Marine Conquers Leukemia with Support from Family and the Massachusetts State Police

This Veteran’s Day, Dana-Farber thanks our patients, survivors, families, and friends who have served or are serving in the armed forces, including survivors Stacey Carroll, Ben Groen, and Tim Crowley, who tells his story below.

In June 2010, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-moving disease where too many immature white blood cells are present in the blood and bone marrow, after doctors found abnormalities in routine blood work for the Marines. My wife, Julie, and I were in shock. We had just celebrated Father’s Day with our two young children, Jack and Kate, and now we would be spending the foreseeable future at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center.

Tim Crowley and familyAs a Massachusetts State Trooper and a major in the Marines in active duty for five years and the reserves for 10, I was trained to handle the unexpected. But nothing can prepare you for a diagnosis like this. I went from being an avid runner, active father, and capable trooper to spending 120 days in a hospital bed and dropping 40 pounds. This was difficult, but the most excruciating part of treatment was seeing friends I made at Dana-Farber pass away from AML knowing that it easily could have been me in their places.

Luckily, I was fortunate enough to be matched with a stem cell donor, a 19-year-old from Israel, and underwent a transplant in October 2010, giving my body an entirely new immune system. This was tough, as I had to stay isolated and wear a mask and gloves in public, which meant staying on the sidelines and watching my son’s t-ball games from the car.

After the transplant, my battle continued with graft versus host disease (GVHD), a complication from the stem cell transplant that resulted in eye, skin, and nausea issues, as well as osteonecrosis in my knees due to high doses steroids and full-body radiation, which stalled my running progress. It was frustrating going from being active to having so many restrictions, but my wife effectively became my drill instructor and kept me in line, telling me what I had to do to get better and truly embodying the Marine motto of Semper Fidelis – always faithful.

She wasn’t the only one. Throughout my treatment, my friends in the Massachusetts State Police stood by my side, organizing a fundraiser to support my care before my transplant and again last year in my hometown of Holyoke, Mass. Together with the support of friends, family, and the care team at Dana-Farber, they helped get not only me, but Julie, Jack, and Kate through the past few years.

As I continue to recover, my Marine training helps me focus less on what I can’t change about my situation, and more on taking each day as it comes and enjoying time with my family and friends. Since my diagnosis, Julie and I have vowed to travel more and do the things we’ve always wanted to do, now that we realize how short life really is.

It’s taken the Marine values of honor, courage, and commitment for us to keep going through this fight, which is far from over, as Julie is undergoing her own treatment at Dana-Farber for a battle with breast cancer, but we know we are in good hands and we are ready to face life’s next curveball together.

Hear more about Tim’s story in his interview during the 2013 WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon. 

11 thoughts on “Marine Conquers Leukemia with Support from Family and the Massachusetts State Police”

  1. Hi Julie, Tim, and family,
    God is so good. I am so proud of you and the family. You are my inspiration today and for days to come. Lorraine

  2. Tim,

    I wanted to thank you for your leadership and inspiration. As a soldier and State Trooper, you learned how to put others’ needs first. For that, we are forever thankful for your service.

    Now, as a patient, you have learned how to pit the limitations of your circumstances first. All the while you have also served as a role model to those if us following a similar path. The lessons you taught us, the bravery you have shown in the face of unspeakable horrors, have shown your true character and humanity.

    Thank you for being the person you are, sharing the lessons you have learned, and showing how love can conquer all.

    Now if there were also a day to honor the cancer survivor, turned spouse supporter turned survivor, I could wax poetic of the role that Julie has played as well. You are both amazing people and I am honored to have met you both.

    -Jamie

    • Jamie Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice response to the article on Tim. We think of you often and your boys as you make your way on your new life path without Stephanie. We know Stephanie is smiling down on you all. You are an amazing person and the positive resilience you have shown is inspirational to both of us. Julie & Tim

  3. Congratulations on your recovery, I know what you personally went through, It was a tough journey, Your wife most likely was with you on a daily basis, as was my wife with my Stem Cell Transplant in Atlanta Ga. I saw so many go through what we went through who didn’t make it, Maybe God has something else planned for us to do, I too graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Academy (Local Police) Keep the faith Tim & everything will be OK.

    • Tom, It is inspirational to hear of others like yourself that have went through a similar course of treatment and are doing well today. Thank you for taking the time to write. I hope our paths will cross as it sounds like we have a lot in common. Stay well. Tim

  4. Tim, you are a fighter. It’s wonderful to read about your experience and the people in your life who have supported you along the way. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to be able to participate in your care. Wishing both you and Julie the best.

    -Albert

  5. Tim,Impressive survivorship story from an impressive man. You have met all these challenges head on and you are continuing to improve each day. Keep up the fight. Your perseverance is an inspiration to me and it has been since 10/21/2010.Please give Julie our best. You both are in our thoughts daily. Sue and Jay

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