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In this last entry we will include a tribute that Andrea wrote recently for a photo class and a poem written by our brother-in-law/Uncle Roger that says it all.

With love,
Amy, Andrea, Mindy, & Jason

In Memorium
Adath Israel Congregation
3201 E. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45236

Cincinnati COOKS!
c/o Freestore/Foodbank
1250 Tennessee Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

The Diamond Family Fund for Brain Cancer Research
MD Anderson Cancer Center
P.O. Box 297153
Houston, Texas 77297-0153

Or charity of one�s choice

Tributes
Dad,
As I sit to write this, I find myself wondering where I should start. Should it be the
Dinner �dates� to the restaurant of my choice, our trip to Chicago to see the Bulls play, or the

Football game and weekend at UVA? Each of these are
Really special moments I will never forget. Your
Excellence in business has always prevailed. Your
Dedication and

Determination rubs off on everyone whose lives you touch.
I have never met a more positive person. You have an incredible strength to fight
Any obstacle that stands in your path to success.
Mentor, hero, friend � all words that have been used to describe the
One and only Dad that I love oh-so-much!
Never give up your fight � just keep thinking of the happy
Days ahead.

I LOVE YOU!

January 11, 2003
CINCINNATI - We are saddened to share with all of you that Fred passed away this afternoon. He went peacefully in his sleep. His positive spirit remained strong within him until the end. His funeral will be Monday, January 13, 2003 at 1:30 PM at Adath Israel Synagogue. Visitation will begin at 12:30.

We are extremely grateful for all the love, friendship, and support that you have shown all of us throughout this very difficult time. We love you all.

The Diamond Family

December 16, 2002
CINCINNATI - The Diamond family has gotten through a very challenging week. Fred went into the hospital to be treated for an infection that had developed on his left hip. It was similar to the infection he had on his elbow a few months ago and it was decided that it would heal faster on an IV antibiotic. This proved to be a blessing, because at the same time all 3 Diamond children came down with a stomach virus. It left them all feeling very weak and we are glad that Fred was out of the house.

Everyone is on the mend now and we are expecting Fred to return home this afternoon. We look forward to getting back to the routine! As always, you all give us the strength and support to get through these ups and downs. Bless you!!!

Love,
Amy and Fred

December 9, 2002
CINCINNATI - For all of you who participated on Sunday at the Bond/Cooks event we want to thank you. It meant so much to both of us to be surrounded by family and friends while raising money for a special cause.

Fred started the treatments from Canada. We will need to give it some time before we can determine its effectiveness. Meanwhile, Fred continues to work hard everyday! Your love and support continue to give us much strength.

Love,
Amy and Fred

December 2, 2002
CINCINNATI - The Diamond family is back to the routine after a wonderful Thanksgiving vacation in South Carolina. We had sunshine every day and it was significantly warmer than the weather at home. Most importantly, we enjoyed the time together as a family in a place that is very special to all of us. We truly have a great deal to be thankful for this holiday season and it goes without saying that our family and friends are high on the list.

Fred continues to feel the fatigue from the chemo treatments, but he now has 2 weeks off before starting the next round. Hopefully, he will start to have a little more energy. We spoke with Canada today and we should be receiving his treatment from them on Wednesday. We are looking forward to getting started.

For those of you in the Cincinnati area we hope to see you on Sunday, December 8th at the event being organized by our sister-in-law, Barb and other family and friends in Fred's honor. They have combined two of Fred's favorite things, James Bond and the Cincinnati Cooks organization. Cincinnati Cooks is a job training program of the Freestore/Foodbank. They use surplus food to train people to work in the food service industry and these meals are given to hungry children and to homeless shelters. Come see the new 007 movie and raise money for Cincinnati Cooks at the same time. Details are on the website.

As always, your thoughts, prayers, and support continue to give us great strength and we love you all.

Amy and Fred

November 22, 2002
CINCINNATI � Fred has completed 3 chemotherapy treatments and is holding up well. He is still very tired, but he has no other uncomfortable side effects. He is continuing to do physical therapy, massage and acupuncture and is making it to as many of his meetings as he can. The plan is to continue this and do an MRI after 2 months.

Our family is getting ready to go to South Carolina for Thanksgiving vacation. We are all very excited about taking a break from the routine and hopefully enjoying some warmer weather. We are glad Fred�s parents will be joining us.

Fred is also going to be starting a new treatment program with the Canadian Cancer Research Group along with the chemotherapy. This group concentrates on improving your immune system so that your body can better fight the cancer on its own. It is an interesting philosophy that we feel makes a lot of sense. We are looking forward to starting this after we return from our vacation.

The Diamond family continues to be overwhelmed by all of the love and support from all of our family and friends. It truly means so much to us. We hope you and all of your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Love,
Amy and Fred

November 6, 2002
CINCINNATI - Fred did his first round of the new chemotherapy on Monday and it went smoothly. He has had no major side effects, he is just tired. We have been spending more time at home catching up on movies we�ve missed and giving him the opportunity to rest as needed. The support all of you are giving us at this time means so much. We truly appreciate it.

Love,
Amy and Fred

October 30, 2002
CINCINNATI - After further exploration we have found that there are no clinical trials available to us at this point in time and we have decided upon a standard chemotherapy called CPT-11. All the doctors we spoke with, including Dr. Puduvalli, Dr. Neuss, and Dr. Peereboom at the Cleveland Clinic agreed that this is the best choice. We hope to start the treatment on Monday of next week. This will be administered in Cinicinnati. We are not sure when the next MRI will be. But will keep everyone posted. We continue to appreciate all your support and prayers.

Love,
Amy and Fred

October 24, 2002
CINCINNATI - October 18th MRI revealed some tumor progression. Dr. Pudivalli recommends we explore other clinical trials before making a final decision on how to proceed. We travel to Cleveland Clinic on Monday, the 28th and to Kettering on the following day to see what they have to offer. We also have a call into Duke, Cedar Sinai and Mayo to see if they have any options to be explored. We continue to be optimistic. We had an excellent water physical therapy session yesterday and resting well. We are just at a point where all options need to be explored before taking the next step.

Your prayers and support continue to bring great strength daily.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

October 11, 2002
CINCINNATI - I continue to feel good after a positive report from Houston. I needed to go into the hospital for 1 day this past week for an IV antibiotic for an infection in my elbow. It was nothing serious, but it needed to be addressed. I am now back at home and there should be no more new issues with it. I will be back to my normal busy schedule and working hard.

All our Love,
Amy and Fred

September 26, 2002
CINCINNATI - I just returned from Houston with a very positive report. The tumor actually showed signs of shrinkage and the swelling around it was significantly less. Both developments were pleasant surprises. We will stay on the same medication for another 4 weeks and then have a new MRI in Cincinnati and ship it to Houston for review.

We will continue to work hard each day to keep this positive momentum! Your support and prayers are working! My doctors were thrilled with my physical therapy progress and the schedule I am able to keep.

With much love and continued optimism,
Amy and Fred

September 23, 2002
CINCINNATI- I continue to feel good and gain strength each day. I will return to Houston on the 24th for MRI and will meet with Dr. Puduvalli on the 25th. Physical therapy continues to go well with slow and steady improvement. The Yom Kippur holiday was inspiring and left us very positive for the coming year! The family is doing well and the gang is all doing well in school. I will communicate a more extensive update once we return from Houston. Your prayers and support continue to provide much daily strength.

With much love,
Amy and Fred

September 9, 2002
CINCINNATI - As most of you know, Saturday started the Jewish New Year. We are off to a GREAT start and feel very strong and extremely optimistic. Physical therapy this past week went extremely well with noticeable improvement in each of the 3 sessions. For the past 2 weeks, I have had one session each in the new therapeutic rehab pool, which has improved my leg and hand movements significantly. I am also walking better due to it. This pool has a treadmill in the floor so I work out on under water!

