2023 L.I.F.E. Survivor Grant Application is Now Open!
Happy Spring! Each we open the annual LIFE Foundation Survivor Grant to new applicants on the first day of spring, which is today! 🙂 Over the next several months we’ll…
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2022 Recipient Courtney Lin Makinen
Meet Courtney Lin Makinen, a 24-year-old from Oconomowoc, WI with Ewing Sarcoma. Courtney has had a long road. She was first diagnosed back in 2018 at the age of 20.…
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2022 Recipient Jaimylee Buss
Hard to believe it’s been nearly 10 years since Eric left us. Today not only marks his birthday, but it’s also the day that we announce each year the recipient(s)…
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2022 Recipient Nicholas Simpson
Meet Nicholas Simpson, a 22-year-old from River Falls, WI who is a Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing home. Nick was recently diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma and is being treated…
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2021 Recipients: Macullen Schnell and Shelbi Kati
Not only is today Eric’s birthday, but it’s also the day we announce the recipient(s) of our annual LIFE Survivor Grant. This year we received numerous applications from various social…
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2021 L.I.F.E. Survivor Grant Application now open!
The L.I.F.E. Survivor Grant is provided to one young adult each calendar year who is fighting cancer and in a state of financial need. The amount of each grant depends…
Read More Happy Giving Tuesday!
Happy Giving Tuesday, Team LIFE! If you want to donate to a cause today but are unsure how, just click here! With your continued support over the last 17 years,…
Read More L.I.F.E. coordinates with Drew Brees to send message of hope to 19-year-old leukemia patient Anthony Derouen
Anthony Derouen was referred to L.I.F.E. last month. After reviewing his application, we knew we could help. Huge thank you to all of our followers & donors over the years!…
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2020 Recipient – Anthony Derouen
Anthony Derouen, a 19-year-old young man from Calhoun, Louisiana currently battling acute myelogenous leukemia, is this year’s recipient of the L.I.F.E. Survivor Grant. He was referred by his social worker,…
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2020 L.I.F.E. Survivor Grant Application is now open!
The L.I.F.E. Survivor Grant is provided to one young adult each calendar year who is fighting cancer and in a state of financial need. The amount of each grant depends…
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Blood and Marrow Drive on August 24th
We are hosting another blood and marrow drive in honor of Eric on August 24, 2019! Please take a few seconds to sign up at http://bit.ly/lifeaug2019 or by calling 877-232-4376. …
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Support us on Amazon Smile
Did you know that just by visiting the URL smile.amazon.com instead of just amazon.com when making any purchases on Amazon, 0.5% of your dollars can be automatically donated for FREE…
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2019 Recipient: Chris Beeman
Christopher Beeman and his wife Leah have 3 small children. Chris was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2019 and had 8 inches of his shin bone removed and replaced, and…
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Man breaks skydiving record to raise money for cancer patient
Click here for the video on WSMV News 4 Ethan Illers, Digital Content Producer TULLAHOMA, TN (WSMV) – A Tennessee man now holds the record for most jumps out of…
Read More 2019 Recipient – Sienna Howe
Sienna is a 20-year-old woman from Tennessee currently being treated with chemotherapy and radiation for her recently diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Nashville. According to her mother Julie, Sienna has had…
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2018 Recipient – Kate M.
Kate was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and her social worker approached us to help with the cost of copays and transportation.
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Update from the Recipient of Adam’s Marrow Donation
Previously we announced that Adam Genet, a long time supporter of the L.I.F.E. organization, recently became a match for a cancer patient after joining the Bone Marrow Registry. Today he…
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2017 Recipient – Adrienne B.
Adrienne was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this month at the age of 25. Adrienne has actually supported blood drives sponsored by L.I.F.E. and organized by Eric’s brother Lindsey. L.I.F.E.…
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L.I.F.E. Supporter Joins Marrow Registry, Becomes a Donor
Words can’t express how amazing this story is. Pictured here is Adam Genet, a great friend and long time supporter of our organization. Adam previously had his bone marrow tested, and…
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2017 Recipient – Marcel Vanlinnthompson
Marcel is a 20 year old man originally from Boston, but is now living in Appleton, WI and was recently diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma.  We were contacted by Marcel’s social worker…
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2017 Recipient – Rebecca L.
In the spring of 2017, Rebecca from St. Louis, MO was diagnosed with breast cancer and went on to receive 18 rounds of treatment. Her husband, Ross, is a patient…
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2016 Recipient – Tyler T.
When we were contacted by Tyler’s social worker, she told us that “he doesn’t have any energy. Doesn’t run a lot, went fishing yesterday with his Dad. They travel to…
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2016 Recipient – Jim W.
Jim was diagnosed Oct 1 2014 at the age of 26 with Rhabdomyosarcoma. Â Jim has undergone 2 rounds of chemo, 4 major surgeries and is about to start a bone…
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2016 Recipient – Joey Renick
Joey Renick, a 22 year old nursing student at the Goldfarb School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO recently relapsed for the 2nd time with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Â He first…
Read More 2016 Recipient – Edward “Sebastian” Meyer
Sebastian, a 20 year old member of the University of Arizona Marching band, was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma. His social worker contacted L.I.F.E. for help, so we assisted with some…
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L.I.F.E. Blood and Marrow Drive – Saturday May 14
We are hosting another blood and marrow drive in honor of Eric! Please take a few seconds to sign up by clicking here. Â If you are ineligible for any reason,…
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L.I.F.E. Blood and Marrow Drive – Saturday November 26th
We figure there is no better way to say “Thanks!” than by giving! Next blood drive will be the Saturday following Thanksgiving, November 26th! While family is in town and…
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Eric’s Surprise at CIM – by Danny Craven
My name is Danny, I live in Texas and I’ve known Mike McLean for almost 10 years now. I never got the chance to meet Eric, but we chatted several…
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2015 Recipient – Allison P.
Allison P, a 25 year old woman from Robertsville, MO was recently diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, and her home has unfortunately been contaminated with myotoxins from a contaminated well.…
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L.I.F.E. Blood Drive a Huge Success!
November 7, 2015 – Thank you to every one who came out today. We collected 46 units of whole blood and 5 double red cell units! This could have the…
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L.I.F.E. and the State of Minnesota vs. LoziLu and Frederick Kellogg
October 23, 2015 Earlier today, L.I.F.E. helped to file a civil lawsuit with the State of Minnesota against LoziLu and it’s thieving owner. L.I.F.E. has not received one single penny from…
Read More L.I.F.E. Blood Drive – November 7, 2015
We are hosting another blood drive in honor of Eric! Please take a few seconds to sign up. If you are ineligible for any reason, find someone who doesn’t mind…
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2015 Recipient – Expectant father Casey Clarksen
On Thursday, September 10th, L.I.F.E. recipient Casey Clarksen underwent a major surgery removing a cancerous tumor next to his liver. The surgery was a success and he is on the…
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Charlie Mathews’ farewell: An unforgettable 16 years
The following is an article that was printed in the Herald Times Reporter on April 1, 2015, written by Charlie Matthews (pictured below). The McLean Family would especially like to…
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Big River Running Company donates to L.I.F.E.
Big River Running Company, a running speciality store located in St. Louis, MO, made a generous contribution to L.I.F.E. this past Christmas 2014 through their community program. Thank you so…
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Good luck to Erin Koerner in the Ironman Arizona this Sunday!
Good luck to Erin Koerner at the Ironman Arizona tomorrow 11/16! Erin is a member of Team BBMC and Team LIFE and has been fundraising for our cause in honor of her…
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Athletes wearing orange in tomorrow’s Ironman Wisconsin!
Putting the I back in LIFE! Tomorrow is the 13th annual Ironman Wisconsin in Madison, and 23 athletes, including everyone from Blake Becker Multisport Coaching LLC, will be wearing orange…
Read More Ali goes to Camp Mak-A-Dream
This past month, L.I.F.E. was contacted by Alyson P., a young woman from Wisconsin battling colon cancer. Â Ali was interested in spending some time at Camp Mak-A-Dream in Montana, an…
Read More Cassandra M – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Cassandra M – a 29 year old college student, is on the charge to overcome her breast cancer diagnosis, and LIFE has been able to assist. Below is a really…
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Research study dedicated to Eric is nearing publication
The research team at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research has informed us that their paper is nearing publication into the Journal of Clinical Investigation! Â The study is being led…
Read More Alison W. – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
We received a letter today from Alison W, a 29 year old battling refractory Hodgkins Lymphoma that we thought we’d share with you all. Thank you to all of our…
Read More More Miles More Smiles pledges headband sales to L.I.F.E.!
