Mike DeFrain went to a doctor two years ago for a hernia repair and returned with the startling news that he had leukemia. The doctor had discovered a suspicious lymph nodule and a biopsy revealed the bad news.
DeFrain never broke stride, not only in his exercise program but also in his passion for physical labor. Upon retirement in Louisiana in 1999 he came over to the Bon Secour area and bought a home near the river. He repaired and reconditioned that home and then took on an unbelievable project when he bought an old home across the street and on the water. He raised the old house with yellow clay and aggregates, added 2,000 feet of floor space and built a retaining wall to the east with concrete blocks set on a deep concrete foundation.
DeFrain systematically went about seeking out and identifying himself with awareness programs to join and participate in. He found one program in Disney World and one in Alaska. His initial acquaintance with the “Relays for Life” left him in tears and wonder that thousands of people paid fees just to walk for him. He got down to business and conditioned himself for long walks in an incremental program which added up to 700 miles.
Every mile made DeFrain stronger and he keeps a journal describing his exercise and progress. On January 11th he walked the Disney World Marathon’s 26.2 miles in six hours and fifteen minutes. He wants to cut the time to eleven-minute miles in the future. He said that keeping the heart pumping and the blood circulating has reduced his arthritic tendencies perceptibly.
De Frain remembers that his father died from complications of melanoma which had a beginning on his forearm. It did not seem significant at first but soon became too late for treatment. DeFrain said that his hernia proved to be good luck in disguise. Since his leukemia is a “non-treatable” condition, he is going to fight it on its own home field and this brings satisfaction.
Defrain will keep in touch with South Baldwin’s Relays for Life and is thoroughly convinced that camaraderie is essential to recovery or sustainability. Readers may wish to visit www.mydisneymarathon.com for more information.