The Holiday services at Adath Israel were extremely meaningful and prayers were strong for being inscribed in the Book of Life - we have no doubt this will be the result! All of your prayers also make that a daily reality! We also wish continued health and happiness for all our friends - Jewish and non-Jewish - over the next year! You continue to all provide great strength and we will continue to work hard each day!

Much love to all,
Amy and Fred

August 26, 2002
CINCINNATI - FEELING GOOD! This past week has marked steady improvement and additional strength. Physical therapy went well and I am experiencing better left side movement. Stamina is good (up to 32 minutes on the elliptical trainer). I am using my trusted walking cane outside the house and am moving very well with it and able to get around almost everywhere! I am keeping a very busy schedule and actually need to find more rest time during the day. Your prayers and support help provide all this strength and we keep working hard to WIN each day! Love to all and the prayers do work!

Amy and Fred

August 19, 2002
CINCINNATI - Feeling stronger every day!! The past week continued to show steady improvement, which was reflected in my physical therapy throughout the week and energy level (which increased daily). I rode the elliptical trainer for 32 minutes on Saturday. We take this improvement to be a result of the new medication, continuance of the nutritional program and other alternative strategies. Our spiritual and emotional strength also grows and a lot of that is a result of your prayers and support.

I had a great birthday on Saturday, spending it with my entire family (Mindy returned home from camp on Friday). I look forward to many more with them and all of you. Thank you so much for all of the nice wishes also. I continue to gain strength from all of you and WIN each day!

All our love,
Amy and Fred

August 12, 2002
CINCINNATI - Back on the road to recovery! We are back to experiencing slow but steady daily improvement. Walking is considerably better and seeing improved movement in left hand and arm each day. I am back in physical therapy and am able to use the elliptical trainer regularly (30 minutes on Saturday). I'm feeling good and have experienced no adverse side effects to the new medication. We continue to work hard on all ends daily and truly see much improvement over the past week (especially the last 3-4 days). Your continued prayers, support and positive wishes have us back winning each day! We love all of you and the incredible strength you send!

Amy and Fred

August 5, 2002
CINCINNATI - We hit one of those "bumps in the road" last week and returned to Houston to get it addressed immediately. The tumor was showing some growth and there was increased swelling. I am on a new medication (accutane - which many know in treatment of acne but has been successful in attacking cancer cells). I am also back on steroids to help my mobility. I am already moving better and look forward to getting back on track to recovery. As we continue to be reminded, the road to wellness is not always smooth and like before, we will bust through this obstacle and be back on track.

I look forward to getting back with physical therapy on Tuesday and improving all my functioning even more. Nutritional and other wellness programs are still on track and keep me feeling good. All of your prayers and support provide the daily strength to WIN each and every day! We remain as positive and strong as ever and know that all the hard work and prayers will lead to recovery! Keep the prayers coming and we LOVE all of you very much!

Amy and Fred

July 26, 2002
CINCINNATI - I just finished 3 days of heavy chemotherapy this week and am very tired but hanging tough. We leave this weekend for Daufuskie Island where I will concentrate on getting a lot of R & R.

I had a terrific time in Maine last week and Mindy is having a good year at camp. We had great weather and really enjoyed Camden, Portland and our time at camp.

Your continued support and prayers provide much strength, which helps us win daily. We love you all and will update the site again upon our return.

Amy and Fred

July 15, 2002
CINCINNATI - I'm feeling strong as the family heads to Maine to visit Mindy at camp for Parents' Weekend and spend some vacation days on the coast. I continue to improve daily and my blood results from today were very strong. My platelets (which have been very low due to the chemo) actually came up to the normal range, which was a huge improvement. My weight is staying on and is within a few pounds of what it was before I got sick. I continue also to show improving results at each physical therapy session. Strong blood results were important in order to proceed with the next chemo round (in Cincinnnati on July 23-25). I will update the site after we return but your prayers and support (as you can see) are working and bring tremendous strength. We love all of you and keep smiling.

Amy and Fred

July 7, 2002
CINCINNATI - I continue to improve and gain strength daily. Physical therapy continues to pay big dividends as my strength, mobility and coordination improve each time. I have been able to enjoy the summer and leave for Maine on the 16th for a week for some vacation and visiting Mindy at camp for Parents' Weekend. I had a phenomenal time in Cooperstown, NY last weekend with my dad and Jason at the Baseball Hall of Fame. I felt good and it was just a real pleasure for the 3 of us to spend some time together.

I continue to work more diligently each day on my journey to total recovery. Your continued prayers, love and support help provide the strength to accomplish it. My next round of chemo will be in Cincinnati on July 23-25 and will not go back to Houston until mid-August for a new MRI and checkup. We love you all very much and the continued strength you are sending is paying off big time. Hope you had a great Fourth of July.

Amy and Fred

June 21, 2002
CINCINNATI - I completed the second round of the current chemotherapy treatment on Wednesday and although I'm tired, I feel very strong and had no side effects.

I continue to improve daily with increased left side mobility and walking with much greater stability and agility. Physical therapy went very well today and showed much improvement from my last session -- one week ago!

We only grow stronger and more positive each day and your prayers and support help provide the daily fuel! We work harder each day on all our wellness efforts and they ARE working! We KNOW we WILL WIN and all of you are playing a major role.

Much love to all,
Amy and Fred

June 13, 2002
CINCINNATI - We are most pleased to report positive news from our visit to Houston on Tuesday and Wednesday. The MRI showed a significant reduction in swelling and a "condensing" of the tumor (some reduction). Dr. Pudavalli was quite pleased with these results and we will stay on the current chemotherapy protocol. I will initiate 3 days of chemo next Monday in Cincinnati and do another MRI in 4 weeks (also in Cincinnati). If improvement continues and MRI reflects that, we will not return to Houston until 8 weeks out. This report brings us heightened confidence in the all-fronts attack we are taking and even greater daily motivation and strength. Dr. Pudavalli was also pleased with my functioning, even if the improvement is slow. I am currently walking much better, in fact, significantly improved over over just a few days ago.

Our daily hard work will only increase and we will even look to increase the physical therapy. We grow more positive and stronger daily and draw on all of your prayers and support.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

June 2, 2002
CINCINNATI - We have seen slow but consistent improvement each day. We continue to learn the true meaning of the word patience but as long as the movement is positive each day, we are pleased. Physical therapy is going well with left side strength increasing and movement/dexterity is showing daily improvement. We grow more positive each day and all of your love and prayers have a lot to do with it!

All our love,
Amy and Fred

May 27, 2002
CINCINNATI - We hope everyone had a restful, enjoyable and meaningful Memorial Day Weekend! Our daily improvement continues. I am walking much better and with ever increasing mobility and strength with my left hand and side. We work exceedingly hard each day to keep this momentum going and our optimism only grows. Your prayers and support bring incredible strength to WIN each day! We love all of you very much and together this recovery will undoubtedly HAPPEN! WE KNOW IT and LIVE IT!

Amy and Fred

May 23, 2002
CINCINNATI - We are glad to report improvement since last week's update. My body seems to be responding well to the intensive chemotherapy. I'm not sick; I am tired, but not overly fatigued. I am walking each day with better balance -- in fact, with much improvement over the last several days. I started back with physical therapy. I'm starting to get motion back in my left hand, which I did not have 48 hours ago.

We feel very strongly that the positive results will continue and all of your support and strength and prayers are major contributors! Again, we feel strong and very positive and feel only stronger that WE WILL WIN!

With much love,
Amy and Fred

May 16, 2002
CINCINNATI - We return from Houston with a new direction after it was determined that the clinical trial was not working. The tumor was starting to progress again and there was increased swelling. We are back to a new standard chemotherapy treatment involving 3 straight days of IV's starting today (May 16th). We certainly hope that this treatment gets us back on the right path. As we have said many times before, this road to recovery is a long difficult route, with bumps and sharp turns to negotiate along the way.

