In Memory of...TJ Swan aka Joseph Carter III
A talented musician, performer, music producer, prolific songwriter, educator, composer, sommelier and chef who shared his talents with the world passed away on May 30th. TJ/Joe's wishes were for his friends, family and fans to support Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumors [GIST] research and the good work of Dr. Ronald DeMatteo. This page has been created to honor TJ's wishes and raise funds directly for Dr. DeMatteo's research at Memorial Sloan Kettering. After TJ was diagnosed with GIST back in October of 2010, we were fortunate enough to find Dr. DeMatteo. In his own words... "Dr. DeMatteo - an amazing surgeon...I am truly blessed".
This rare form of cancer has no cure. Treatment is medication and surgery. Chemo and Radiation are not effective. Only research like the work of Dr. DeMatteo will help find a cure and enhanced treatment.
Treatment comes in many forms. It's not just about the disease, it's about the whole person. TJ's mind, body and soul was treated by Dr. DeMatteo. For those of you that knew TJ, his ability to connect with all differnet kinds of people, all over the place, was a true talent [one of many TJ possessed]. He connected with Dr. Dematteo in a way that went beyond the physical treatment. The tremedous respect and trust TJ had for Dr. DeMatteo went beyond patient and physician. In TJ's own words.... "without Dr. DeMatteo I would not have survived the first surgery". "He saved my life and for that I am grateful". This allowed TJ to create so much more music for all of us to enjoy. I can remember the conversations in the doctor's office that always put his mind at ease. Dr. DeMatteo always treated the whole person, body mind and soul. During his last visit, a month ago he was tumor free and ready to make more music......
Many of the most important breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment have been brought to light at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and none of that progress would have been possible without support from people like you.
This page has been created to help fund GIST research and Dr. DeMatteo's Research Lab. All of the funds raised will go directly to help advance treatment of this horrible disease, GIST.
All of you have impacted TJ's life in one way, or another. He was deeply loved by many and his essence and physical self will be missed everyday. However, his legacy lives on in our hearts and minds and in his music and our memories. A little piece in all of us is missing since his passing on May 30th.
I hope you will be as generous as you can to help put funds in the hands of people that can make a change and while TJ has moved on to another dimension, perhaps we can help others impacted by this horrible disease.
"Love wins in the end"......Thank you!
Love...love...love Liz
BTW If you are sending a check please make a reference to TJ Swan or Joseph Carter in the Memo
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