I was overjoyed a moment ago to discover that "Florida Doug" posted to his blog. Nicknamed "Florida Doug" by my friend Alicia (whose husband is also named Doug), Doug Zwit is an incredible writer and amazing human being. I've never met him, but I hope to some day.
Back in August of 2009, I came across Doug's blog which chronicles his own battle with Primary Amyloidosis. I mentioned it in some posts here. Then my friends started reading it.
The remarkable thing about Doug was that he would post almost daily, no matter how sick he felt. And his writing was so raw and honest and brave.
In January 2010, he quit posting. I worried. A lot of people in the Amyloidosis community did. I checked in to his site regularly. My friends and family asked me if I had heard anything. I hadn't. I hoped that he was safe. So coming across his latest post, dated February 15, 2011, was pretty exhilarating. Although he has obviously been through worse than hell, seeing his words reemerge on the screen brought a whole lot of joy to one of his biggest fans.
Welcome back, Doug.
YAY FLORIDA DOUG!! I just read your Blog Amy for the first time in months and I'm so happy to read that Florida Doug posted recently as I often think of him. Wouldn't it be so cool if life was such that we could just take a road trip and tell him in person how much of an inspiration he is and has been to us all this time. He truly exemplifies the "Be Fearless" quote on a chocolate wrapper I have hanging up in my cube at work. Love Ya Girl, Alicia
ReplyDeleteYAY FLORIDA DOUG!! I haven't read your blog in ages Amy so I'm thrilled that Florida Doug recently posted. Wouldn't it be awesome if life was such that we could just hop in our cars and drive all the way to Florida just to tell him in person how much of an inspiration he is to the rest of us!! GO SUPER FLORIDA DOUG!!! Love Ya Girl, Alicia
ReplyDeleteunfortunately Florida Doug lost his life on May 7, 2011, Doug Zwit
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