A Long December (updated)
We are gearing up for a long ride! Although Craig responded well to his induction chemo, “remission” is not exactly the state he is in. His Leukemia was aggressive enough that there is a high risk of relapse. Because of this, Craig’s oncologists have decided that he will receive BOTH consolidation chemotherapy AND a stem cell transplant. He will undergo rounds of chemo for 4 months, or less if a match is found for a stem cell donor (it typically takes 3 months to search for a donor, as Rick and Gary have only a 25% chance of matching). When we find a donor, Craig will receive intense doses of chemo preceding the transplant and will need to stay in the hospital for 30 days. After the transplant he will need much rest and care at home for 5-6 months. Prognosis when all is said and done is a 60% chance of survival.
That is the gist of what we learned today- there are many other details that have left our heads spinning, but I will spare you those. I am, however, a master at seeing the good in all things, and I will say, we are not going to focus at all on statistics, we are not going to let fear tear us apart. If anyone has the spirit to push through this, Craig does. We have felt God working through all of the support, care and well-wishes everyone has given to us, from Craig’s nurses and his employees, our families and friends, and even complete strangers. This is what makes life so beautiful.
Love you all,
Kat and Craig
p.s. A lot of people have been asking about how they can be tested as a possible donor match. It is actually pretty costly to be tested specifically for one person (especially with such low chances of being a match). This is why there is a registry with the National Marrow Donor Program(NMDP), to match people who have been tested with people who are in need. Please check out www.marrow.org, to learn more about how you could help through this process. If the national registry is too much of a commitment, but you still would like to help, please condsider donating blood at your local blood drive. Craig has already received several blood and platelet transfusions, and will be getting many more throughout his treatments. This would be a wonderful way to give back and help save someone’s life. Go to www.givelife.org to find out how and where to donate blood!
True Lifes Then & Now airing Thursday May 17th. Eastcoast time 11pm and Westcoast time 8pm. Please watch in Memory of our Amazing son,brother,husband,uncle,cousin,friend, Craig.
I am not really good with English but I come up this real leisurely to interpret.
To Craig, his wife, his family….
I worked in BMT as a CNA during Craigs time at OHSU. I got to know him, met his wife, and some family members. He was a lovely person and I am fortunate to have been able to meet him and care for him during his illness. The last thing I heard about Craig was that he was a survivor. I was devastated and shocked to hear about his passing. My heart goes out to you all.
Hi there,
I saw Craig’s story when it first premeired and was reminded of him and wanted to see if there was anything online about how he was doing. Althought I didn’t know him, I was devestated to see that he passed on. Like many, I have personally seen how cancer can take away someone’s life yet leave the loved ones of those who lose the battle completely lost. I truly hope that the loved ones of Craig van find happiness in life without him and know that he would never want his wife or family to not move forward. Ikm sure you know this, but sometimes, in those lonely and profoundly sad times, that is hard to remember. All the best and thank you for your continued support and care for those still struggling with cancer.
Saturday October 1st Relay for life, keeping Craig’s memory alive!! I miss you so much but I know you will be by my side this week-end and it will be GREAT. Love you Mom
Missing you today, Craig. I feel like not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and your family, but especially today – 1 year anniversary of your passing. Love you, cousin! Thanks for watching over all of us.
Hello, I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and it’s definitely one of my favorites. I like how you get right to the point and want to congratulate you! It’s obvious that you are a seasoned writer and it’s always nice to read your posts.
I was seriously considering joining the bone marrow registry when I happened to see Craig’s True Life episode. When I saw that MTV would pay my fee, I joined that night. His story really inspired me to take action. I wanted to check back to tell you all that I was recently contacted as a potential match for a stranger in need of marrow. The registry is doing additional screening to see if they can use me. I am so excited. Craig’s brother’s bravery is inspiring, and Craig’s memory lives on.
