Update: As of 5/28/09 Please Pray For Capt. Tred Barta

[Dean Travis Clarke]

Tred Barta has undergone plasma pheresis (blood scrubbing - like dialysis) and chemotherapy for his Waldenstroms macroglobulinemia. He has 8 hours of PT everyday and as you can imagine, by day's end, he is plumb whipped! "But, it is what it is!" he says. Fortunately, the paralysis has halted its progression towards his upper body. If anyone can come back from such a disastrous calamity as this, Tred Barta can.

[IAMonsterbuck]

Any updates on how Tred is doing?

[briansz]

Mr. Barta:

You have always been a great hero of mine as an aspiring sport fisherman. I just got done reading the latest update on your condition and had to write you a note because it hits so close to home for me.

As I understand it the Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia that you have been diagnosed with is a type of blood cancer. This hits home for me because my grandfather (another great hero of mine) was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last year. I don't know the difference between the two exactly but from what I read they are pretty close.

Like you my grandfather is a hard working rugged individualist, he took the fight to the cancer! After a year and a half battle he is now in remission. Through the whole ordeal of being shuttled back and forth for chemo and the horrible side effects I was able to spend a lot of time just talking with my grandfather, gaining knowledge on what it is like to face your own mortality, but more importantly hearing first hand the courage, strength, and committment it takes to beat back these kind of diseases. I KNOW YOU HAVE ALL OF THAT!!!!! I also realise that you probably don't need to be reminded of that, but wanted to offer some encouragement.

I don't know what your treatment regiment will consist of but my grandfather told me that when you carry a few extra pounds (like he does) it gives you something to fall back on in the lean times and really helps pull you through these experiences. (Thanks to your canned tuna recipe and stock pile I guess you'll have some extra weight to fall back on I want you to know that you will be in my daily prayers, and I know the Lord will bless you with mental strength and good attitude like he has for your entire life. My grandfather told me those two things are very important.

Anyways, one day at a time Mr. Barta! I know you'll pull through! I hope the silver lining for you is more beautiful than ever and the calm after the storm brings following seas and the wind at your back. In the mean time I will pray that there will be just one set of footprints in the sand.

P.S. You are truley blessed to have Annie. I have seen how difficult a care givers job can be. Please send her my love as well and let her know that she will be in my daily prayers.

P.P.S. I don't have much but will give you whatever I have for your fund

[WAHOONBOX]

TRED SAYS THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS AND PLEASE DON'T FORGET THE KIDS OF THE NC BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ....OKAY?

THE SFC BIGHEARTS NEED TO RALLY!!!

[bjross]

Prayers sent.