More Miles More Smiles is an organization created with to spread their love for running while helping others in the community. It was born when founder Mark Spewak asked…
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Katherine V. – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Katherine is a lovely 26-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer on Jan 2, 2014. Two years ago, she had an area of the breast evaluated and physicians felt it was…
Read More Wesley D. – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Wesley is a 25 year old from Illinois with grade 2/3 oligoastrocytoma, a cancer of the brain. He is a carpenter, and was at work this past month when he…
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Please Consider Joining the Marrow Registry
Below is an email we just received: “I thought you’d appreciate this…My husband and I joined Be The Match after hearing Eric McLean’s story over a year ago. Last Friday,…
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Happy Thanksgiving 2013
From everyone here at L.I.F.E., we hope you all are able to enjoy a happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family this year. 2013 marks 4 years since Eric appeared…
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Ryan Igielski of Team L.I.F.E. swings his bat
Meet Ryan Igielski – a Waukesha, WI native who used to work with Eric at Harley-Davidson. Â Ryan contacted us back in June of this year to see how he could…
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L.I.F.E. donates additional $15,000 to the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research
Eric’s parents, brother, and nephew met with Dr. Zhang and Dr. Shull at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer research, where a novel leukemia research study is being conducted that has…
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8/23/2013 marks 1 year since Eric’s tragic passing
August 23, 2013 – Today marks 1 year already since the tragic passing of our beloved Eric McLean. It is also his older brother Mike’s 31st birthday, who is eagerly…
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Michael Wynn Nehr – L.I.F.E. gives back
(pictured above – Michael and his cousin Alexa) August 12, 2013 – Below is an email received from 28 year old Michael Wynn Nehr of St. Peters, Missouri who is…
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Widow urges blood-marrow donations in Eric McLean’s memory
by Charlie Matthews, Herald Times Reporter http://www.htrnews.com/ MANITOWOC — Over nearly a decade, Eric McLean went through multiple remissions and relapses before dying of cancer a year ago Friday at…
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Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Harvey – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Below is an email received tonight from Kathleen Kelley, the fiancee of 26 year old Christopher Harvey. Â Please read his very touching story below, and continue to pray and hope…
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Combat Medic Mike Fischer – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Below is a letter received today from Army Combat Medic Mike Fischer, who is currently battling stage IVa colon cancer. Â We wish him nothing but the very best. “Hello! I…
Read More Saturday June 22nd, 2013 marks 10 years since Eric was first diagnosed
Sadly, today June 22nd, 2013 marks 10 years since Eric’s initial diagnosis with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. It’s hard to believe a decade has gone by already. It was on June…
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Tracey Bailey – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Hello my Name is Tracey Ann Bailey.  On May 30th, 2013 My Life was forever changed.  I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, which is just one of the many struggles I have…
Read More Eric’s older brother will return to the Ironman Wisconsin this fall
On September 8th, 2013, Eric’s older brother plans to return to Madison for his 6th Ironman Wisconsin. Â It is surely going to be a day filled with emotion, as he…
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McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research set to publish a leukemia research study dedicated to Eric
Pictured above: Eric and Mike with Dr. Jing Zhang and Dr. James Shull May 17, 2013 – A year and half ago, Eric McLean and his older brother gave $10,000 on behalf of L.I.F.E. to…
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University of New Hampshire Athlete Shortens Career to Donate Bone Marrow
The #1 thing on Eric wanted to do on his Bucket List was to get as many people as he possibly could to sign up on the bone marrow registry.…
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L.I.F.E. helps a young woman battling breast cancer
On January 8th, 2013, L.I.F.E. received the call for help from Monica Contreras, a 29 year old from Neenah, Wisconsin battling breast cancer. Many costs are associated with treatment, travel,…
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Katelyn Ruckmann passes away at age 19
We aren’t quite sure how to say this, but less than 2 months after we first learned about Katelyn Ruckmann’s story, we are very saddened to learn she just lost…
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L.I.F.E. helps another Katelyn!
Meet Katelyn Crowe (Moss), a 22 year old Psychiatric Nurses Aide from Virigina battling Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. We received the following message: “During February my husband and I have to move…
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L.I.F.E. sends hugs to Katelyn Ruckman
Meet Katelyn Ruckman, a 20 year old sweetheart battling Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia from Mansfield, Ohio. Her mother contacted us to let us know that Katelyn really needs our help –…
Read More Point Beach Nuclear Plant to hold blood drive
On January 24th, Point Beach Nuclear Plant will be hosting a blood drive for its employees in memory of Eric McLean. Point Beach is where Eric’s Dad, Brian McLean, works…
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Happy New Year from L.I.F.E.
From Eric’s family to yours, we want to wish you a very healthy and happy 2013. Thank you to everyone who has been there for us over the years. So…
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Katelyn Ruckman – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Katelyn Ruckman is 20-year-old sweetheart from Mansfield, Ohio battling Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). Her mother contacted us to let us know that Katelyn really needs our help – her vehicle…
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Winter Cycling Relay Challenge to fundraise for L.I.F.E.
This weekend SBR Coaching based out of Verona, WI is organizing the Winter Cycling Relay Challenge (WCRC). It is a 24 hour cycling race in which 12 teams of between 4…
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Charity of the month for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Book Store
Bailey, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduate of Two Rivers High School, has chosen L.I.F.E. as the charity of the month for the University Book Store. They…
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Nicholas Bennett runs for L.I.F.E., finishes his first marathon!
Nicholas Bennett, a sophomore student at Indiana University, says that he is “the last person you might expect to do a marathon”. Â About one year ago, Nick made a major…
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L.I.F.E. helps Jessica Rager
October 8th, 2012 – We recently received the message from Daniel Rager in New York, that his 30 year old wife Jessica discovered she had acute myelogenous leukemia the same…
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Mike Knickerbocker raises funds on behalf of LIFE
Mike Knickerbocker, a lieutenant in the United States Navy and Wisconsin Badger, participated last weekend in the 15 mile bike ride for Heropalooza put on by “There Goes My Hero!”…
Read More Cari’s Final Blog
Hey Everyone, This will be my last entry in my blog. I am ending it as it was started to keep you updated on Eric’s health status. I want to…
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That’s How a Hero Lives
“That’s How a Hero Lives”, a song written by Eric’s friend Jeremiah Capra, is now available for download for a $1 donation to LIFE by clicking HERE. Says Jeremiah, “I haven’t…
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Come cheer on Team L.I.F.E. at the Ironman Wisconsin 2012 this weekend!
Attention Madison, WI area residents! The Ironman Wisconsin is taking place this coming Sunday, September 9th! Although Eric’s brother Mike will not be competing this year, his coach, friend and…
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Eric James McLean Obituary
Eric James McLean, “The Bucket List Guy,” age 28, passed away August 23, 2012, at his parents home in Two Rivers. Eric was born in Orlando, Fl on July 17,…
Read More Eric James McLean – 7/17/1984 – 8/23/2012
Eric passed away tonight at 6:04pm surrounded by his entire family, on his big brother’s 30th birthday. Rest well Eric, you were a great man, we will miss you so…
Read More Update on Eric
We have had many wondering how Eric is doing. As he is unable to communicate via the computer, we will be his voice. Eric is resting at his parents home…
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Anna Siliciano wins the 2012 Rattlesnake Triathlon!
Anna Siliciano placed 1st place at the Rattlesnake Triathlon on August 18th, 2012 in Aurora, CO.  Says Anna, “Raced in honor of Eric McLean yesterday for team LIFE…it was a windy…
Read More Eric’s Final Confession
This is the final video journal Eric published on August 14th before he passed away surrounded by friends and family on August 23rd, 2012.
Read More L.I.F.E. Blood and Bone Marrow Drive on Saturday August 18, 2012
We’re hosting our 3rd blood drive and need donors! This time we’re partnering up with the Be The Match Foundation to get everyone on the National Bone Marrow Registry, as…
Read More Cari’s Blog #27
It’s been awhile since a blog appeared, so I’ll try to get it all in one. July 16th, we had our one year anniversary, and then Eric’s birthday the next…
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Happy Independence Day!
