Dear friends,
On January 31 I was diagnosed with cancer. Specifically, I have Primary Mediastinal Large Diffuse B-Cell Non-Hogkin Lymphoma, stage 2. As a father of three young children and as a husband to an amazing wife, nothing has been more frightening than to learn about this illness in me that has taken the lives of so many. Terms like “survival rate” and “treatment options” do not sit well when you still have so much life to live and so much still to give.
Fortunately, this rare type of cancer is very treatable and is very beatable. The prescribed treatment has a very high success rate but it will require a very intense regiment of chemotherapy. Specifically, I will be receiving six rounds of a toxic chemo cocktail called R-EPOCH. It will be a trial like nothing that I have ever experienced, but in the end it will end up saving my life. Treatment begins on March 12, during which time I will be appearing in public very little. If all goes as planned I should be done by mid-July and feeling like myself again in August.
After getting to spend time with so many of you the past few years, this certainly was not in my plans for 2018. But with every struggle there is great growth to be had. I hope to embrace the grace that this trial will provide and be a better person because of it. It will come at the cost of many things in my life that I value, and that includes you. Most of my speaking engagements for the next five months have been postponed. I am having my last hurrah at the Rehab Seminars in Seattle on March 7. I hope to see some of you there.
Everyone needs a cheerleader in some way or another. From students to educators to families, everyone benefits from having someone root for them. For the journey ahead I need you to be my cheerleader. Please keep my family in your prayers. Please stay in touch as I will need your encouragement for those tougher days. I look forward to beating this, putting “cancer survivor” on my list of credentials, and being back in August to support those who work on the front lines of education. Please keep me in your thoughts and know that you will be in mine.
All the best,
Patrick
My love and prayers are with you.Your grandmother Rose and my mom, Blanche I am sure will intercede for you.
You and your family continue to be on my mind. Know you are a giver of much and in that, will receive much.
Blessings on you, Patrick, for you have blessed so many lovely bed including mine!
I’m sorry to hear this, though glad that it is a treatable cancer. Finding them *in time* is the biggest hurdle. I lost my husband to kidney cancer almost 9 years ago. He was, unfortunately, diagnosed at Stage 4.
You will definitely be in my prayers.
Praying for your complete healing, and for your family. Take care of yourself and follow drs orders.
Praying for you and your family.
You got this Patrick. Fight hard like you do every day for your students. Will be thinking of you and your family often.
Indeed, may the grace of God sustain you and your family through the duration of your treatment and recovery. Daily, I will pray asking God to apply His mighty healing hand upon you.
Patrick, I’m cheering for you! My thoughts are with you and your family. I’ll be thinking of you through the chemo and you will beat this!
Patrick,
🤔 ing of you and your family. Sending prayers your way. Thank you very much for your update.
Thinking of you Patrick and sending you strength as you go through this incredible journey. I can tell from your words…you have the strength to endure. GO…FIGHT…WIN! 📣
You are in my prayers, and I look forward to your victory and testimony!!
I was sad when I read this news, but your approach of positivity will carry you through. You and your family are in my prayers as you fight this beast that is cancer.
I am so shocked and saddened to hear this! I know you will get through this and it will make you stronger. Prayers are with you and your family.
Patrick, I am very sorry to hear this news. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and I feel you will be well in time. Please keep us updated.
All the best to you Patrick, I don’t know you well personally, I have met you a few times and really learned about who you are when you spoke at my school’s August retreat a few years ago. You inspire people to help others and challenge them to continue to evaluate what helping looks like, that might be one of the best talents there are. May God bless you on your journey through beating cancer, may He sustain you in your times of need, may He give you strength and may His strength sustain your loved ones as well. Thanks for all you do for Auburn School District and beyond Patrick. God bless,
You are a very inspirational man and I look forward to seeing you return back to your mission of helping young people on the autism spectrum. Best wishes to you, Mr. Mulick.