I was born at home in a small town in Oklahoma in 1941. Until early 2004, I had been exceptionally healthy. I had never spent a night in a hospital.

In July 2002, I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, which is gluten intolerance and is an autoimmune disorder. Eliminating gluten from the diet cures the symptoms so it can be controlled.

In late 2003, I had a routine physical exam. While on vacation at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina for the celebration of the first century of flight, I received a phone call that suggested I should have my blood counts rechecked when I returned home to Cincinnati, Ohio.