March 21, 2015: Eric Shafer, a True Superman Discusses His Battle with Cancer

by Jennifer Hughes Cole

The Superman Super Site recently learned of the battle fellow Superman fan Eric Shafer is undergoing with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) which starts inside bone marrow - the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells - and can develop quickly.

We reached out to Eric to share his story and how his admiration for the Man of Steel helps him in his continued fight with the disease:

Super Site: How long have you been a Superman fan and what first got you interested in the character?
Shafer: If I'm not mistaken, it was in 1978 and I was living on a military base in Germany when I watched the first superman movie with Christopher Reeve. My parents bought the VCR tape, which worn out within a few months. At 5 years old, I was watching Superman daily.

Super Site: Every generation has what they consider "They're Superman" whether it be George Reeves or Christopher Reeve. Who would you say is "Your Superman" and why?
Shafer: I'd definitely consider Christopher Reeve my favorite Clark Kent and Superman. During this time when he was playing the roll, I was actually living a "Superman" role in my life. While living on the military base, my family relied on me to help around the house since my father was rarely home. Being in the military required him to travel a lot so I was considered "man" of the house while he was gone. At the age of 5 I was a very helpful and sweet child, and Superman inspired me even more to continue to help.

Super Site: Since his debut in 1938, Superman has become a true American icon as well as a symbol of justice the World over. What is it about the Man of Steel that continues to make you a fan day in and day out?
Shafer: I have to admit, I don't think I've watched EVERY single movie, so I wouldn't say all the movies continue to make me the fan I've become. I'll never forget the stage Christopher Reeve set that has continued to impact my every day life and way of thinking. I love to help others, am pretty transparent (no mask wearing), and will never give up. I run my life in the eyes of Superman.

Super Site: Your "Give Forward" page talks about your diagnosis and current battle with AML, Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Could you please tell us about this form of cancer and your current battle with this disease?
Shafer: Back in early December I was informed that might have AML, an acute form of Leukemia, at my doctor's office through some lab work done due to a sinus infection. I was immediately sent to our local hospital which formally diagnosed me with AML. Immediate chemo treatment was recommended for survival.

My wife and I made the decision to have treatment performed in Connecticut at Yale University Hospital. We immediately uprooted our family of 5 from Florida to New Haven, CT with hopes of being able to be treated by one of the best. We were also very interested in the New Haven area since both my wife and I have friends in that area with children of the same age as ours. This area offered us a lot of support for the entire family.

During my 10 days of chemotherapy treatment, we were informed that my prognosis is very poor. Apparently I possess a mutation gene called FLT3 the carries the Leukemia, which does not respond to standard chemotherapy long term. Meaning, I had high chance of relapsing with and 3% chance of curing. The only option is a bone marrow transplant. So we began the search for a donor.

The first step was to have my one and only sister be checked for a match. There was a 25% chance the she would be my match. While we waited for the results, Yale checked the donor database which resulted in very poor results. My sister was my only hope. After a long and tedious wait my sisters results finilly came in which were a 100% match. You can't imagine how thrilled we were. During this period I was wearing my cape and superman t-shirt, and stayed extremely positive!

Once my sister was identified to be a match, we decided to come back to South Florida to continue this battle against cancer. Soon after our return home, I was admitted into Sylvester Cancer Center and began the stem cell transplant process.

So this is where we stand; yesterday I had my stem cell transplant and things went very well. I feel good today, I feel strong. I do suffer from some side effects, but for the most part I'm ready to toss my cape over my shoulder and get back to my every day life. However, from this point on I will do everything in my Superman powers to never take life for granted every again.

Super Site: Can you tell our readers about your "Give Forward" fundraiser and how than can contribute to this worthy cause?
Shafer: This unfortunate detour in my families lives has set us back considerably. I've been out work since mid-December and, according to the doctors, I probably won't be returning anytime soon. Apparently I have the immune system of a new born and will be very susceptible to infection and illness. Working in an office setting I'll need to be very cautious as to when I should return. Providing for my beautiful 1-year-old Noah, loving 8-year-old lily and 14-year-old Dylan, and my wonderful wife Carrie will impossible without the support of our family, friends, and friends to be. So we decided to put together a fundraiser to help my family get through the next few months. Anything anyone can do to assist would be amazing. Here is a quick access link to the page: https://gfwd.at/1DkNIof.

Eric has also let us know that if anyone would be interested in a Superman logo t-shirt with his battle against leukemia on the back, he might be able to get some printed. The t-shirts would be free with a yet-to-be-determined minumum donation amount.

We will continue to keep you posted on Eric's progress in his continued battle with AML aong with the hopes and prayers that he will soon be cancer free!



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