We have been able to get back on track in the past and have already begun to work physically, spiritually, and mentally more intensely to do it. Your prayers, love, friendship and support will continue to provide the strength to help us reach our successful destination. We love all of you very much and always remember - FRED WILL WIN!

Love,
Amy & Fred

May 13, 2002
CINCINNATI - We are currently in the process of negotiating another "bump in the road." Over the past 2 weeks a decline in mobility and coordination has reappeared on my left side It appears that swelling has returned and as of today, I am back on steroids. We are flying back to Houston tomorrow (5/14) for an updated MRI and then meet with the doctor on Wednesday. It will be determined more fully whether the swelling is the sole source of the left side problem and whether there is any change from the current clinical trial I am on.

Please continue the prayers and positive wishes and we will report back upon our return. All of you continue to bring us much strength which helps so much each day.

Much LOVE to all,
Amy and Fred

May 2, 2002
CINCINNATI - The results from this week's MRI were mixed. Parts of the tumor showed continued shrinkage but part of it also showed some signs of growth. In order to curb the growth of this portion, I am changing treatment to a clinical trial that has shown promising results. In fact, I received one of the last slots in a nationwide trial, fortunately because MD Anderson had the most positions. Dr. Pudavalli strongly encouraged going through with this, which has an 8-week cycle and can be taken at home orally. I continue to feel good and function well, which Dr. Pudavalli feels is a very positive sign and allows me many more options and allows them to be aggressive in treatment. He told me to focus solely on my wellness program and continue to build my strength and immune system. He mentioned that the MRI can only tell part of the story and how I feel and function is just as important if not more so.

This visit served to motivate us even more in working as hard as we can on everything we are doing. Although it is nice to have an all-positive report, they realistically will not all be that way. We will build off the positive aspects and use the less positive as daily motivating factors.

Your continued prayers and support bring us the strength to work harder each day and we know that they will ultimately result in recovery!

All our love,
Amy and Fred

April 28, 2002
CINCINNATI - We apologize for the infrequency of updates recently. I continue to feel good and stay on all of my wellness routines. We go back to Houston on Tuesday (April 30) for an MRI and meet with Dr. Puduvalli on Wednesday. We will most definitely have a more extended report after that visit.

We continue to work harder each day in all areas that will allow me to recover and the desire only grows daily. Your continued prayers and support make it easier to fight each day's battle and WIN them!! Andrea, Mindy and Jason are doing well (Andrea turned 16 on 4/7 and Jason 10 on 4/24). We love you all very much and you provide tremendous strength daily!!

Amy and Fred

April 8, 2002
CINCINNATI - We hope everyone has enjoyed the Spring Break, Passover, Easter, etc. season. We had a tremendous time in Daufuskie Island, SC with good weather, lot of activity and just being together. I continue to feel very good and walking the beach each day with Amy certainly contributed to that (as well as playing some tennis with the entire family). I continue to adhere to the nutritional regimen and definitely feel it is playing a positive role in my improved health. The gang is back in school today so we are back to the routine, like most of you. We continue to work hard and smile each day and we never take for granted all of your prayers, love and support which provide our daily strength. Best wishes to everyone and stay in touch.

Love,
Amy and Fred

March 29, 2002
CINCINNATI - First, we want to wish everyone a festive and joyous Passover and Easter. I am feeling very good and continue to work harder and build off the momentum from last week's positive MRI report. We are going to take some family R&R in South Carolina, which everyone is truly looking forward to.

I am in the midst of the new chemo round and am handling it well so far. Again, all of your love, support, friendship and prayers provide the strength to work even more diligently each day to WIN! Have a great Holiday and keep smiling.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

March 20, 2002
CINCINNATI - We are happy to share with everyone that our report from the medical team was a positive one. Tuesday's MRI showed some small tumor shrinkage and a fair amount of reduction in swelling. Dr. Puduvalli was pleased with these results and will keep me on the present chemotherapy protocol. He was also happy with my movement and strength since the last visit.

We will continue our all-out assault with the medicine, nutrition (which we really thinks is helping), acupuncture, etc. all contributing to winning this battle. We will work harder to make sure the next report is an encouraging one also. In no small part, we also attribute these positive developments to your prayers, friendship and support. We WILL continue to WIN each day!

We love all of you,
Amy and Fred

March 13, 2002
CINCINNATI -- I continue to feel strong as we just finished the latest round of chemotherapy on March 11. Workouts improve each time and my nutritional program is going smoothly and the very healthy eating and supplements have helped me feel good. I will be in Houston on March 19 to have new MRI taken and will meet with medical team on the 20th.

Whatever the next steps are, we will tackle them with all the energy and positive feelings possible. Andrea, Mindy and Jason are hanging tough also and play a huge role in the recovery each day. All of your love, inspiration and support help make this daily challenge go much more smoothly. I will report back with the results of this visit. Your prayers continue to be of immeasurable importance.

Love to all,
Amy and Fred

March 3, 2002
CINCINNATI- As I finish up this new round of chemo, I feel very strong and have not experienced the side effects usually associated with this medication. We and our doctors take my feeling so good as a positive and will do everything possible to build on it.

I have started the new nutritional program designed by Dr. Wallace in Utah and I feel very good about it. She has done a tremendous amount of research on how various foods and supplements affect brain tumors and the chemotherapy treatments used in fighting them. We feel again, it is an excellent complement to the drugs my body is handling.

I continue to workout daily and supplement that with the acupuncture and massage therapy. We feel that no one treatment will result in my recovery but feel confident that combining all of these plus a continued strong will and positive attitude will!

We keep smiling everyday and cannot say enough about all of your prayers and support that give us this strength and encouragement daily.

Love to all,
Amy and Fred

February 20, 2002
CINCINNATI- I started a new chemotherapy regimen on the 11th and still feel very good overall. The objective for this protocol is to stop the tumor growth. I continue to workout daily and started the specialized nutritional program this week.

This past weekend was a tremendous boost to our entire family as we celebrated our daughter Mindy's Bat Mitzvah. Mindy conducted the service beautifully and we are very proud of her. We look forward to celebrating many more happy occasions with our family and friends in the future. We continue to work even harder each day to WIN this battle -- and we WILL win!

Your continued prayers and support mean so much every day.

Love,
Amy and Fred

February 11, 2002
CINCINNATI - Now that the news of the most recent MRI has been digested, we are motivated to work even harder to win this battle. As our good friend, Bill Goldberg said to us, "This tumor does not know Fred Diamond." I start the new chemotherapy regimen later today and am anxious to take this next step to recovery. We certainly hope that this treatment will stop the tumor growth and get us back on track.

I am also going to add a new weapon to the artillery by working with Dr. Jeanne Wallace, who is a nationally respected nutritionist and specializes in working with clients who have brain tumors. We certainly feel that following a proper nutritional program can only prove beneficial in the recovery process. I will continue my challenging exercise and physical therapy program, which has already paid huge dividends in my feeling good and keeping my body strong. Acupuncture and massage therapy will also continue to play a role in the wellness program.

But maybe most importantly, I will work even more diligently to increase my mental and spiritual strength, which are the areas that all of you have played an invaluable role. All of your continued prayers and positive thoughts drive us to stay upbeat and optimistic that we will overcome all obstacles on the road to recovery. Many of you have asked, "what can we do?" We can tell you that your prayers, love, friendship and just being there to listen helps immensely. Your encouragement makes it easier to push harder towards good health.

We love all of you very much and know that you will keep the faith with us.

Amy and Fred

February 6, 2002
CINCINNATI- We just returned from Houston where the results of this most recent MRI were not what we expected. It showed that the tumor is no longer responding to the previous chemotherapy regimen. This result was surprising given the fact that I am functioning well (and actually have improved in many respects over the past month) and feel very good overall.

