David Burns is a lover and a fighter. Even before his initial diagnosis with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) at age 35, he dedicated his life to teaching martial arts and the value of physical and mental fitness. Following treatment in the form of two bone marrow transplants, David went back to work and became an active community volunteer. His love and service for others has always shown through and for years, as a cancer survivor, he spent time motivating others who were going through treatment. He also gave back by participating in Team In Training, completing a hundred-mile bike ride and raising $5,300 for cancer research. People often say, "If you think training for an endurance sport is difficult, imagine what treatment for cancer must be like." David is one of those very special individuals who doesn't have to imagine, having experienced both.
Tragically, after 14 years David's cancer came back. Recent chemotherapy has put him back in remission, but the thoughts of a third bone marrow transplant in his future, are now part of his daily life. Still, he retains his optimism, living each day to the fullest and doing the things that make him happy which, of course, involve people. He expresses gratitude for the support of many people in his community, who are rallying 'round in this new phase of his cancer treatment; and to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as well. "Over the years," David says, "I think I've read every piece of literature LLS publishes on AML. The more information the better when it comes to battling cancer. And last year, we received a check from LLS to help pay for treatment-related expenses. Since I am not currently working, those dollars were very helpful."