Hi Everyone! Let me begin by apologizing for not writing sooner. To my readers out there who have been asking me to write a blog, I am sorry it…
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Shawn Radocha – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Lynn, the mother of 22 year-old Shawn Radocha from Weyer’s Cave, Virginia contacted L.I.F.E. for help. Â After being diagnosed in January 2011, Shawn’s leukemia has returned for the third time.…
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Eric and Cari Together Forever
Hey Everyone, We are taking kind of a unique approach to this week’s blog.  We’ll be writing the blog simultaneously and telling the course of events over the past week…
Read More Cari’s Blog #26
Hey Everyone, It’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog, and from Eric’s last post, we have some updating to do. I know in Eric’s last post he mentioned that…
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D’Ann Buck – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
D’Ann Buck, a 22 year old college student recently broke her back due to a cancerous tumor. On January 7, 2012, a spinal fusion surgery using 2 titanium rods and…
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Happy Mother’s Day!
Hey everyone, The past few weeks have been quite strenuous as you probably have read from Cari’s blogs. We’ve been in and out of the hospital for a number of…
Read More Cari’s Blog #25
Hey Everyone, A lot has been happening since my last blog. I know in my last blog, as well as in Eric’s we both said the cancer was out of…
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The Will to Win Wisconsin – Matt Giesfeldt vs. the 2012 Wisconsin Marathon NEXT WEEKEND
Matt Giesfeldt of Team L.I.F.E. ran his all-time personal best in the 5-mile of 26:23 at Crazylegs yesterday morning, and feels he is definitely ready for the Wisconsin Marathon next…
Read More Cari’s Blog #24
Hey Everyone, It’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog. Truth is, things have been crazy, and I just haven’t had the energy. Eric wrote a really long blog the…
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Harley-Davidson wishes Eric the best…from all over the world!!!
Eric’s coworkers at Harley-Davidson around the world have taken these pictures and put together this slideshow to help show their support. Check out this video that was made by the…
Read More Cari’s Blog #23
Hey Everyone, I know it’s been a bit since I’ve blogged…but things have been crazy. Eric was lucky enough to get out of the hospital for Easter, but had to…
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Lonnie and Mike to compete in the Boston Marathon this coming Monday!
Pictured above: Lonnie Lenaburg, Mike McLean, and Clint Siemers This coming Monday, April 16, 2012 Team LIFE members Lonnie Lenaburg (Eric’s uncle) and Mike McLean (Eric’s brother) will be competing…
Read More Focus on Eric on Easter
An attempt to save a life. This event amounts to everyone thinking and praying during one minute on Easter Sunday, beginning at noon, CDT, that leukemia will be driven out…
Read More Cari’s Blog #22
Not sure where to start here. I had gotten the call on my phone confirming Eric’s leukemia jumped from .02% to a lot of chemo. We had three options. So…
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Milwaukee Brewers legend, Robin Yount, wishes Eric well!
Milwaukee Brewers legend, Robin Yount, wishes Eric well!
Read More Cari’s Blog #21
Hey Everyone I was waiting for Eric to do his video before I did my update. After watching his video you got the jist of things. Eric’s inpatient for the…
Read More Cari’s Blog #20
I wish I knew the right words to say here right now.  Blog #19 was such a happy one. It’s one that I will never forget. I wish I could…
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Bucket List Guy continues to battle after leukemia returns
Thank you so much to TMJ4 in Milwaukee for following Eric’s story. Â Click the image to the left to watch the clip that was aired tonight by Courtny Gerrish and…
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“Bucket List Guy” undergoes brain surgery – aired tonight on NBC’s TMJ4 in Milwaukee
Tonight TMJ4 in Milwaukee aired a special clip of Eric after he underwent brain surgery this afternoon to combat the recent relapse of leukemia found in his cerebral spinal fluid.…
Read More Cari’s Blog #19
Hey Everyone, I have to share all about our day today. Today started off somewhat rocky. 5:30ish am Eric was woken up by people who wanted to poke him with…
Read More Just Stand Up!
Hey Everyone, While in chicago this past weekend, Cari’s Dancers danced for a cure. A cure to fix all disease but we dedicated the dance to Eric. Many people have asked…
Read More Cari’s Blog #18
Cari’s Blog Number…Something I know you’re all waiting for an update….so I’m going to try to as best as I can. The truth is, I’m at a loss for words. …
Read More Eric has relapsed, now faces AML for the 6th time
March 8, 2012 – Yesterday Eric was at a routine doctor appointment and mentioned the severe headaches he’s been having. They proceeded to perform an MRI of his head to…
Read More Cari’s Blog #17
Im writing a blog tonight, because Eric doesn’t really want to do a video. For those of you who are our facebook buddies, you’ve probably already heard the news, as…
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Bucket List Guy: A story of love and survival
By Mike Jacobs, Stephanie Graham PORT WASHINGTON – On this Valentine’s Day–a story about love against all odds. We revisit Eric McLean — a Port Washington man we fondly refer…
Read More Cari’s Blog #16
Today as I was getting ready for the day, I was thinking about how short life is. No one really knows when their time is going to come. A couple…
Read More Stem Cell Transplant #3 – Day: +51
It’s been 51 days since my transplant and things are looking good! I had a wonderful Christmas and New Years and hope all of you did as well! I just…
Read More L.I.F.E. Blood Drive a Success!!
January 5, 2012 – Our second blood drive was a huge success! There were 49 pints collected. Those donations will go directly to Wisconsin hospitals to save the lives of…
Read More Cari’s Blog #15
Hey Everyone, I haven’t written in such a long time. I’ve really had not much to write about. Eric’s latest video had some pretty AWESOME news in it. Things are…
Read More Stem Cell Transplant #3 – Day: +29
Eric recorded this last week Thursday but has been having internet issues, so it’s been posted today. New twins in the family, PICC line removed, good news about the progress…
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L.I.F.E. Blood Drive – January 5, 2012
A blood drive sponsored by L.I.F.E. will be held on January 5th, 2012 from 2pm until 7pm at the Community House in Two Rivers, WI. The address is 1710 W…
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The Will to Win Wisconsin – Matt Giesfeldt vs. the 2012 Wisconsin Marathon
Matthew Giesfeldt, a second lear law student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is planning to race in 2012 Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha, WI on May 5, 2012 and he is…
Read More Cari’s Blog #14
First I want to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there today. I know I have a ton to be thankful for this year. I have a roof over my…
Read More Cari’s Blog #13
Hey Everyone, I haven’t written a blog in a really long time. Truth is, I just haven’t had the energy to. Eric had me start writing these blogs so I…
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Ex-Brewer Hisle goes to bat for troubled youth
By Gary D’Amato of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Former Milwaukee Brewer Larry Hisle works extensively with young, disadvantaged males. He uses physical competition to connect to youth. Hisle has mentored hundreds of boys.At…
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McLean of Two Rivers fights on against leukemia
Hopes next transplant will be long-term cure Written by Charlie Mathews, Herald Times Reporter November 8, 2011 – Thank you to Charlie Mathews for writing such a nice article…
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Stem Cell transplant scheduled for this Wednesday 11/9/2011
{flv}how-a-stem-cell-transplant-works{/flv} November 7, 2011 – This coming Wednesday Eric is scheduled to undergo his 3rd stem cell transplant from a matching donor found in Europe. Eric was admitted last night…
Read More Stem Cell Transplant #3 – Day -10
This marks day one of my third stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor. I’ll provide more details over the coming days and weeks.
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L.I.F.E. donates $10,000 to McArdle, makes 5pm news with Leigh Mills
Eric and Mike met with Dr. James Shull and Dr. Jing Zhang of the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research and donated $10,000 towards a leukemia research study on behalf of…
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L.I.F.E. to donate $10,000 to the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, will be live on NBC15 this Monday
Dr. James Shull Dr. Jing Zhang This coming Monday October 24, 2011 Eric will be traveling to Madison, WI to join up with his brother Mike where they will meet…
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Fall Shopping Event for L.I.F.E. at PDJ Cutting and Fabricating!
Stop by at PDJ Cutting and Fabricating on Thursday October 20th from 4pm until 8pm to shop an amazing assortment of vendors including… Wild Tree Partylite Inspire Book and Gift…
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Team L.I.F.E. in the 2011 Door County Fall 50 Relay on Saturday 10/22/2011
The 5 person relay team of Greg McLean, Cathy McLean, Gregg Pokel, Jim Russell, and Chris Jacobson will be racing for their 2nd consecutive year in the 2011 Door County…
Read More Cari’s Blog #12
Hey Everyone, Sorry we haven’t updated you yet. It’s kind of been a rollercoaster week, and we haven’t really had time to update you all on what’s been going on. …
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Cari’s Blog #11
Hey Everyone, It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything. I know Eric did a video while he was in the hospital this past weekend getting what we’ve been referring to…
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Carmen, Megan, and Liz McLean finished in the RnR Philly Half today!
Carmen McLean (Eric’s cousin), Megan McLean (Eric’s sister-in-law), and Liz McLean finished the 2011 Philadelphia Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon today with a time of 2:04:17. Â For Carmen and Megan,…
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Anna, Zach, Mark, Becky, and Theresa all finished in the Ironman WI 2011!
September 11, 2011 – All 5 people who set out to race in this year’s Ironman Wisconsin while wearing a piece of Team LIFE gear finished strongly! Â Thank you everyone…
Read More Cari’s Blog #10.5
Hey Everyone, ( I left some things out last night) What I didn’t mention in my blog yesterday is that they are doing this really cool test on Eric. It’s …
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Brother Mike and Uncle Lonnie will compete in the Fox Valley Marathon for Team LIFE on September 18th, 2011
On September 18th in St. Charles, IL – Eric’s older brother Mike and his uncle Lonnie will run in the Fox Valley Marathon. Â Lonnie has already qualified for the 2012…
Read More Cari’s Blog #10
Hey Everyone, It’s been a crazy couple days around here. Saturday Eric went to the hospital because he had gotten a fever the night before. They sent us home after…
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Come cheer on Team LIFE at the 2011 Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA Triathlon!
Eric is back home in Two Rivers, WI safe and sound at his parents house as he has just gained remission status for the 5th time! Come cheer on Team…
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Carmen, Liz, and Megan McLean to compete in the 2011 Philadelphia Rock & Roll Half Marathon on September 18th
On September 18th, 2011 Carmen McLean, Liz McLean, and Megan McLean will compete in the 2011 Philadelphia Rock & Roll Half Marathon. Â They will be wearing LIFE singlets, and for…
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Athletes competing for Team LIFE in the Ironman WI on September 11th, 2011
On September 11, 2011 – #80 Zachary Geelan, #284 Anna Siliciano, #1742 Mark Mehler, #413 Becky Reinhart-Mehler, and #602 Theresa Hagen will compete in the 2011 Ironman Wisconsin in Madison,…
Read More Biopsy Results
Yesterday’s Bone marrow biopsy results are in – 0% of his cells are leukemic. This is down from 94% from last month. After just 1 chemotherapy treatment, this is incredible.…
Read More Cari’s Blog #9
This isn’t really an update on Eric. We’re still waiting for his biopsy results. However, I need to get this out there. There is someone out there who we have…
Read More Cari’s Blog #8
Hey Everyone, Neither of us has really updated lately. We don’t really have any new news at this point. Eric’s fevers are still spiking, and they are changing around antibiotics…
Read More Cari’s Blog #7
Hey Everyone, I know Eric just did a video, but we decided I should write a blog to go with it, just because some people have a hard time watching…
Read More Cari’s Blog #6
Hey Everyone, Quick update on Eric. They’re still not 100% sure what EXACTLY is wrong, but we’re headed in the right direction.  Eric honestly looks a TON healthier than he…
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Cari’s Blog # 5
Hey Everyone, I was just informed by one of Eric’s amazing nurses that he is out of his bronchoscopy. Most of you   didn’t know he was even having this, but…
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Inspiration – a letter to Eric by Josh Yach
Team LIFE members Josh Yach and Lindsay Draeger ran in the Paavo Nurmi Marathon today in Hurley, WI. Â Josh wrote this letter to Eric titled “Inspiration” earlier this week and…
Read More Cari’s Blog #4
Hey Everyone, A quick update on Eric. He actually does not have the VRE like we thought he might. VRE would have been the “bad guy” to deal with in…
Read More Cari’s Blog #3
Hey Everyone, As most of you heard Eric is back in the hospital. Yesterday morning (Monday) and the night before, he had been throwing up blood so we called right…
Read More 8/9/2011 Update
August 9, 2011 – Today was a rollercoaster emotions. Eric has been admitted into the BMT unit at Froedtert until at least Friday this week after being ambulanced down there from…
Read More 8/8/2011 Update
August 8, 2011 – Eric has been throwing up blood and is on his way from Two Rivers to Froedtert in Milwaukee via ambulance. He has spiked a temp. and had…
Read More Round 5 – Update #2
Eric was released from the hospital today for a few weeks to recover! Bone marrow biopsy results last week showed 94% leukemic cells in his marrow which explains the pain…
Read More Cari’s Blog #2
Hey Everyone, As Eric said before, we got some good news today! I’m going to quick recap his video in case some of you can’t see it. When he came…
Read More Cari’s Blog #1
Hey Everyone, This is Cari writing. Eric and I both thought it would be cool if I wrote something. I’m not much of one for spilling my thoughts, but I…
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Bittersweet Symphony
July 16th, 2011 marked the happiest day of my life. Marrying Cari was by far the one thing on my bucket list that I had been looking forward to more…
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Bucket List #16 – Get Married!
On July 16th, 2011, Cari Lynn Jaeger and Eric James McLean exchanged vows to spend the rest of their lives together!
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Comedy Fundraiser for L.I.F.E.!
Matthew Sinclair, Team L.I.F.E. member and a good friend of Eric’s, has organized a comedy club fundraiser on July 26, 2011 at 8:00pm in San Diego, CA. All proceeds will…
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Tom Reifsnyder to run in High Cliff Half Ironman!
Tom Reifsnyder, a long time friend of mine (Eric), will be competing in the High Cliff Half Ironman in Appleton, Wisconsin this coming Saturday, June 18th 2011 starting at 7:00am. …
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Bucket List #15 – Meet the Green Bay Packers
So where do I even begin with this one?! Awhile ago I was contacted by Stacy Jahn, a woman who works with the Co-Founder and President of Elite Sports and…
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Chris Solinsky joins the 10,000 meter field tonight at the Prefontaine Classic!
American Record holder Chris Solinsky has switched from the 2-Mile to Friday’s “Distance Night in Eugene” 10,000 Meter race.  Watch for him wearing his orange LIFE wristband!! It will be only the…
Read More Local Man Fights Cancer While Helping Others
Story Created: May 18, 2011 Story Updated: May 23, 2011 From NBC Today’s TMJ4 Milwaukee By Jay Olstad MILWAUKEE – Over the last few years, Eric McLean has been on…
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Congratulations to Sebastian Dragan-Dima for finishing in the 2011 Florida Half Ironman!
Nearly 4 months ago in January, Sebastian Dragan Dima contacted L.I.F.E. offering his support to race in the 2011 Florida Half Ironman wearing our colors and raising money for the…
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Matthew Giesfeldt wins the Lake Monona 5k in 16:18!
On Saturday May 7, 2011 – Team LIFE member Matt Giesfeldt finished first place in the Lake Monona 5k with a time of 16:18 (5:15 per mile)! Congratulations Matt! Â Our…
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Eric’s leukemia is officially back in remission!
On Thursday last week, 4/28/2011, Eric had a third bone marrow biopsy performed since his initial relapse in January. The results came back on 5/4/2011 that he is offically in…
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Sebastian Dragan-Dima to run in the Florida 70.3 Half Ironman!
Meet Sebastian Dragan-Dima, a man from Chicago who plans on competing in his first half Ironman in Florida on May 15, 2011. Â He is racing in support of LIFE in…
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One Step Closer to Becoming a Transformer
Today was the big day. This morning I came to Froedtert Lutheran Memorial Hospital for my total hip replacement on my right side.  A lot of you might be asking,…
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Simon Bairu Wins Chicago Shamrock Shuffle
Long time L.I.F.E. supporter and friend, Simon Bairu, won the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle on Sunday, April 10th, 2011. Below is an except from SImon’s personal blog. Enjoy! “This past weekend…
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Hip Replacement: T-minus One Week
It’s been a few weeks since I last wrote and felt it was long overdue for an update to all of you…so here I go. My older brother, Mike, got…
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Danny Craven finishes the Austin LiveSTRONG Marathon in support of LIFE!
Daniel Craven, an old teammate of Mike’s on the UW Triathlon Team, contacted LIFE back in January so he could support Eric. In honor of his Uncle Jim, he sent…
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Gracious & Optimistic
I want to start off tonight by thanking all of the people who made the benefit this weekend possible. There were a lot of people who volunteered their time to…
Read More 
Pneumoniaaaa
This week has been a pretty eventful week. On Sunday, we were all blessed with the incredible performance of the Green Bay Packers. It’s been one of my dreams to…
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Eric in the hospital with pneumonia
Hello everyone, I was visiting Eric and his roommate Jason this past weekend. I stayed at their place Saturday through Tuesday to watch the superbowl, hang out, and take care of a…
Read More Medical update
Hi Everyone, Â I wanted to start off tonight by thanking all of you out there who have been sending your all of your thoughts and prayers my way. I…
Read More Benefit for Eric McLean – Saturday Feb. 26, 2011
When: Saturday February 26, 2011 from 2pm – ??? Where: Lighthouse Inn on Lake Michigan1515 Memorial DriveTwo Rivers, WI 54241 Come support Eric McLean in his 4th fight against Acute…
Read More Round 4. Ready…FIGHT!
