My husband, Bryan Williams, is the head coach of the 11U Thrashers Baseball team.  In September, 2006 he was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia.  In March, 2007 he underwent a bone marrow transplant.  This, in no uncertain terms, was the battle of a lifetime.  We were truly blessed with the support of friends, family and really the entire community in which we live.  As of March of this year, Bryan has been cancer free for four years. 

Bryan has been coaching youth sports for more than 15 years focusing most extensively on softball (when our daughter played), and now baseball, but also volunteering to coach basketball and football. 

I should also mention that one of our assistant coaches, Chris Erickson, is a long-time cancer survivor.  Chris, like Bryan, has devoted many, many hours to coaching over probably the last 15 years.  As a matter of fact, Bryan and Chris grew up playing baseball together.  They even went to the same college to play baseball.  I think the boys are lucky to have two great coaches that care about them and who want to pass on their love for the game.

Bryan and I have spent innumerable hours at the KU Cancer Center and he received excellent treatment there.  We are excited to play in the “Swing for a Cure” tournament and hope that this benefit will go on to be an annual event.