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 It was toward the end of the summer in 2002 that Jim began to slow down a bit. What started off as a soar throat quickly escalated to symptoms of fatigue and muscle pain. On the evening of August 28, Jim went to his third doctor visit that month and was sent to Highland Park Hospital for further analysis. Upon drawing a blood sample, it was discovered that Jim's white blood cell count (WBC) was 175,000 compared to a normal count of 8,000.
On the morning of August 29, Jim was told that he had Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). He was taken to Evanston Hospital and, almost immediately, given chemotherapy. In the midst of this nightmare, a bright spot; Alexandra Hope was born on September 3. Jim went on to spend the entire month of September and the better part of October in the hospital. There were many scares along the way, but the goal was clear; Jim would beat the cancer. Jim also spent time in and out of the hospital throughout the month of November. At month's end, he arrived at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, where he would undergo a stem cell transplant from one of his perfect matches; brothers Tom and Bill. Bill was ultimately the donor for the transplant on December 19. The transplant was a success by all measures. He and his family stayed in Texas for the next 100 days to recover.
Jim returned home in late March following the fight of his life. He was beating this thing called leukemia. Dawn was returning to work and Jim assumed the role of "Mr. Mom." He loved every second with his kids Jimmy and Lexi. Everything was looking up for Jim and his family. In fact, on May 4, 2003, Jim and Dawn were finally able to christen their baby, Alexandra Hope. It was truly a day filled with abundant hope.
And just five days later, the dreaded news of a higher than normal WBC count was discovered. Reported chances for survival now dipped below the 10 percent mark. Jim remained determined to beat the odds on this one. He had so much to fight for and so many people pulling for him. He spent the next month at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There, he underwent his most challenging course of treatment. With all his heart, he fought. With courage, dignity and love, he fought until the end.
On July 7, 2003, Jim's body succumbed to AML, but his spirit was far too big. Jimmy Burns lives on forever in the hearts of those he touched throughout his life. We are better people for having known Jim.
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