As most of you have already read or heard, I have relapsed once again. Â This will now be the fourth individual bout with cancer that I will be fighting through…
Read More Benefit being planned
As you may already know, our son Eric relapsed this past week. We have had numerous family and friends ask how they could help, and it was suggested we plan an event. We…
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Pewaukee Lake Elementary School raises a combined $1,056 for L.I.F.E.!
January 11, 2011 – Today Eric visited the classroom of Lindsay Draeger, a teacher at Pewaukee Lake Elementary School. She and her class have raised a total of $256 this…
Read More January 12, 2011 – Eric’s leukemia has returned
Hello everyone, Last week Friday Eric had a bone marrow biopsy, today the results came back positive. Levels show that 1% of the cells in his blood are blast cells.…
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L.I.F.E. enters the MMA ring with Mitch Grahovac
Mitch Grahovac, a 155lb fighter has a 4-2 record on a 4 fight win streak.  With the L.I.F.E. logo now on his shorts, he will be competing tonight at the LCO…
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BMT Unit Froedtert Hospital – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Today was a big day for L.I.F.E. Â Eric attended the Celebration of Life party at the Bone Marrrow Transplant Unit at Froedtert Hopsital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Â At the party, on…
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Lonnie Lenaburg raising money for L.I.F.E. in the 2010 Charlotte Thunder Road marathon
On December 11, 2010 Lonnie Lenaburg, Eric’s Uncle, will be running in the Charlotte Thunder Road marathon and is trying to raise a total of $500 for L.I.F.E. Â He…
Read More Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
November 25, 2010 – Hard to believe a year has gone by already. We have so much to be thankful for. So many people have prayed, volunteered, and donated towards…
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Randy Youngs and Blake Becker in the Ironman Arizona 2010
Sunday November 21, 2010 – Today Team L.I.F.E. member Randy Youngs, and Mike and Randy’s coach and professional triathlete Blake Becker, competed in the Ironman Arizona 2010. Â Blake, a local…
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Anna Siliciano places 26th at the Half Ironman World Championships!
Anna Siliciano competed this weekend in the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championships, and took 26th in her age group! Â Her time was an incredible 4:43:49. Â For her her splits,…
Read More Bone Marrow Biopsy results Negative!
Saturday October 30, 2010 – Eric had a bone marrow biopsy performed on Thursday October 28th, along with 7 vaccinations. The results came in today NEGATIVE for cancer! This is…
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Team L.I.F.E. at the Door County Fall 50 Relay and the Great Floridian Triathlon!
This past weekend was huge! Â Team members Greg McLean, Cathy McLean, Gregg Pokel, Jim Russell, and Chris Jacobson competed in the Door County Fall 50 Mile Relay and raised a…
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Congratulations Team L.I.F.E. in the Ironman Wisconsin!
Yesterday 4 members of Team L.I.F.E. competed in the Ironman Wisconsin: Chris Clausen, Mike McLean, Randy Youngs, and Anna Laatsch. Â Their places and finish times are listed below. Â There were…
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Ironman Wisconsin 2010 is today!
Watch for Team L.I.F.E. triathletes Mike McLean #71, #260 Chris Clausen, #370 Randy Youngs, and #2219 Anna Laatsch (who is actually racing the Ironman as her very first triathlon ever!) Click here to…
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Help L.I.F.E. raise 1 penny for every 100 cancer patients before September 12th!
Hello everyone, Today is August 12, 2010, and just one month remains before the Ironman Wisconsin on September 12. We are going to try and raise $2800 for L.I.F.E., representing…
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Cancer survivors walk for a cause
Two Rivers High School hosts Relay for Life fundraiser BY CHARLIE MATHEWS • HERALD TIMES REPORTER • JULY 31, 2010 TWO RIVERS — First came the tears, then a big…
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Eric at the 2010 Relay for Life in Two Rivers, WI
August 1, 2010 – Yesterday Eric gave a speech at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Two Rivers, WI where 61 teams raised $20,060 for the American Cancer…
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Bio-Path Holdings, Inc. announces Liposomal Grb-2 Cancer Drug Candidate
July 30, 2010 – Some exciting news was released today! Bio-Path Holdings, Inc. is a company out of Houston, Texas that works with M.D. Anderson. M.D. Anderson is a hospital…
Read More Eric to speak at the Relay for Life in Two Rivers this Friday
July 28, 2010 – Eric will speak at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life at 6:00pm this Friday July 30, 2010. It will be held at the Two Rivers…
Read More Bone Marrow Biopsy Came Back Clean Today!
July 28, 2010 – The results from Eric’s bone marrow biopsy last week came in today and they are clean!
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Mike’s Ironman Wisconsin 2010 Story
Mike’s interview with Ironman North America for 2010 Janus Charity Challenge What draws you to the sport of triathlon and Ironman in particular? Ironman is the perfect environment for raising…
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Team L.I.F.E. in the Door County Fall 50 mile Relay!
On Saturday October 23, 2010 – Greg McLean, Cathy McLean, Gregg Pokel, Jim Russell, and Chris Jacobson will be participating in the Door County Fall 50, a a 50-mile running…
Read More Bone Marrow Biopsy performed today
July 22, 2010 – Eric had another follow-up bone marrow biopsy performed at Froedtert Hospital today. (click here for his description of the procedure) Eric’s been looking very healthy, so…
Read More Our website got wiped out this week
July 21, 2010 – Our website’s server crashed this Wednesday morning. All of the information for the website, as well as our most current backup were deleted. Luckily we had…
Read More Happy Birthday Eric!
July 17, 2010 – Today marks Eric’s 26th birthday. It was already one year ago we put on a huge celebration for this day thinking it would be his last.…
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Rocky Raccoon 100 mile marathon race report
After Eric’s relapse this year, we spent a lot of time together: checking things off of the bucket list, getting to and from appointments at the hospital, driving home just…
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Capacity crowd expected at Prefontaine Classic; men’s 5,000 promises fireworks with Chris Solinsky
from http://www.oregonlive.com/ Prefontaine Classic meet director Tom Jordan said on Monday that he anticipates a crowd of more than 12,000 for this year’s edition, which begins at noon Saturday at…
Read More Happy 1 year anniversary Eric!
June 5, 2010 – Today marks 1 year since Eric relapsed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia for the 3rd time. We are very lucky to have him with us. Yesterday Eric…
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L.I.F.E. supporters Chris Solinsky and Simon Bairu set American, Canadian Records in the 10k!!
Saturday May 1, 2010 – 2010 Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational – Stanford University – Palo Alto, CA – “Ironman level” L.I.F.E. donors Chris Solinsky and Simon Bairu set national records…
Read More Hayden’s Hope
Hey all, This is a personal request to all of my supporters out there. There is a young girl named Hayden residing in Manitowoc County, WI that is going through…
Read More GREAT NEWS!! And a Call to Arms!
Hello everyone, Check out Eric’s newest video that he just put out tonight, #42. He seriously is a living miracle. http://www.facebook.com/l/1251b;www.givetolife.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=273:erics-confessions-42&catid=38:blog&Itemid=66 Last week Friday, Eric went in for a biopsy…
Read More Laura Llorens writes song for Eric, available on iTunes and proceeds being donated to L.I.F.E.!
Hello everyone, Eric continues to do well. He seriously is a living, breathing, miracle. It is only because he decided to defy the prognosis and fight his leukemia this past year that…
Read More L.I.F.E. about to become a 501(c)(3)
Hi everyone, We’ve got some super cool news to report. News that I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted. Eric’s bone marrow biopsy last week, and it is still clean! And…
Read More L.I.F.E. Update!
Hi everyone, We’ve got some super cool news to report. News that I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted. Eric’s bone marrow biopsy last week, and it is still clean! And…
Read More Happy New Year!
As the new year rolls around, we look back and reflect on everything that happened in 2009, and realize it’s been one wild ride! Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to…
Read More Happy New Year 2010!