I’m very sorry for your family’s loss. When I saw Craig on the True Life episode, it made me so sad to see someone my age having to deal with, and Iive with, such a hard reality. I was overcome with sadness and a new appreciation for life. That night, I told my husband that I wanted to be a bone marrow donor. The next day, I joined Be The Match- the National Bone Marrow Registry. Many are afraid of the pain in donating etc, but to me that doesn’t matter because no amount of pain compares to offering someone another chance at life. Thank-you for sharing your story and please know that your story inspired me to join Be the Match. Without your story, I may have never known how I could help. Again, my sincere condolences.
I saw Craig on True Life when it first premiered and it had a strong effect on me. My grandfather was also going through cancer at that time and we had just found out he had it. We also found out it was in the 4th stage and he had it for at least 8 years. Seeing Craig on True Life really made me happy. It gave me a little bit of hope for my grandpa at the time. Just seeing Craig go through all those struggles on national tv really had an impact on me. After the show, I thought about Craig- I wondered how he was doing and if the bone marrow transplant was going good. I was really shocked and even a little upset when I found out Craig had passed away. My Grandfather also passed away as a result of his cancer in June of ’10. I don’t know if Craig’s family will over read this post or acknowledge it, but for what it’s worth, I would just like to say Craig was an inspiration and provided much needed courage to all those out there struggling with Cancer. Thank you Craig for going on True Life and sharing your story with us. May your spirit live on forever! <3
I saw the show a while back, and today I thought of Craig. So I looked online to see how he was. I cried when I read he died. I have a husband who I love very much, and I can’t imagine the pain of losing him. Brandmeier family are in my prayers. I hope you are all doing well. Take care, and God bless.
Hi there Craig’s family,
I just watched the True Life episode on Craig, and my whole perception in life has changed. I truly feel terrible for your loss. I may not have personally known Craig, but from what I saw he must have been the sweetest and nicest person ever. He was so lucky to have such great support and love. I cried (a lot) while watching the episode, and Craig has taught me to be grateful for my family and friends, to live each day to the fullest, and to be positive in life no matter what happens. Thank you for getting Craig’s story out to the world. <3
It’s funny I was looking through my list of the people I follow on justin.tv and Craig there you were. I started to watch the videos and brought back a lot of memories. Broadcasting from the hospital, you’re parents house and sadly you’re last broadcast with us on earth. May you rest in peace my brother.
-Richard
May he rest in peace and may God bless you all.
Happy Birthday to My Second Born Son. Thank you for your gift. Love you Mom
Happy Birthday Craig!!
Thank you all for attending RJs Cafe dinner kick off party for Team Craig the Crab. We raised over $2500 for Relay for life under Craig’s name. Please check out Team Craig click on above and join the team we need your support and help. Much Love,The Brandmeier’s
I was watching true life and Craig really had an effect on me. There wasn’t a day that went by that he kept srong. I loved how his wife kept strong around him, too. That takes alot of bravery and courage to keep strong and keep your cool. you guys really inspired me. If God didn’t think Craig couldn’t of dont it, he wouldn’t of even put him through it. It takes alot to fight cancer. -Never change.
It was my pleasure to be there this evening to support you all. Beautiful to see all who care enough to come out and support CRAIG’S fight….. And to know the many who couldn’t make it that care and support you….. God bless Craig! Your Spirit Lives On!
Always in my heart……
YES ANYONE CAN SIGN UP FOR TEAM CRAIG THE CRAB. WILLIAM IF YOU ARE CHECKING THIS SITE. PLEASE SIGN UP AND COME WALK WITH US, YOU CAN DONATE AS LITTLE AS $5.00. WOULD LOVE TO HAVE EVERYONE FROM STARBUCKS THAT WORKED WITH CRAIG SHOW UP. THANK YOU
He was a great person! I enjoyed working at Starbucks with him. He is Missed! Can anyone Join the Team and run with “the Crab” or only family?
Dudes, God is watching you. Strength to overcome this challenge. Are the best thoughts directly from Brazil.
XOXO