Leukemia for Chickens

I was the year behind Roger at Duke, where we worked on the newspaper together. I'm so sorry to hear that he died. I just ordered the book, whose title is exactly how I remember Roger being: upbeat, funny and sardonic. Can't wait to read it. And Jen, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Roger delivers a wholehearted recollection full of warmness and fragility of his triumphs and struggles with Leukemia. This book offers the reader a seat beside him and at times transports you to feeling as if you were undergoing the treatment yourself.

He has a sincere openness about this disease and how he strived to fight back along with an extremely special medical staff and tremendous support system of his family, friends and angelic wife Jen.

If you have known someone who is undergoing treatment or has faced a medical challenge, Roger’s tale of strength, laughter, hope provides another support system for you to share.

As not simply Roger's cousin, but also a fellow writer, I want to share how powerful and moving his words are in this "wimp's tale." It's obvious that his writing -- his bleeding so openly -- was as courageous an act as any in the harrowing and epic battle between his mind and his body. Make no mistake -- in completing this book, Roger's mind emerges victorious.

What I like most is that Roger's memoir reads like an offer of intimate friendship; I feel stronger, better, and more alive for having accepted it.

J.S.

Jen and Roger's love, strength, and laughter reverberated and continues to reverberate throughout our neighborhood
community.

-Lisa
Waitress at Deborah Life Love Food
43 Carmine St.

Dear Jen,

I was able to relate to many of the experiences in Roger's book with my own transplant twelve years ago. It reminded me of the importance of staying positive even during the most difficult of times, and having a strong family support system.

Roger's courage is an inspiration to us all, and through the countless lives that will be saved by the Roger Madoff Marrow Donor Recruitment Program, his memory will live on.

This book will serve as a living tribute to Roger, the many others who have gone through transplants and those who are just embarking on the journey.

Sincerely,
Jay Feinberg
Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation