 Russ and his family on transplant day
Russ was the epitome of a champion – always displaying positivity, perseverance and a ton of heart. During his 27-month-long fight with acute myeloid leukemia, he never once questioned “why me” or let fear get the best of him. He put his head down, gritted his teeth and did everything in his power to overcome a formidable foe.
Throughout his battle, Russ would continue to inspire all those around him with what’s possible when you possess a champion’s mentality. He exercised religiously throughout a bone marrow transplant, full body radiation and countless rounds of chemotherapy. He played in (and won!) his golf club’s annual Traditions tournament alongside his son-in-law. He was often the one giving pep talks to those around him – ironic, but not surprising to anyone who knew him. One of his favorite nurses would go on to say “he was truly a Superman, one of the strongest patients I’ve ever met.” |
Approximately every 3 minutes 1 person in the US is diagnosed with a blood cancer and every 9 minutes someone in the US dies from a blood cancer. |
AML's five-year survival rate is less than 28% |
 Russ and his son-in-law, Wade, celebrating their victory at the annual Member-Guest tournament
Russ was fond of saying “you have but to do the deed to find the power.” He proved that time and time again, and now it’s up to us to come together and find the power to put an end to myelogenous leukemia.
FOR The WIN is dedicated to our Superman’s legacy and picking up where he left off – fighting this devastating disease with everything we’ve got. NO FEAR. JUST FIGHT.
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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Throughout the many highs and lows that come with the fight against AML, Russ stayed grounded by maintaining as much of a sense of normalcy as he could, sharing many amazing moments with his family and friends. Here is a quick snapshot of some of those memories.
Taking a day off of treatment to have a little fun on the water
One of the milestones Russ wouldn't miss throughout his journey, his son-in-law's White Coat Ceremony at MUSC
Practice round with the boys
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Russ celebrating at The College of William & Mary's Homecoming
Russ strutted his stuff on the catwalk, helping raise money for cancer patients, upon the request of one of his favorite nurses
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Partaking in holiday festivities only 2 months following transplant
Fighting AML takes a village and Russ' village came together to celebrate his wife Dottie's 60th birthday
A staple of the 4th of July for the Brown family - time together and fireworks
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The final putt to win Russ' Member-Guest, The Traditions
Russ' "happy place" - you can't feel bad when you're at golf's ultimate, The Masters
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For full facts direct from the largest practice of leukemia experts in the world, MD Anderson's Leukemia Center, CLICK HERE.
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