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A Second Chance

My name is Guy Alexander. I am a member of Garrettsville Lodge #246. In September of 1997, I received the news that no one wants to hear. I had cancer, Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia to be exact, or for short, CLL.

It’s a slow growing cancer, and had been manageable for almost 22 years with chemotherapy. Then I received the news that a blood component was falling, and no matter what was tried, kept falling back. I was referred to University Hospital in Cleveland where I was told I was developing MDS, which turns to a more deadly form, and my only option if I wanted to live more than 2 years, was a stem cell transplant.

After months of testing, I was determined to be an excellent candidate for the procedure. It was the toughest thing I’ve ever done! And then, through fellow brethren, the Grand Lodge of Ohio, along with my local Lodge, Royal Arch, Eastern Star, the Ohio Masonic Home, and Scottish Rite Masonry, all heard of my plight and stepped in to assist me in this long, arduous and extremely expensive procedure. Without the help of my fellow Brethren and Freemasonry, the burden would have been much worse. Thank you, brethren and companions, for your kindness and support of a fellow Mason. My family and I thank you!

Another interesting thing is that a few of my doctors were Master Masons and I had the honor, from my bed, to sponsor another physician to the 1 day class in Painesville on May 18. I’m proud to call myself a Master Mason and be a part of this wonderful organization!

Sincerely,

Guy T. Alexander