Hi everyone,
 I hope you are all doing well.  I watch the board quite often to keep tabs on everyone but don't get the chance to say hi that often.  Mark is 2 years since his diagnosis and surgery and is doing GREAT!  Thanks to all of you and the super folks at Stanford.  It hurts to read of new patients and the "fear" you can read in their posts as they join the family.  But we all know there is great promise and hope if they get to this site.

 I thought I would share with all of you a response I just got from a Doctor in Japan.  When Mark was first diagnosed we had no clue where to go and I looked at anything I could get my hands on to try to find a way to keep my son with us.  I Emailed everyone, including Dr. Masaki Komiyama from the Osaka City General Hospital in Japan.
 
 Well, I sent him a recent Email to tell him thanks for anything he has done to bring insight to us regarding Moyamoya.  As is the case with anyone who treats this disease, he was very humble and said "I am privilaged to provide information on this disease because I feel Japanese neurosurgeons should do this due to their experience with this disease".

 I thought it was impressive as I did with all the folks at Stanford, how a Doctor from Japan would take the time to send me a response about this.  I was just saying thanks for all the hard work that these Doctors and other medical professionals put into this.

 It really goes to show what a small world this really is and how people are brought together in the strangest ways.  I for one have been greatly touched by everyone I have met over the past couple years.  I know I have told a lot of people I wish I had never met them this way, but I think this small ever growing group keeps each other gowing.  Let's keep the people that help us all at the top of the list. No matter where they are from.  I;m sure you all view them as Hero's as my family does.


Ron

Ron,

Amen brother

Mike

It is a small world (internet surely helps too!).....and certainly a "better one" when we see truly dedicated, sincere scientists in the Medical Profession!

It is a breath of fresh air to meet and greet with the Good Ones!

smiles....diane   [smiley=clown.gif]

Ron,
I think you put into words exactly how we feel!!  As we are going into the season of 'thanks' you have certainly reminded each of us just how thankful we are to all that have helped us!  What a wonderful post  [smiley=heart.gif]!  
Kathleen

 That is impressive Ron. What a nice post to read.
Kathleen I agree totaly we have so much to be thankful for.
Mary Grace