SURVIVORSHIP IN CANCER - International Waldenstrom's ...

Ronald G. Draftz
1937-2011
It is with great sadness that I wish to relay to you the recent passing of an IWMF
member who has touched the lives of many of our members in an extraordinary
manner.
On Saturday, August 20, 2011, Ronald (Ron) G. Draftz passed away from
complications due to WM at his home in Arlington Heights, Illinois (USA), while
surrounded by his family.
Ron was a research scientist at the Illinois Institute of Technology, a caring father
and husband, and a doting grandfather. He enjoyed taking photos of family, friends,
weddings, and celebrations. He also went after the big freshwater muskies while
fishing with his son, Dave.
When first diagnosed in 2001, Ron applied his keen intellect and scientific background toward understanding the
mechanism of Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia at a level parallel to that of our most learned WM researchers.
Since that time he has been a tireless friend of the Foundation and of all those affected by the disease, always
giving freely of his time and inexhaustible knowledge and guiding many WM patients in distress through the trials
and tribulations of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Ron spent time on the IWMF Board of Trustees, worked on many IWMF initiatives, was until recently a dedicated
member of our Research Committee, revived a Patient Database project, founded the quirky 10K club, spearheaded
the “Doctor on Call” Torch articles, served as “backup” moderator for IWMF-Talk, was a prolific and valued
IWMF-Talk contributor, was co-support group leader for the Chicago area, was for years the official Ed Forum
photographer, and much more. He will be remembered by many for his humor and his in-depth knowledge of our
disease and the science behind it.
Ron had been battling serious complications due to WM for several months – complications which caused an
unusually high level of IgG (yes, “G”), and consistently dropping WBC and hemoglobin, requiring frequent
transfusions. He recently had difficulty keeping down sufficient quantities of food and became weak. Just two
months ago, Ron was at the Educational Forum and seemed his normal bubbly self, even opening up his room to
host the 10K club and anyone else who wanted to join a vibrant cocktail reception. We were truly graced again by
his presence and his ready smile at the Ed Forum for what was to be the last time.
It’s our understanding that Ron was of the Catholic faith . . . if there is an embodiment of what it is to be a Catholic
saint in these modern times, Ron is just that. He gave freely of his time and his intellect to console, comfort, and
guide others. Through his strength, grace, and humor, Ron was able to display to us what it means to truly live.
As with the passing of other noted IWMF members before him, the “torch” has now been passed to the rest of us
to follow his example – to provide comfort and support to others, to work tirelessly towards a cure for WM, and
to live life to the fullest.
Please remember Ron’s family – his wife Germaine, daughters Angelique and Aimée, son David, his seven
grandchildren (whom he cherished dearly), and the rest of his family in your thoughts and prayers. It should be
noted that his family had also graciously suggested that those wishing to celebrate Ron’s life and his contribution
to others could do so by making donations to the IWMF. We thank them for that and, more importantly, for their
having allowed us to be graced by Ron’s presence and caring touch.
This remembrance of Ron Draftz was written for the Torch by IWMF Trustee Peter DeNardis. Ron Draftz was
Science Advisor for the Torch, and the Torch team’s loss with his passing is both personal and collegial. We share
the sentiments so aptly expressed by Peter.
IWMF TORCH Volume 12.4
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