Shortly I will start a different chemotherapy treatment (a combination of oral and injection) for the next 6 weeks with the hope of stabilizing the tumor. The treatments will be done in Cincinnati and I will go back to Houston 6 weeks hence to determine where we stand. The fact that I am functioning well and the tumor is contained to the same area are both positive signs.

We continue to ask for your prayers and support and together WE WILL WIN!!

We love you all,
Amy and Fred

January 20, 2002
CINCINNATI- Not much new to report since the last update. I continue to get stronger although I still get tired depending on the timing of the chemotherapy. The family is staying busy and doing well. We hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy in this winter weather. Sorry for the update being so brief but there isn't much more to pass along. Your prayers and support are a major player in my improvement-we value it greatly each day. We promise to keep up the daily WINS!

Love,
Amy and Fred

January 10, 2002
CINCINNATI - Back from another checkup in Houston and fortunately, the medical team saw noticeable improvement over the past month. I am walking significantly better and my weight is now within 5 pounds of my "normal" weight. My energy level has improved and the medical team was pleased with the continued improvement.

I will stay on the same chemo regimen for the next month and return to Houston in early February for a new MRI, which hopefully will confirm the improvement. Dr. Pudduvalli's advice was to continue to do what I have been doing - so we will work hard everyday to fight the battle and WIN!

Yesterday is even more proof that your prayers and wishes are working and we love all of you for it.

All the best,
Amy and Fred

January 7, 2002
CINCINNATI - We hope everyone had a great New Year's celebration and we again wish all of you a most happy and healthy 2002! The Diamonds had a great cruise and it was wonderful spending a week together and enjoying the beautiful, warm weather. Fred did well overall and, except for one rough day of weather, felt good throughout the trip.

Fred goes down to Houston on Tuesday and see the doctors on Wednesday. There is no MRI this time so we do not expect to learn much. We are extremely optimistic about 2002 and will use the strength you have provided to us to help make it a most positive year.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

December 28, 2001
CINCINNATI- Just a short message to wish everyone an early Happy and Healthy New Year. We leave early tomorrow morning for our cruise and will be returning late on January 5th. We will update everyone further once we return. We are positive that 2002 will be a healthier year and one where much progress will be made on the health and other fronts. Again, we cannot start to thank everyone for all of their love, prayers and support during 2001 and know that it will continue to bring us strength in 2002. Much love to everyone and we look forward to seeing you in healthier times soon!

Amy, Fred, Andrea, Mindy and Jason

December 24, 2001
CINCINNATI- First, we want to wish everyone a most happy and healthy holiday and look forward to seeing you soon.

Due to my lower resistance, I came down with shingles (otherwise known as adult chicken pox) early last week. Today, I am finished with the medication for it and should start to feel better. Between that medicine and the chemotherapy, I was feeling more tired during the week. Hopefully, that will end as we get ready for the cruise on Saturday. We continue to fight through these small obstacles so we can WIN the battle!

Take care and we continue to gain strength from your prayers and support.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

December 13, 2001
CINCINNATI - I continue to feel stronger each day and build on the great news that we received from our medical team last week. I have made a lot of progress in my physical therapy over the past week and have gained back a fair amount of weight over the same time period. Being off the steroid all together is really accelerating my physical recovery.

We become more optimistic each day and continue to build on the progress. Walking the steps becomes a bit easier each day and shows that my legs continue to get stronger.

We hope everyone has a great holiday season and enjoys the time with family and friends. Your prayers and support, as you can see, continue to work wonders daily.

With much love,
Amy and Fred

December 5, 2001
Back in CINCINNATI- Today was a landmark day for the everyone on the "Fred Will Win" team as we received an OUTSTANDING report from our MD Anderson medical team. The new MRI showed that the brain tumor actually SHRUNK slightly and the swelling around the tumor is essentially gone. These are both tremendous developments and bring much hope that the course we are on is a good one for now. I will stay on the the current chemotherapy treatment for now and hope that continued progress will be made. Dr. Pudduvalli also gave us the go ahead to go on our family cruise at the end of December, which the Diamond family is thrilled about. We have a long way to go but this is truly good news to build on and leaves much room for optimism.

Not only has my medical treatment played a major role in these positive developments but your prayers, support and wishes have also been invaluable and will continue to be a big part of our future WINS. Again, we love all of you very much and we are motivated to work even harder every day to keep the momentum going.

Amy and Fred

December 2, 2001
CINCINNATI- I had a busy week and felt good throughout except for some fatigue later in the days. There is not much news to report since the last update but I will have a lot more after I return from Houston on Wednesday, the 5th. We continue to work hard at the daily WINS and feel optimistic that progress with the chemotherapy has been made. Physical therapy is helping and my appetite is good -- so lot of good signs. I will update everyone soon and again all of your prayers and support bring daily strength.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

November 20, 2001
CINCINNATI- I have stayed busy over the last week and feel very good overall. I do get tired from the chemotherapy but that is to be expected given the strength of the drugs that I am taking. I started doing acupuncture over the past 2 weeks and have found it to be helpful. I am open to alternative ways to help my health and found the acupuncture treatments beneficial in relieving stiffness in my legs and even improving my energy level. It should also help build my immune system which is a key. I am open to suggestions so feel free to pass along anything else that you find might be helpful. Again, I will return to Houston on December 4 for a new MRI and meet with my doctors on the 5th to discuss the results.

Finally, Amy, Andrea, Mindy and Jason and I wish you a most happy and safe Thanksgiving. The Diamonds truly have a lot to be thankful for -- primarily our family and friends who continue to strengthen and support us daily.

We love all of you very much,
Fred

November 14, 2001
CINCINNATI- We are glad to report that the taste buds are returning and the last few days has seen a significant increase in intake in food which has made me feel better. The steroid is still making it difficult on my muscles, especially walking steps, but that is been improving slowly also. Just being able though to get some nutrition and energy has made me feel very good and energized this week and more positive daily. The hope is that after my next MRI on December 4, it will show that I can be taken off the steroid and my life will then change for the better in hopefully a short period of time. I would be able to start working out to build my body back up, which would improve everything considerably.

The prayers and positive inspiration from everyone work daily and we love all of you very much.

Amy and Fred

November 9, 2001
CINCINNATI- We returned from Houston late Wednesday evening and are just taking it easy today. The primary concern currently was my significant weight loss due to a loss of appetite, leaving much weakness. The doctors determined that a yeast infection in the mouth killed the taste buds. An antibiotic should hopefully remedy that in the next couple of days. The steroid also contributes to some weight loss and that dosage will start to decline. Once I start eating more normally, the strength should return very quickly.

We stay on the next round of chemo here at home and will return to Houston in early December for an MRI to find out the tumor status and decide if any change in the treatment is warranted. This was a very positive visit and we expect more strength in short order.

Again, we grow more positive each day and gain strength from all of you. Keep the prayers and positive thoughts coming -- they help immeasurably each day.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

November 4, 2001
CINCINNATI- This has been a great autumn weekend and corresponds with some return with better stamina. As I finished this round of anti-nausea medicine, my energy is slowing returning and that is a big plus! We continue to WIN each day and feel stronger as each one passes. Again -- one day closer to RECOVERY! We go down to Houston on Tuesday, November 6 and meet with the doctors on the 7th. WE do not expect to know a great deal more since we are only finishing the first cycle of the chemotherapy. Again, my regimen includes taking the chemo, HERE, in Cincinnati, throughout the month and going to Houston to meet with the doctors and do the MRIs just 1 day a month. My subsequent visit (early December) will include an MRI and we WILL know more to what degree the chemotherapy is working. Most of these updates are from Cincinnati but we will certainly post a message this week on any news from the medical team.