As the new year rolls around, we look back and reflect on everything that happened in 2009, it’s been one wild ride of a year! We wish everyone a very…
Read More Eric’s Confessions #38
2009 is over and here comes 2010. A lot is going to happen in the very near future as far as my treatment goes. I am heading back to Harley-Davidson…
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12/21/09 – Pewaukee Lake Elementary School Kindergarteners gave $800 to L.I.F.E.!
click here to watch the videoDecember 21, 2009 – Today a kindergarten class at Pewaukee Lake Elementary School had Eric, Mary, Mike, and Larry Hisle over for Christmas carols, cookies,…
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Happy Holidays!
 December 15, 2009 – Eric, Mike, and Mary will be visiting Pewaukee Lake Elementary School this coming Monday. Lindsay Draeger, a Kindergarten teacher there, and her students have been…
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Bucket List #14 – New York
One of Eric’s dreams has always been to see the Big Apple, and on December 10, 2009 Eric finally got to go for a few days. Eric and his girlfriend…
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Matthew “Ross” Mongin – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
L.I.F.E. gave $500 to Matthew “Ross” Mongin of Hartland, WI and his family to help pay for hospital bills. Surrounded by his family, Ross unfortunately passed away from brain cancer…
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Happy Thanksgiving 2009! A Lot To Be Thankful For
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody! Today’s TMJ4 NBC News in Milwaukee aired an interview last night between Eric, his doctor, and good friend and Milwaukee Brewers Legend Larry Hisle. To watch the…
Read More Leukemia survivor thankful for life – WLUK FOX 11 News
from www.wluk.com November 25, 2009 – WLUK FOX 11 News in Green Bay aired a special interview with Eric at home. Thank you so much to everyone at Fox News…
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Watch Eric on the news Wednesday November 25th!
On Wednesday November 25th, 2009 @ 9:00pm, Eric will be on television on WLUK FOX 11 Green Bay. Then one hour later at 10:00pm, Eric will be on NBC Milwaukee and NBC Green…
Read More The DLI went well today
November 20, 2009 – Everything went well today. The DLI is complete and Lindsey’s cells should be hard at work attacking the beast cells that do not belong!! Eric published…
Read More Lindsey donating her lymphocytes today, DLI tomorrow
November 19, 2009 – Lindsey isn’t sick anymore, so today she is in Milwaukee with Mary donating her lymphocytes for the DLI procedure which is now scheduled for tomorrow. We have…
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New address – givetolife.org!
November 12, 2009 – L.I.F.E. has a new web address – www.givetolife.org! Our old contract with the website host was about to expire, and they were asking almost double what we…
Read More DLI Postponed
November 10, 2009 – The DLI procedure scheduled for this coming Thursday Nov. 12th has been postponed. Lindsey is very sick and they will need until she’s healthy again before…
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DLI scheduled for next week Nov. 12th
November 7, 2009 – Eric’s sister Lindsey went into the hospital 2 days ago to have a full panel of tests done on her blood in preparation for the Donor…
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Initial tests show bone marrow is clear!
October 30, 2009 – Yesterday Eric went in for another biopsy to see if his bone marrow is still clear of leukemia cells (that they can detect) and it is!! Eric…
Read More Eric’s Confessions #35
For everyone out ther having fun this weekend, this will give you another reason to celebrate! Yesterday Eric went in for another biopsy to see if his bone marrow is…
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“Fighter” by Laura Llorens
Laura Llorens (formerly Laura Nelson) graduated from high school with Eric in 2002. She has since moved to France and now lives with her husband. She wrote “Fighter” in hopes…
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Pictures of L.I.F.E. Supporters! (You!)
We have been collecting pictures of people wearing their LIFE tshirts and/or bracelets worn by supporters and posting them on our site! Please feel free to send in a picture…
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Bucket List #13 – Shoot Big Guns
On Saturday September 19, Eric got to shoot all kinds of huge guns thanks to some great local area sportsmen. Thank you guys so much!!
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No “obvious” leukemia present!
We received results from Eric’s bone marrow biopsy that was performed this past Monday and learned that there is no “obvious” leukemia in both the aspirate as well as the…
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Decitabine/Mylotarg Treatment is working!
Eric went into Froedtert Hospital this morning for his second round of the Decitabine/Mylotarg treatment. Â We also got preliminary results from his bone marrow biopsy yesterday that this new treatment…
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The Ultimate Miller Park Experience!!!
On Wednesday, August 26th 2009, I got a super high VIP tour of Miller Park courtesy of one of my now very good friends, Larry Hisle and the Milwaukee Brewers. …
Read More Bucket List #12 – Meet the Milwaukee Brewers
On Wednesday, August 26th 2009, I got a super high VIP tour of Miller Park courtesy of one of my now very good friends, Larry Hisle and the Milwaukee Brewers. …
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Volleyball Tournament, Triathlon a success!
August 22, 2009 – Both the volleyball tournament at the Double Dam and the YMCA Triathlon today were a huge success. Volleyball teams were playing all day while raffle prizes…
Read More Eric’s Confessions #22
Eric talks about Larry Hisle’s visit to Two Rivers, and how he gifted him his own baseball bat!!
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Bucket List #11 – Fishing on Lake Michigan
In the summer of 2009, Eric wanted to do some hardcore fishing on Lake Michigan but was never able to because the weather never seemed to cooperate. Â But on Saturday…
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Solinsky qualifies for finals at Berlin Worlds on Sunday!
Last year running pros Chris Solinsky and Simon Bairu gave Eric a lot of support while he was fighting his second bout with AML. And today Chris qualified for the…
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Volleyball Tournament this Saturday August 22 at the Double Dam Bar
 This Saturday, August 22 at 12:00 noon there will be a Volleyball Tournament to benefit L.I.F.E. at the Double Dam Bar in Two Rivers. There will be a DJ,…
Read More Eric’s Confessions #19
Tomorrow Eric will go back in to Froedtert to discuss his next course of treatment, which may consist of a drug called Mylotarg. You can also click here to read…
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Larry Hisle drove up to Two Rivers to see Eric today!
Today Milwaukee Brewers Legend Larry Hisle made the drive up all the way up to Two Rivers to see Eric! He didn’t come alone though, he brought with him a…
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Motorcycle ride in memory of Chris Sauer this Saturday, proceeds will be donated to L.I.F.E.
This Saturday August 8, 2009 there will be a Motorcycle ride in memory of Chris Sauer, a Two Rivers native whose life was tragically lost by another motorist. All proceeds…
Read More Motorcycle ride in memory of Chris Sauer this Saturday, proceeds will be donated to LIFE
This Saturday August 8, 2009 there will be a Motorcycle ride in memory of Chris Sauer, a Two Rivers native whose life was tragically lost by another motorist. All proceeds…
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Pirate Biopsy
Eric goes in for a bone marrow biopsy which will determine what the next steps are in his treatment.
Read More Eric’s Confessions #8
Learn why another transplant is not an option, what the next course of action is going to be, and how Eric is going to overcome all of this!
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L.I.F.E. T-Shirts and Bracelets are in!!!
Both LIFE T-Shirts and LIFE bracelets are now available! As of right now, there are two main ways of getting one. A shopping cart is set up on the website…
Read More Eric’s Confessions #6
Eric’s 6th day of being in the hospital following his induction chemotherapy
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Happy 25th Birthday Eric!!!
July 17, 2009 – Today is Eric’s 25th birthday! Today he will also be entering Day 5 of induction chemotherapy. To wish him a happy one just sign his guestbook…
Read More Eric’s Confessions #4
This is the second day of treatment and some more reactions to what I am all going through….I wrap it all up with the grand tour of my existence for…
Read More Hospital Day 1 – July 13, 2009
Eric’s first day at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. If you want one of the orange LIFE bracelets he talks about in the email, just send an email to life@givetolife.org
Read More Hazmat Nurse
Eric’s Nurse Amber garbs up to change out Eric’s chemotherapy! Though the situation is quite serious, Eric still manages to find some humor. 🙂
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Eric’s 25th Birthday Party this Sunday July 12th, 2009
Please RSVP by clicking on this link This coming Sunday July 12, 2009 from 1pm until 10pm we will be celebrating Eric’s 25th Birthday at his parents’ house at 4843…
Read More Eric’s Confessions #3
For everyone that has been keeping up with Eric’s status, we strongly urge you to watch his latest video update that he posted tonight on YouTube titled “Eric’s Confessions #3”…
Read More Caribbean…here I come!
