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In mid-February 2006 Dr. Walker was
diagnosed with Myelodysplastic
Syndrome (MDS), which is a form of bone marrow cancer that interferes with
the healthy production of blood cells and platelets. It is similar to
leukemia. The disease causes extreme tiredness, anemia, and susceptibility
to infection, as well as other related health issues. This can be an
aggressive illness, with the primary treatment being bone marrow transplant
and/or chemotherapy. He had a few rounds of chemo and on June 14, 2006 had a
bone marrow transplant from an anonymous donor. His improved over time, and
there was much hope that he would beat the disease. However, around April
2007 there were signs that the cancer had returned. As much as he fought it,
Dr. Walker could not win this battle, and he passed away on May 23, 2007
with his dear family at his side.
He was only 61 years young, and gave so much to so many during his lifetime.
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