The list of thank you's to everyone for EVERYTHING is just too lengthy to start so please accept it with all the love we know it has been passed to us. Have a terrific week and we will update again soon.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

October 29, 2001
FEELING BETTER EVERY DAY! Had a most restful and enjoyable weekend and started to get some recent lost energy back. It appears that the recent fatigue is more a result of the anti-nausea medication that I am on and not the chemo treatment. That should straighten out and I am already gaining strength. Sunday was an absolutely beautiful day and I was able to get a nice walk with Amy in and this week looks like more of the same. The Diamond family spent a tremendous Sunday evening at Music Hall enjoying the Cincinnati Pops, who were accompanied by the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers, an extremely talented group of young performers. The family time together is so important and this was a good one. I am looking forward to another positive, improving week as we go back to Houston on November 6 to meet the medical team on the 7th.

Everyone's prayers and love help to inspire us daily and the positive atttitudes continue to feed on itself and the entire Diamond family benefits from it. Have a terrific week and we will check in over the next few days.

Love,
Amy and Fred

October 25, 2001
I'm feeling good, but fatigue is setting in. The heavy duty chemotherapy is starting to kick in and has started to drain a fair amount of my daily energy. I look at that as a real positive since it means that the medicine is working! It has kept these updates less frequent but I do want everyone know we continue to WIN each day and get 1 day closer to kicking this. Just like any illness, the body tells us when to rest and clearly this is one of those junctures for me. Your messages and prayers have helped even more over the past several days to inspire me through this. Today I do feel better and did attend physical therapy to keep the body and mind moving and active -- thanks to my trainer, Missy, for all of her help and patience.

Family is doing well and already adjusting to this very cool autumn weather. We repeat, everyday brings more hope and optimism and you are all a huge part of it. We love you and we DO gain STRENGTH each day!!!

Amy and Fred

October 18, 2001
Feeling good!! After the 5 days of chemotherapy drug #1 and now the first day of the experimental chemo treatment, I feel very strong and have experienced (so far) no side effects from either. The steroid has also helped to considerably reduce any headaches and my left hand and foot are considerably stronger and more coordinated. My physical therapy session today was the best yet and helps us to gain more confidence. We will take these improving developments as positive mileage down the winding road to full recovery. The beautiful autumn days we have had in Cincinnati the last several days helped also to keep spirits high!

All the prayers, support, offers to help and warm wishes from all continue to help the Diamond family immeasurably. With all this love, we cannot help but WIN! We look forward to delivering continued positive reports.

All the best,
Amy and Fred

October 15, 2001
Since returning home and starting the new regimen, I am steadily feeling better. By taking the low dose of steroids, my headaches are now gone and my left hand has improved significantly. I have had no side effects from the chemotherapy and am gaining more strength and energy daily. I am back working out which is also helping. We understand that the road to recovery is not always smooth but we truly feel back on track from Wednesday's slight bump. The weekend was restful and productive and just being at home has made life easier and much more enjoyable. Everyone at home is busy and it is hard to believe that Andi now has her temps and is now behind the wheel of a car. Jason is busy with sports and Mindy has dance and bat mitzvah lessons. All on top of a busy school schedule for each. Amy, of course, tries to keep us all sane and organized.

We are more confident than ever that we will WIN and everyday we get closer to that goal. We will say it again, all of your prayers, support and wishes continue to bring great strength that we use everyday for inspiration. We love you all and have a GREAT week! Talk with you soon.

Amy and Fred

October 10, 2001
Keep on Truckin! Wednesday was another challenging day on the road to recovery. Bottom line is that the MRI done Tuesday showed swelling around the tumor. This is most likely the cause of my recent headaches and loss of some left hand dexterity. The doctor has put me back on a low dose of steroids which should help control this. There are also some signs that the tumor may be progressing somewhat. As part of the plan from the beginning, I will begin chemotherapy immediately. This protocol will be done in conjuction with a clinical test. (I will be the second one in the program). The chemo will be taken orally and will be done at home. This is a real plus. All of the blood work and other tests related to this can also be done in Cincinnati. I will return to Houston once a month to meet with Dr. Puduvalli to track my progress. Hopefully the tumor will start to shrink again! Even though we had hoped the results would have shown more progress, we are encouraged that this next step will be helpful.

We continue to work even harder each day to WIN this battle and we ask for your continued prayers and support. All the best and we will continue to communicate our progress.

Love,
Amy and Fred

October 2, 2001
We had a phenomenal time in South Carolina this past weekend. It was truly a time for R & R and Daufuskie Island is absolutely the perfect place just to relax and regroup.

We are back in Cincinnati until next Monday evening, when we leave for Houston to take new MRIs on Tuesday and meet with the medical team on Wednesday to determine the next steps to recovery.

I feel stronger everyday and continue to work out and take a bunch of vitamins to continue increasing the strength. It has been great being at home to spend time with the family and see friends. It provides added strength to go back down to Texas and face these next steps. Again, all of your prayers and positive messages keep our spirits high and have contributed to the significant progress so far. We just have a bit more to go. All the best.

Love,
Amy and Fred

September 21, 2001
This past week and a half was certainly a difficult period for everyone and forever changed the world we live in. We all offer our prayers and strength to everyone impacted by this most tragic day.

As far as I am concerned, I gain strength each day and overall feel very good. Physical therapy has helped to increase my strength and flexibility. I am back doing cardiovascular workouts so my endurance continuously improves. I am currently on a vitamin supplement regimen and adjusted my diet to build up my immune system and make sure my body is as strong as possible going into any further treatment. It is terrific to be home with the family and have seen so many friends. Being at home has no doubt accelerated the healing process and helped me to maintain a positive attitude. It was very special being at home this week for the Jewish New Year and hope and pray that this Year is one of great healing and progress for the U.S. and everyone who requires it. Again, we will be in Cincinnati until October 8th, when we will spend 3 days in Houston to take new MRIs and meet with the medical team to determine the next steps to be taken towards recovery.

All of your prayers and support continue to help us WIN everyday!

With much love,
Amy and Fred

September 10, 2001
It has been tremendous to be home the last 5-plus days and it has made the recovery process so much more enjoyable. Just getting up each morning and knowing that I do NOT have to go to the hospital for treatment has been a huge relief.

It has been great to start connecting with family and friends and physically I feel better each day. I still feel a bit fatigued from the radiation but even that situation improves daily. Amy and I are going to South Carolina for the weekend to get some R & R and that will no doubt help the healing process considerably.

Andrea, Mindy and Jason are staying busy with school and their other activities and it great to be with them every day. I started physical therapy last Thursday and will continue that twice/ week at this point. I am trying to workout on the other days and plan on being in much better shape prior to my October meetings with the doctors in Houston. Amy and I appreciate everyone's continued prayers and support and we have not let up working hard to chalk up the daily WINS! Have a great week and we will keep sending the updates as there is something to report. All our best.

Love,
Fred

September 5, 2001
It is truly hard to believe but we are now finished with radiation! This is a huge victory, and is a culmination of all the daily WINS you have helped us with over the past six weeks. It is going to be terrific to be at home for a month and continue the recovery process.

Dr. Chang was very pleased today with the progress made over the past 2 weeks, when he examined last. He felt that I will continue to experience improvement over the next month as the results of the radiation continues to kick in.

I will return to Houston on October 8-10. During that period I will undergo a new set of MRIs and then we will meet with Dr. Puddavalli, Dr. Lang and Dr. Chang to decide what the next steps will be. In the meantime, I can recover and catch up on many things. We will update the website as there is something meaningful to report.

We hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend and a fantastic week ahead. Thank you again for EVERYTHING!

Love,
Amy and Fred

August 31, 2001
It is hard to believe but I am now down to the last treatment (on September 4). Even though the stepped up radiation has continued to sap my energy, the fact that we are almost finished provides the strength to offset it.

