This is the first post on what I sincerely hope will be a long journey of information sharing and help people navigate through their battles with cancer. Be it as patient or a loved one dealing with the trials that are borne out of that. This site will be built by hackers who have dealt with cancer to share information for the benefit of us all.

One year ago today our world was turned upside down.

On Facebook I shared this message,

My wife, Diana, was diagnosed with leukemia today.

That was a calmer reaction than my missive on Twitter earlier that day. It was a hellacious year in no uncertain terms. I was drained trying to take care of my three year old daughter, work a full time job and support my wife who was in a hospital bed for months.

On July 19th I wrote this,

Where do I begin. Thursday morning (July 14th) I was having breakfast with my daughter. I dropped her off at her daycare and then I received the call that my wife had been diagnosed with leukemia.

There really aren’t any words to describe the feeling one endures from a sucker punch like that.

I am typically a rather private person, no really. But, I felt an urge to share that with anyone I could. I needed support and wow, did it ever come pouring in. For that, I am eternally grateful. Between friends and the security community I was blown away by the response. Thank you all.

We got through it. Most importantly, my wife is now in full remission.

She was able to beat her leukemia.

We weren’t able to do this alone. Without the support of so many great people we would have been lost. We would like to thank the James, Jackie and the entire Arlen family who swooped in and helped when we didn’t even know which way was up. Thanks to the Thornhill boys Shines, Cheech, Dusty, Warden and Rhino and their families. Thank you to the group of ladies I affectionately refer to as the “Mummy Mafia” for the nonstop parade of meals. Thank you to Rich Mogull, Mike Rothman and Adrian Lane at Securosis, to Alex Hutton, Jennifer Leggio, Bill Brenner, AMD, Nick Selby for their support and the countless others that reached out to offer a hand or a chance to chat.

This experience was hell. I will not candy coat it. But, my wife fought and she won.

Today my wife posted this message,

Remembering today, exactly a year ago, I was diagnosed with Leukemia…

My life turned upside down. It was one hell of a ride but, even in the darkest moments there was no doubt in my heart that I will win this fight. I have learned so much through this journey but the one thing that has profound meaning to me now is how precious life truly is….

Thank you all for all the prayers and support that you have given me and my family. You know who you are! I couldn’t have done this without YOU!!!

Never give up hope. As a community we can lean on each other for support during the dark times and celebrate in our victories.

We are one.

(Image used under CC from ~*Gillian*~)