribute to the Gregory R. Pacheco Castleman Disease Research Laboratory at UAMS. UAMS is often referred to as the leading authority on Castleman Disease with Dr. Frits van Rhee leading the way. Currently the laboratory is conducting research on the cell that progresses Castleman Disease and its debilitating effects. This research will help identify what causes the progression of Castleman Disease, the therapies to treat the disease, and its symptoms. The laboratory staff has been a big part of my life and I'm confident in their dedication and ability to find a cure. Your consideration and support is greatly appreciated.