Amy and I fly back in a few hours and it will be great to rest at home and spend some time with the family. We hope everyone has a terrific Labor Day weekend. Amy and I fly back to Houston on Monday and we know you will all be celebrating after the last treatment with us on Tuesday, which will be truly a BIG WIN!! We close this week with another daily WIN and thank everyone for their continued love and support.

Amy and Fred

August 29, 2001
As I send this update, we are now down to 3 radiation treatments remaining. As mentioned in the last update, the radiation continues to get boosted and so does the fatigue. That shows the treatments are working and I am getting better! I look forward to going home on Friday before returning on Monday to complete the last radiation treatment on Tuesday. It has been raining in Houston the last several days, which has cooled it down. That has been a welcome relief. Another daily WIN for the home team and the end of this phase is almost reality!

Love to all,
Fred

August 27, 2001
Monday was a great day and marked the 25th radiation treatment -- only 5 more left! The doctors continue to see progress and have taken me off all medication! They also saw more improvement in my walking and left side strength. In fact, as I write this early Tuesday morning, I slept 6 hours straight, which is by far the longest stretch since being on medication. Although the radiation continues to cause increased fatigue, I feel good overall and am psyched that the end of radiation is in sight. Today we crank out one more WIN! Again, these positive developments are a result of all your prayers and my terrific medical team.

All my love and keep smiling,
Fred

August 26, 2001
Being home this weekend was the best therapy I could hope for. We had a terrific birthday celebration for Amy on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, the family went to religious services at Adath Israel and it was great to see a lot of friends there. The rest of the time was spent with the family and relaxing. This weekend gave me a big boost to face these last 6 treatments. My spirits remain very high and we will continue to crank out the daily wins. Have a fantastic week!

Love,
Fred

August 23, 2001
Thursday was an easier WIN and Friday should go well as I leave after treatments this afternoon to fly home. It has been great having Mom down here this week but we are both ready to leave this heat. The family is looking forward to celebrating Amy's birthday this evening. I am excited about just being home for a couple of days and spending time with my family. After today, there are only 6 radiation treatments left, so the end of this phase is in sight. Please note that I will be giving up the Houston apartment on Aug. 31, so any mail, deliveries, faxes, etc. will not reach me after Thursday, the 30th. Hope everyone has a terrific weekend and keep praying for those daily WINS!

Love to all,
Fred

August 22, 2001
Tuesday and Wednesday were both WINS as we are now done with 22 treatments (with 8 to go). I am starting to experience more fatigue, which is expected, as I am now further into the radiation cycle. The severe Houston temperatures (with heat index over 100 daily) also contribute to the slowdown. I must be careful to pace myself over the duration of the treatments and drink a lot of fluids, since dehydration can occur.

As I update everyone on Thursday morning, I feel well rested and ready to complete another daily win. I look forward to flying home Friday evening for Amy's birthday and see the family. I turn around and fly back to Houston on Sunday evening to kick out the LAST full week of treatments.

We continue to plow down the road to wellness daily and again feel very strong thanks to everyone's prayers, inspiration and warm wishes.

Love to all,
Fred

August 20, 2001
Monday was another WINNING day! Radiation is now two-thirds done, so we are now entering the home stretch. Dr. Chang was very pleased with my progress over the past week and saw a noticeable improvement in my walking. He cut back the steroid dosage to just 0.5 mg./day and kept me on the exercise program. I had an MRI after meeting with him which will help determine the amount of radiation step-up during the last 7 treatments.

We continue to grow stronger each day and we will crank out another WIN today. Keep smiling.

Love,
Fred

August 19, 2001
The Diamond family had a terrific weekend together and Fred's birthday was a very happy occasion. Andrea, Mindy and Jason went to the hospital on Friday with Dad and Mom to observe the full routine firsthand. They met all the people taking care of dad and experienced the positive, upbeat atmosphere that MD Anderson has in helping their patients. My nurses in clinical even had a birthday cake for me on Friday, which we all enjoyed. We had a great birthday dinner on Friday night and all of us agreed that there were many more happy birthdays to celebrate together.

On Saturday, we went to the Galleria and at night went out with the Weils. A big thanks goes out to Lissy Weil for baking a beautiful and delicious birthday cake, which we all enjoyed.

We then joined the Weils on Sunday to see the Astros beat up on the Pirates (too bad the Reds cannot win at home). I will have a medical update tomorrow but I still feel good and continue to workout. The family goes home on Monday with school starting on Wednesday. Fred's mom will be in Houston from Monday to Friday.

Again, all of your prayers continue to work wonders and we will go out and continue to WIN them one day at a time.

Love to all,
Amy and Fred

August 15, 2001
Wednesday was another winning day and my energy level was very high (it is great when you get some decent sleep!). Amy, Andrea and Mindy fly to Houston on Thursday afternoon, which Jason and I are very much looking forward to. This will be the first time since mid-June that all 5 of us have been together- that is certainly cause for big time celebration. The family will stay until Monday and then fly back to Cincinnati to start school on Wednesday. We will kick out another WIN today for the home team.

Love to all,
Fred

August 14, 2001
Tuesday marked the beginning of the second half of radiation treatments and indicated that we are getting ever closer to wellness. Jason and I did follow through with our haircuts on Tuesday. Dad's cut is as short as they would do it without shaving the head and Jason looks great with his semi- buzz. It is absolutely great to have my close buddies, Marty Mandel and Rob Lowenstein down here with us. We had a terrific time Tuesday night and more good times are planned for Wednesday and Thursday. Thanks to their beautiful better halves- Linda and Karen for all of the delicious goodies they sent down. This foursome is having a good time. Today we kick out another WIN!

Love to all,
Fred

August 13, 2001
Monday was a terrific day for the "Fred Will Win" team. Dr. Chang observed continued improvement in both left side strength and walking from last week. He reduced the steroid dosage down to 1 mg./day (from 2) and will reduce it to 0.5 mg/day next week. He is most pleased with the overall progress (given only minor side effects) and the apparent positive results from the radiation so far.

He did clarify that the MRI scheduled for August 20 is being done only to help in the completion of the radiation treatments and will NOT be reviewed by the doctors to further diagnose the tumor or for determining future treatment. He explained that my medical team will determine the next steps only after radiation is completed and they can fully assess the effectiveness of the 6 weeks of treatment. This is especially true in light that the intensity of the radiation will be boosted during the last 2 weeks. If the next stage of treatment is determined to be chemotherapy, that program would start approximately 4 weeks after radiation completion, or sometime in early October. Therefore I will be in Cincinnati throughout most of September. Again, this schedule of action is asking me to be patient, because that is what I am. Finally, Dr. Chang encouraged me to continue exercising and go directly into rehab back in Cincinnati to improve the left side strength and coordination.

Again, your prayers and positive wishes have brought great results and continued motivation to crank out the daily wins!

We love all of you,
Amy and Fred

August 12, 2001
The weekend was restful and I continue to feel strong. I worked out for 30 minutes plus on Saturday and Sunday; I am ready to tackle this week's treatments.

Amy's parents were in Houston for the weekend, so it was nice to spend some time with them. Monday will be the 15th day of radiation, which marks the halfway point for those treatments. I will also meet with Dr. Chang on Monday to discuss my progress and possible next steps. My MRI is now scheduled for Aug. 20 (so much for it being a birthday gift) and I will discuss with him expectations for next steps based on the MRI results.

The radiation is taking its toll on the treatment entry points and the hair in those areas are waving the white flag. Tuesday may be the day we go to the low/no maintenance "haircut".

Friday, I had the pleasure of getting together with a very brave friend, Melvin Mann, who lives in Atlanta. Mel was diagnosed with leukemia and has been fighting courageously since then. He has been trying for the past 7 years to find a match for a bone marrow transplant, yet has not been able to despite thousands of candidates tested. However, by hooking up as part of a clinical test at MD Anderson in '98, he has been taking the drug, Gleece, which has kept him moving forward and added years to the original prognosis. Mel visits MD Anderson 4 times a year for checkups and we were able to hook up on Friday during one of the quarterly stints. Mel and I will definitely be winners together as we tackle our challenges.

