Bob's Story

Thanks Mom for sharing this story...

In 1965 Bob Masson, my husband of only two years, was diagnosed with Leukemia. He was twenty-seven years old.

Bob was the youngest of four brothers. He loved old cars; one that he especially adored was a 1925 Chevrolet in perfect condition that he paid $200 for. He loved Harley motorcycles and taught me to love them too. He liked to cook, especially Italian dishes and he was very good at it too, coming from an Italian family. In the late 1950’s he was in the Army, stationed in Germany near the Berlin Wall. I remember him saying what a difficult time it was for him.

Bob owned a car repair and paint shop, employing 10 men. He was very proud of this business. I distinctly remember that whenever I entered the shop all the foul language had to cease because he wouldn’t allow anyone to curse or swear in my presence - his wife’s presence.

To tell you the truth, I had no idea what Leukemia even was, other than some terrible illness. We put our faith in the doctors, that they could find a cure for him. In the early 60's no one talked so openly about the Big C. Families might have talked about it because they were directly affected, as all families are in this situation.

Bob and I had faith that the doctors were doing everything they could. Research was being done in a Boston hospital and they asked for blood and tissue samples for their research. We agreed and from the Veteran’s Hospital where Bob was a patient, these researchers came and talked with us. I know that these doctors did everything they could to save his life.

After a month of all kinds of tests, we were told by our doctors he had very rare form of Leukemia with the possibility of only six months to live. Shock and devastation set in.

Bob lived for another two years. The doctors were very surprised because only the elderly were known to get this form of Leukemia. To tell you the truth, I had no idea what Leukemia was. We put our faith in the doctors, that they could cure him. In the early 60’s no one talked so openly about the Big C. Families talked about it but it was a private family matter.

Bob and I had faith that the doctors were doing everything they could. Research was being done in a Boston hospital and they asked for Blood and Tissue samples for their research. We agreed and from the Veteran’s Hospital where Bob was a patient, these researchers came and talked with us. I know that these doctors did everything they could to save his life.

Bob lived to see his twenty-ninth year. He lived two years longer than expected. Throughout his illness we both had hope that researchers and doctors would find something that would cure him. We never gave up hope. I have faith that from Bob’s donations of blood the research moved that much closer to a cure.

Eventually, Bob had to stop working and I became the breadwinner. I worked third-shift in a factory, lifting 19 lb TV tubes from one conveyer belt to another. This gave me time in the day and early evening hours to be with him. It was difficult for him to see how his illness took its toll on me. I lost weight and had dark shadows under my eyes all the time. Despite his illness he never stopped being concerned for me and my wellbeing.

I can’t tell you how frightened, scared and overwhelmed I was throughout Bob’s illness, watching this once strong energetic man, waste away. We, the survivors, have to be strong and somewhere we do find the strength, be it faith, family and/or friends to go on, and so I did. With me during those traumatic years, were my mother and a few good friends, like Harv and Nancy.

The anguish and pain has disappeared over the years, but the memories of that wonderful man never will. Every year since Bob’s death, I have donated to this research knowing; someday they will find a cure.

It gives me such pride and inner joy that my daughter Jenny is actively doing something to aid in this research, not only for her friend Molly and her cousin Jay but for all whose lives are affected by this disease. Thanks to all who have donated for such a worthy cause. This CAN and WILL BE DEFEATED!

Jenny’s mother – Bonnie (Masson) Halstead