Hey All, I thought I would get one more journal entry out there for everyone before we left just to give you all an update. On Thursday, three friends…
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Bucket List #10 – Vacation with Family
On June 29, 2009 Eric flew St. Thomas island with his family and now wife, Cari, and returned on July 7, 2009. Thank you so much to all who donated to make…
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Golfing for a cause: Trio plays 100 holes to raise money for sick friend
TWO RIVERS — Three young men set out to beat a golfing record and raise money for a friend’s brother this week, and they succeeded in doing both. Josh Laurin,…
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Bucket List #9 – Meet The Offspring
On June 26, 2009, Eric got to meet the members from The Offspring, his favorite band, at Summerfest in Milwaukee, the world’s largest music festival. Eric, his girlfriend, his friends,…
Read More Upcoming events / YouTube Channel
Hey Everyone, So…I started doing these confession things in my YouTube channel…it’s sort of another way for me to write these journals – instead I get to use video, which…
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Mama Goose Run – L.I.F.E. Gives Back
Since 2009, L.I.F.E. has helped to maintain the Mama Goose Run, a race that serves as a fundraiser to benefit the UW Cancer Carbone Center (UWCCC). The was race created…
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Bucket List #8 – Ride in a Powered Parachute
On Sunday June 21 Eric got to ride in a powered parachute on a whim courtesy of Greg Klein. He flew all over Manitowoc County, including right over his parents’…
Read More Bucket List #7 – Hot Air Balloon
On Sunday June 21 Eric, his Dad, and his friend Nathan Petrashek rode on the “Pretty Fantastic II” hot air balloon in Brillion, WI. Thank you to Bill Wachal and…
Read More Viva Las Vegas
Hey Everyone, I know it’s been awhile since I’ve last updated each of you, so I apologize for that. The truth is, as you have probably noticed from the news…
Read More Checking things off the ‘bucket list’
Checking things off the ‘bucket list’ Reporter: Becky DeVries TOWN OF TWO RIVERS – The movie “The Bucket List” came out about two years ago. In it, the characters make…
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Eric Gives Speech at Relay for Life
Part 1 of 2 Part 2 of 2 On June 19, 2009, Eric told his story about his battle against AML at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in…
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Bucket List #6 – Swim with Dolphins
On Wednesday June 17, Eric got to be a Trainer for a Day at Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden Dolphin Habitat! Cari, Steve, Ashley & Mike were there outside the…
Read More Bucket List #5 – Drive a NASCAR
June 16, 2009 – Eric drove a NASCAR at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, hitting speeds of about 135mph! Thank you to the employees at Point Beach Nuclear Plant for…
Read More Bucket List #4 – Las Vegas
On June 15, Eric flew out to Las Vegas with Mike and Steve and returned on Thursday, June 18. Gambling, lights, women, fast cars, fancy food, and insane shows! The…
Read More Two Rivers Man Gets Bad News; Authors Bucket List
By Jay Olstad, WTMJ June 14, 2009 – MILWAUKEE – His name is Eric McLean; a seemingly healthy 24-year-old man from Two Rivers, who’s dying. “It’s been a crazy ride,”…
Read More Bucket List #3 – Opening Pitch at Brewers game…check!
Eric pitched the opening pitch at the Brewers vs. White Sox game at Miller Park today, and it flew right over the plate!
Read More Bucket List #2 – Dodge Viper…check!
In our very own town, in our very own driveway! Thank you Russ Wetenkamp and family for letting Eric drive your Dodge Viper GTS with all of us. What an…
Read More Bucket List #1 – Skydiving…check!
Eric, his brother Steve, his brother Mike, his cousin Matt, and his friend Jason Stuewe all went skydiving while his family looked on at SkyDive Adventure in Omro, WI. What…
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Two Rivers native, 24, gets third cancer diagnosis, authors bucket list
Link to article By Helen Clarke • Herald Times Reporter • June 10, 2009 TWO RIVERS — When the news came this time, Eric McLean was alone, sitting in a…
Read More What’s next?
Hey everyone, It’s easily been the most insane past 4 days that I have ever experienced. List of emotions or adjectives from the past few days: Sadness Anger Terrified Hopeless…
Read More Tick tock tick tock
There have been many low points in the life of Eric McLean, but yesterday overshadows every single one of them. I woke up like I do every other Friday morning…
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Ups and downs
I know…it’s been awhile since I’ve last written. Part of that is just because there hasn’t been a whole ton to write about. I suppose the other part is that…
Read More Quick update
Because I said I would get a quick update out to let you all know what the next steps are, I figured I would post something on here seeing as…
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The beast is loose!
I suppose the title of the blog entry this week could be looked at in a couple of different ways. The beast, could refer to my Harley, or it could…
Read More 78 degrees in March?!
What’s up everyone? It’s about that time again…blogging time. I guess I’ll start off again this time by talking about some of the other health issues that I’ve had lately. …
Read More The smoke clears
So…what happened with the Harley-Davidson layoffs? Well, in case you did not hear, Harley-Davidson made a company decision to lay off 1,100 workers last week. They announced the layoff decision…
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Two Rivers student fights leukemia for second time
Two Rivers student fights leukemia for second time By Helen Clarke Gannett Wisconsin Media TWO RIVERS — The fading bruise on Eric McLean’s left arm is a constant reminder of…
Read More Reality Bites
Reality bitesBy Helen ClarkeGannett Wisconsin Media Life sure gives a good slap in the face. I had been real content feeling sorry for myself the past month or so. You…
Read More Wisconsin weather…gotta love it
So…I suppose this is my first post since the one year mark. I know I kind of said that I really wasn’t going to write anymore. And the main reason…
Read More Blog from the hog
Well, this is it. Today is December 24th, 2008. I woke up this morning and got in the shower. I was in the exact same place I was 365 days…
Read More Question number one
Question: Why are you going to stop writing in your journal? Answer:Â Alright, I’ll address this question now because if I don’t, I am sure that my inbox will…
Read More About one year ago…
I looked down at my upper left arm this morning, as I got out of the shower, and I could still see the faint bruise that my old roommate Derrik…
Read More Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! I suppose that’s a good way to open things. Let’s see here…what could I possibly be thankful for? Well, I’ll start out with the obvious and say that…
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‘Tis the season
I know, it’s been awhile since I last wrote.  Quite frankly, it’s just because I haven’t had a whole lot to say. Every time that I write on here, I…
Read More 5 years later
Yes, that’s right! As all of you know, in June of 2003 I was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. On October 21st of 2003 I received a stem cell transplant…
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My outlook on life
I’m going to take a different approach to my entry today, so please bear with me… The past couple of months, I have been spending my nights outside in my…
Read More Another tragedy
On September 17th, a Wednesday, sometime at night, a 2nd cousin of mine got into a motorcycle accident and very sadly, did not make it. Her name is Lisa Martin. …
Read More Beating the Demon
Growing up, I always did the best I could to look out for my siblings. Â It was my job to make sure they were never bullied (except for sometimes by…
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IronMike 2008
It’s finished! Well, at least my brother is with the Ironman this year. Mike finished the race in under 12 hours…successfully accomplishing his goal with a total time of 11:46:04. …
Read More Eric on NBC15 before the IMWI 2008
Eric & Mike were aired on NBC15 for Ironman Wisconsin 2008 the day before the race. Eric says “If anyone has really..been there through it all fighting it with me…
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Ironman in less than one week
Hey everyone It’s been awhile since I last wrote and I apologize for that. The truth is, I’ve been extremely busy. But before I get into anything with myself,…
Read More Doctor – 1 vs Gall Bladder – 0
It all started last Saturday the 9th while I was attending Jason’s visitation. I will start off by saying that the visitation went as well as it could have. It…
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Movin’ right along
Well, a couple weeks have gone by now since I’ve last written. A few things have happened…but not too much. For one, as I said in my last post,…
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Life is good
Hey everyone! Well I finished Day 1 at Harley today. It was truly a surreal moment as I walked through the front doors of the Harley-Davidson headquarters on Juneau Ave.…
Read More One week to go
I just woke up and I feel terrible. My joints are aching like no tomorrow, and my head is absolutely pounding. So I figured…it’s time to write something in my…
Read More News from Harley
Hi Everyone, I’ll just come right out and say it. This past Friday, Harley-Davidson called me and informed me that my start date is July 14th. The conversation only lasted…
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Busy busy busy
Hi Everyone, It’s been a very busy time of the year for me and my family. A couple of weekends ago I went up to Two Rivers to attend…
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Ups and downs
Well, it’s been one very crazy week. Where do I even begin. I guess I can kind of start where I left off last week talking about how my younger…
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Hangin in there
Hi Everyone It’s been awhile since I last wrote, so I thought I would get a few words out there to let everyone know how I have been doing.…
Read More Bring on summer!