Everyone's love and prayers continue to strengthen us.

Amy and Fred

August 9, 2001
Wednesday and Thursday treatments went smoothly and I continue to feel strong. My sleeping continues to improve and my appetite is closer to normal.

On Thursday, our trusted communication lifeline, the Palm VII, died. Scott Stumpf, back at FEG will remedy the situation on Friday and we should be back up and running on Saturday. Any e-mail sent to [email protected] since Thursday will be retrieved and we will respond shortly. Please feel free to continue sending e-mails to that address during the weekend. If anyone happened to send an e-mail to [email protected] on Thursday or Friday, please resend those messages.

Have a terrific weekend! We will chalk up another WIN today and update you soon.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

August 7, 2001
Tuesday was a significant day in several respects. Most importantly, we celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. We view this milestone as the first of 50 to follow. We had an incredible dinner with Jane and Stuart Weil to celebrate and thoroughly enjoyed a happy evening.

Tuesday was also the first day Fred did not take the clinical test drug (which will now be administered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and just had the radiation treatment. So, it was a more restful day that we could enjoy.

Jason is in his second week of tennis camp and loves it. He has really taken the initiative to jump in and really enjoy his time in a new place with new kids! He is a real WINNER! We will go out and chalk up another WIN today for the team!

All our love,
Amy and Fred

August 6, 2001
Monday was a huge WIN for the "Fred Will Win" team. Dr. Chang was absolutely thrilled with the progress made during the week and acknowledged that he saw a noticeable increase in strength and improvement in walking. He then cut the steroid dosage back to just 1 time per day, which will go a long way to help my sleeping (which is improving) and eating patterns. I can continue to exercise as long as I am not too fatigued from it.

As the radiation continues, he warned that I may get more tired, but for now he said I am doing great. The next big date is Aug.17, when I have an MRI (nice birthday present!) to determine what the actual progress (tumor shrinkage) has been. I will be meeting with Dr. Chang on the 20th to discuss it.

Monday also marked the 10th day of treatment, so we are now starting the next 10 on a very positive note. Tuesday, in fact, is the first day that I do not take the clinical drug--I will now do so on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Again, this report demonstrates that all the prayers, love and positive thoughts are working BIG time! We continue to gain incredible strength from all of you. We will go out and fight harder today to keep the winning streak alive!!

All our love,
Amy and Fred

August 5, 2001
This weekend was one to relax and stay out of the continued intense Houston heat. I was able to sleep much better as the reduction in the daily steroid dosage started to take effect. My appetite has also moderated some, which has made me feel better and not feel like eating non-stop. I will finish my 2nd full week of treatments on Monday so we will be exactly 1/3 completed on the radiation phase. I meet with Dr. Chang Monday afternoon and will update everyone on that news Tuesday morning.

I feel stronger each day (more sleep is definitely helping) and worked out on the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes on Sunday very easily. Hopefully, Dr. Chang will allow me to do some additional exercise this week.

Jason had a very busy weekend. His close friend David Kriner and David's dad, Michael, were in Houston. Mike's brother, Steven, is living in Houston currently, while on assignment for Chevron. We all went to the Astros game on Saturday night and had a great time. Mike and the boys (along with Matt Dias, another Wyoming classmate visiting his grandparents in Houston) went to the zoo on Sunday.

David and Mike!- we cannot thank you enough for making the effort to visit us. It was a very special time for Jason, whose summer has been a challenging one. These last 2 days gave him a tremendous boost! We sound like a broken record but the entire Weil/Graubart family continues to make us feel at home and truly a member of their own family. Your love and kindness are true blessings and reinforces our belief from tbe start that we were meant to go to Houston to get well! We love our extended family very much and it was especially great to see Noel Graubart twice this weekend as he recovers from his recent surgery. Noel, we love you and know you will be back at full strength soon.

We look forward to kicking out those daily wins this week and the prayers and positive wishes keep building that strength.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

August 1, 2001
Treatments on Wednesday went well and should go smoothly the rest of the week. I feel stronger daily and did a 25 minute cardio workout yesterday afternoon. There probably will not be much new to report until we meet with Dr. Chang next Monday. Your prayers, love and support motivate and strengthen us daily and the victory only gets more vivid!

All our love,
Amy and Fred

July 31, 2001
Tuesday's treatments went smoothly and built another solid win! I also completed a 20-minute cardiovascular workout and felt fine. I will continue to build on that daily and consistently with Dr. Chang's direction.

Having Jason with Amy and I has been a true joy. He is actually participating in a tennis camp this week at the Jewish Community Center during the time Amy and I are at treatments. He is a real trooper! -- he enthusiastically signed up for this realizing he would not know any other children and he was in a new city. And he IS having a great time! That positive attitude to jump in and embrace new challenges is rare in most adults, but as a 9 year old, he is a real WINNER! It is an inspiration to have him here!

Everyone's love and prayers build daily and we use them to WIN!

All our love,
Amy and Fred

July 30, 2001
Monday was a tremendous day for the TEAM and goes down in the books as a BIG WIN! First, it marked the end of the first week's treatments (clinical test drug and radiation). Monday also concluded with my first consultation with Dr. Chang, concerning my progress since treatment started.

He felt that I have progressed extremely well and that any side effects have been minimal. He was quite pleased that I had experienced very little fatigue. In fact, my left side strength and walking had actually improved! He then cut the steroid medication in half each day (so maybe I can start sleeping more) and I can actually start working out slowly on the elliptical trainer each day.

This report builds some real momentum as we continue to knock out those daily WINS! Again, all of your prayers, positive thoughts and inspiration are paying off. We will work harder each day to build on great reports like today. We hope everyone has a tremendous week.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

July 26, 2001
Thursday's clinical test and radiation treatment process went smoothly and consumed much less time. This course should now hopefully hold true for the next 5 weeks. I continue to feel great with no signs of any additional fatigue. I just need to stay out of the sun and the extreme Houston heat as to not interfere with the daily radiation. As noted, yesterday, I will have a more detailed update on my progress Monday after meeting with Dr. Chang.

I am psyched to have Jason here starting Sunday for close to 3 weeks. That will clearly make this beastly summer a lot more fun.

In closing, I want to mention a true angel, Smiler Smith, one of the outstanding nurses involved with my current regimen. And her name most definitely suits her well. She has helped guide Amy and me through the many winding roads connected with all aspects of treatment. Life would have been stressful without her -- with her, yes, we get a SMILE and positive results. She even has a 9-year old son for Jason to meet. Smiler, we love you and cannot thank you enough.

Have a phenomenal weekend as we continue to collect our daily victories down in Texas.

Love,
Fred

July 25, 2001
Day 2 of treatment went very well and resulted in another daily WIN! I am not feeling any effects of additional fatigue, from either the clinical test drug or the radiation itself. I will continue to build on that each day. I will meet with Dr. Chang on Monday to review my progress after the first week of treatment.

It has been a true pleasure having my parents stay with me this week. We have had a tremendous time just talking about so many important areas of our lives. And Mom's, always expert, culinary skills have helped keep me well fed, as the doctor ordered. Amy and Jason, who are in Cincinnati this week as Jason finishes camp, will fly to Houston on Sunday and spend the next 2 weeks here with me. I am very excited about now being able to spend some extended time with my "best buddy" after a summer where we have had very little time together. With our strength continuing to expand, we enthusiastically crank out those daily victories.

Love you all,
Fred

July 24, 2001
Chalk up today as a BIG WIN! Fred finished the first full day of radiation treatment along with the clinical test drug. There was no fatigue after a very long day, so hopefully this is a strong sign that the next six weeks will flow smoothly. Today was time consuming due to a fair amount of initial setup and extra testing associated with the clinical test. These last several hospital days truly define why we are called "patients." It is because we are stretched to show great "patience." That is not a trait that we necessarily work more diligently to improve, but I have seen first hand that patience makes life much easier, especially when dealing with factors outside of our control. Bottom line, we are one more day closer to wellness and tomorrow will be even better. Please continue to stay in touch. Your love and support make us stronger each day.

Amy and Fred

Fred has moved into an apartment for the next 6 weeks while undergoing radiation treatments along with the clinical test. The address is: 1514 Kirby Place Apts., 7500 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77030. Faxes can be received at: 713-661-0848. E-mails are always welcome and be sent as usual.

July 23, 2001
Our weekend in Maine to visit Andrea and Mindy was quite special and we had a phenomenal time. The weather was sunny and warm and we got to share lots of hugs, kisses and smiles with them. This year at camp is Andrea's final one so we were able to take her out for dinner and shopping on Saturday evening. We had a great time and just enjoyed talking. Parents Weekend is a very special time at camp, so we were thrilled to be a part of it.

Fred is back in Houston and starts the radiation and clinical test on Tuesday. We are ready to go and continue the daily winning process. And WE WILL WIN each day until we are WELL. We cannot emphasize enough what all the prayers, love and positive messages have meant. Our strength grows daily as we enter this important treatment phase. We LOVE you all and will see you in good health soon.

Amy and Fred

July 18, 2001
We depart Houston today with extremely high spirits and an aggressive plan of action for radiation treatment to start next Tuesday. Our medical team is very confident, as are we, that the next 6 weeks will pay a major role in shrinking this tumor. Our optimism is only enhanced by being involved with the experimental drug which will hopefully accelerate that process even more.

Being part of the clinical test is a major commitment of additional time and tests (and possibly some side effects) but the potential benefit to me and others is just too important. We focus the rest of our week on Andrea, Mindy and Jason and having the most fun and positive feelings possible with them. This weekend will bring our family even closer together and set an even stronger framework for getting Dad back to good health. Accordingly, the website will not be updated again until July 23/24. Everyone's prayers and inspiration play a huge role in our daily wins-please keep connected.

We have said throughout that we are truly blessed and everyday discover even more blessings that we are so thankful for. We mentioned that getting to Houston so quickly to be diagnosed and treated at the best facility in the country was a blessing. However, we were also just as blessed to be reunited with a wonderful family that we were best friends for 7 years while they were in Cincinnati, the Weils.

Over the last 3 critical weeks, Jane and Stuart picked us up in their arms and immediately brought us into their family. How prophetic is it that Stuart is one of the most highly respected neurosurgeons in Houston! His advice, advocacy, friendship and candor has made a serious life changing event into a situation that we deal with positively every hour of everyday. Without him, the task would be most stressful and difficult to deal with. Jane has readopted Amy as her sister and has provided everything and more that any family member would. We all look forward to many happy and healthy years together. We could never attempt to express enough gratitude and love to the Weils for EVERYTHING they have done so far, plus all that lies ahead. But their love is a huge reason that we will undoubtedly win!! Jane, Stuart, Aaron, Lissy and Julie--we love you more than you can ever know.

Amy and Fred

July 16, 2001
Amy and I met the M.D. Anderson team this afternoon. They will be leading my radiation treatments for 6 weeks starting July 24, all of which will be in Houston. We are most impressed and excited to learn more about the clinical test I will be involved with as part of the radiation treatments.

Dr. Eric Chang, who is leading the test, confirmed that M.D. Anderson is currently the only place testing the new drug actively. Again, treatment will hopefully result in making the radiation more effective in shrinking brain tumors. The process each day will be time consuming, especially during the first 2 weeks. I will provide more details as we get into the process.

Tuesday will be spent doing simulation, which sets everything up for the treatment itself. I will be renting an apartment in Houston during that period and plan on moving in on July 23. I will pass along that information once I get settled.

Dr. Chang said I was in very strong physical shape so any potential side effects should be minimized. The treatment program will be monitored extremely closely and I will have a complete consultation with Dr. Chang each Monday afternoon.

Amy and I will leave Houston on Wednesday and fly home to spend a little time with Jason before leaving Friday morning for Maine to see Andrea and Mindy. We are so excited about being with them for this Parents Weekend. Being able to attend was one of our goals that we worked very hard to accomplish. I will fly back to Houston on Monday morning to do one more preliminary step before the 6-week regimen begins.

Once again, all of your love, prayers and inspiration are paying off each and every day. We WILL WIN every day until it is conquered. We gain more strength and WILL see everyone in good health soon.

Love,
Amy and Fred

July 15, 2001
After a very challenging but positive Friday, we were able to relax and recharge in Houston over the weekend. We went to religious services on Saturday and to the gym on both Saturday and Sunday (still the best stress reducer). We were able to experience life outside the medical zone by going to the Astros baseball game with Stuart Weil on Saturday and a movie today.

We meet tomorrow afternoon with Dr. Chang, who is the head of the clinical test that I will be involved in conjunction with the radiation. The clinical test involves a treatment administered along with the radiation that will hopefully increase the effectiveness of the radiation and/or decrease the size of the tumor. The radiation is anticipated to be for 6 weeks in Houston. I will have more details late Monday afternoon.

On Friday, I was cleared to go to Maine with Amy to visit Andrea and Mindy at camp for Parents Weekend. We are incredibly excited to see them and it is a huge relief to them to have us there for this special time. Since this is Andrea's last camp year, it is an especially significant time for her class. We have not seen them since before leaving for Houston in late June, so everyone will feel much better being able to hug and kiss each other and talk about our upcoming family challenge face-to-face. I will return directly to Houston after Parents Weekend for radiation.

We cannot say enough about all of the inspiration and strength that everyone continues to send to us. Keep it up- as you can see, it works!! We will try to update the site as the main way of communicating. We continue to win one day at a time and will continue that road until it is victorious.

With much love,
Amy and Fred

July 13, 2001
Fred's medical team decided early Friday afternoon to forego surgery at this point and move immediately into radiation treatment. After the radiation treatment is completed, surgery may be reconsidered. As part of the radiation, he will be part of a clinical test that Dr. Puddavalli feels can enhance the effectiveness of the treatments. Since he will participate in the testing, his radiation will occur in Houston. Dr. Lang made it very clear that the decision not to operate was based on the fact that they would not have been able to remove enough of the tumor (probably less than 50%) to have made an impact given the large inherent risks of surgery anyhow.

He assured Fred and Amy that he is absolutely no less optimistic about his recovery by not operating at this point. In fact, he said that the radiation may consolidate the tumor and present other opportunities. The tumor still shows little "enhancement" which indicates that the tumor is not one that is spreading--which is a very positive sign. Fred will pass along more information on Monday. They are still 100% confident that the victory will be won. Today was in no way a setback. They are excited about starting the radiation as part of a clinical test that would be offered nowhere else.

Your prayers and love have helped carry us along way so far and we know that it will continue all the way to victory. We have said that we will focus one day at a time and today set the cornerstone for the next essential steps. We continue to gain strength every day and that will only grow due to all of you- our family. Keep the messages coming--they inspire us continuously.

All our love,
Amy and Fred

July 12, 2001
At noon on Thursday, Fred will undergo a Functional MRI, which only M.D. Anderson can perform. In fact, this technology requires a physicist to most accurately interpret the data. It is the only clear means for determining whether surgery is possible for removing a portion of the tumor. If surgery is successfully performed, he will then follow with radiation and chemotherapy. If surgery would present too much of a risk, then radiation would start immediately. Based on the results of the MRI, Amy and Fred will make a decision with Dr. Lang on Friday. Please share your strength with Dr. Lang that this will be successful.