Hi everyone! First off, I would first love to talk about the wonderful weather we have been having here in Wisconsin. When I saw the temperature gauge sitting at…
Read More One week down…259 to go!
Well everyone…it has been about a week since my last update so I figured it is about time I get one out to all of you. I have now…
Read More Feeling better
I’m starting to feel much better. My mouth and digestive system have been my main issues. I haven’t been able to keep one bite of food down and it’s been…
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Simon Bairu and Chris Solinsky help Eric
When Eric relapsed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia this past Christmas Eve, L.I.F.E. – The Leukemia Ironman Fundraiser for Eric was refounded. So far donors have made selfless contributions of nearly…
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Anthony Padgett donates his artwork to L.I.F.E.
Anthony Padgett – 2008 Ducks Unlimited International Artist of the Year, donated approximately one hundred 9″x11″ prints of his “Evergreen Chickadees” watercolor painting for us to auction off to help with…
Read More Blood Counts
Key: CTX = Citoxin chemotherapy TBI = Total Body Irradiation MTX = Drug used to suppress Lindsey’s cells so they don’t attack my body WBC = White Blood Cells ANC…
Read More Wish this mouth pain would go away…
Last night I almost had a good night’s rest. I forced myself to stay awake until midnight. The reason for this is because every night at 12:00 they come into…
Read More Non-stop nausea
I haven’t written in a few days and there are a couple of reasons for that. The main one is this damn nausea. Every single day since the transplant…
Read More Insomnia is lurking
Hey everyone, My white blood cell count is bottoming out. This now means that I am neutropenic and my diet is now somewhat restricted. I can’t eat fresh fruits…
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Thank you!
I would first like to thank the Two Rivers High School for promoting the basketball event under my name to help raise money and awareness for cancer research. From what…
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1000 rads down….200 to go.
Hi Everyone, Anyway…thought I would use today’s journal to show you what exactly Total Body Irradiation is and looks like. Step 1:(enter Mary McLean/Mom) Eric is not up to continuing…
Read More It’s midnight, and I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in days.
Well the title of the article pretty much says it all. Day 1 that I got back I was already feeling horrible. The cytoxin chemotherapy does that to you I…
Read More One more time
Hi everyone, I’ve had a pretty good past few days. On Saturday I spent the day in Milwaukee with three of my very good friends from high school. We…
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A week to go
Well…it is less than one week until I go back to Froedtert. This time I will be there for six weeks or so. I have had an amazing time the…
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Transplant nearing! $5,000 mark hit!
Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve last written so I figured I would give everyone a detailed update as far as what has been going on with me. Last…
Read More Fighting Leukemia
Fighting Leukemia Reporter: Erin Koskovich Email Address: ekoskovich@nbc15.com Posted Monday, March 3, 2008 — 9:30pm A 23 year old man is fighting for his life–for a second time. Meanwhile, his…
Read More NBC 15 News Live interview
23 year old Eric McLean is battling acute myelogenous leukemia for the second time in 4 years. He and his family are out to raise money for cancer research as…
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Tonight on NBC!!!
My older brother Mike and I are going to be on NBC tonight on the 5:00 news on the Madison network. They said that we would go on at about…
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Some mental relief
Hi Everyone! Sorry it’s been so long since I last wrote…honestly there just hasn’t been much going on for me to relay to all of you. My mom and…
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Four hospitals in one day…?!?
Wow…where do I begin? My younger brother Steve’s fiance began having lower back pain later on last week. Then all of a sudden she started having contractions! Keep in…
Read More Radiation…fun.
Hi everyone! It’s been a week or so since I last wrote and I have quite a few updates as far as everything goes. I would first and…
Read More Glad to be out again
Today, I was once again released from the hospital. When I was readmitted this past Thursday for my round of consolidation chemo, the last thing I expected was that they…
Read More More news!
Hi everyone! It’s been a few days since I have written anything, and I can’t seem to get any sleep tonight for whatever reason; so I thought I would blog…
Read More Donor match?
Well…I’ll come right out with it. My younger sister, Lindsey, is a perfect match to be a donor. They said over the phone that she was an equivalent match like…
Read More Home sweet home
Yesterday I was officially released from the hospital. They gave me my discharge papers and a handful of prescriptions of meds that I would need to take while I stayed…
Read More Going home! …for a week perhaps
Hey everyone! I just got the word that I WILL be going home tomorrow! I’ll only get about a week or so off and then I have to come…
Read More HUZZAH!!!!
My mom came in this morning and kept me company for most of the day. We sat around and watched TV and talked for awhile about all sorts of things.…
Read More Good and bad news
Well, I’ll start with the good news. Today I was supposed to get back my biopsy results from yesterday. Dr. George came in to tell me that the leukemia cells…
Read More Harley!!!!
Today I had another bone marrow biopsy. They gave me some fentanyl and vercid to somewhat sedate me. It’s a conscious sedation that makes me feel a little loopy, but…
Read More Steve and Lindsey’s stem cells tested
I took off of work today and spent it with Eric at the hospital. He is looking much better than he has this past week. Tomorrow is a big day for him…
Read More Headaches going away….
The last couple of days have been pretty lax. I still can’t seem to get rid of these headaches and now I am having some pretty extreme back pain. I…
Read More Had a scare today
Well the day started off with a high temperature again and when my blood results came back, they noticed that my hematocrit and platelets were low but my white count…
Read More And so we wait…
About the time I heard the news from my doctor yesterday about my bone marrow biopsy results, I started getting some slightly elevated temperatures. Sometimes these higher temperatures are classified…
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There goes the hair!
Well, today I got the results back from the bone marrow biopsy. That was the biggest event of the day. My mind has been running at a million miles per…
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Biopsy bumped up to today
The last couple days have been going absolutely terrible. Every day thus far has been worse than the last. The cells are still dying throughout my body and they won’t…
Read More Can’t move!
Well I told myself I wasn’t going to post anything again today and that is mainly because I cannot seem to shake this headache. I have had it since the…
Read More Headache blah…
Hi everyone. I still have a pretty intense headache from that spinal tap so I am going to keep tonight’s blog fairly short. Started off my day with an…
Read More Spinal tap tomorrow…ugh.
As most of you noticed, I didn’t post anythng yesterday. No worries…nothing is wrong. I just wasn’t having the greatest of days and not a whole ton happened. I only…
Read More First round of chemo complete!
Well everyone…as 2007 comes to a close, as does my induction round of chemotherapy. I completed my 5 day regimen of chemo this morning. The next steps from here involve…
Read More Spinal taps and radiation!?
Well, I had mentioned in yesterday’s blog that I would begin today by addressing some of the treatment concerns that I have had. I have a different doctor this time…
Read More Full house!
Hi everyone! Spirits are still pretty high. The side effects from the chemotherapy still haven’t been showing their true colors. I expect them to come full circle by Monday or…
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CHEESECAKE!!!!
Well last night definitely did not end well. Almost right after I finished posting yesterday’s blog, I became very nauseous, and then ended up vomiting and dryheaving for the next…
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Let the chemo begin…
Well, today was my first day of chemotherapy. To begin my day I decided to get as prepared for this shit as possible. I got up and took a shower…
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Lions, Tigers, and Bone-Marrow Biopsies…Oh My!
Today I am feeling much better. My fevers seem to be a bit more controlled and not going above 99.5. My cough is slowly getting better. My headaches are gone…
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Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas! I got to start my Christmas day off with two pieces of what the hospital calls “sausage,” some corn flakes w/ milk, and a bowl of mixed fruit.…
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It begins…again
There are things in life that I will never understand. Today, after over four years of remission, my cancer has relapsed and I was diagnosed with leukemia. My worst nightmare,…
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Illness Narrative: Eric’s Story
By: Dawn Dent with Eric McLean Foreword The following narrative of what my ex-boyfriend (whom I’m still very close to) went through during the course of his leukemia was an…
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LLS Scenic Lakeshore 150
The McLean Family set out to ride in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Scenic Lakeshore 150 from Milwaukee to Door County and raised nearly $1,000 for research and patient care…
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Our First Effort
Following Eric’s diagnosis on June 22, 2003, we felt almost helpless to do anything about it. His life was entirely in the hands of his medical team at Froedtert Hospital…
Read More Heart of Iron
From https://badgerherald.com/news/2003/09/03/heart-of-iron/ UW senior races to save his brother’s life By: Caley Meals Features Editor Badger Herald When University of Wisconsin-Whitewater sophomore Eric McLean decided to get his wisdom teeth…
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