As beer fanatics, we eagerly await the arrival of our favorite beer. We pace in the store and drive the people behind the counters crazy trying to figure out when the new beer will be there. Magically, the beer seems to arrive and we go away happy with a new six pack in our possession.

My dad, Jim Paige, was one of those people involved with the magical arrival of beer. He worked at O&W (which is a local distribution company based out on Ypsilanti, MI) once he retired from the automotive world. It was the perfect job; he worked at two different grocery stores in the Northville/Plymouth area. He would take inventory of what products were on the shelf and then figure out what he needed to restock. Without a job like his, we wouldn’t be able to find our misty frothy brews.

Jim Paige and Family

My dad was very dedicated to his job and worked at O&W for many years. He actually worked there until November 30th, 2010. Later that day, he would complain of shortness of breath and how tired he was. My mom drove him to Oakwood Hospital that evening and he was admitted to the hospital immediately. The next day, we were told there was a good likelihood that he had Leukemia. On December 3rd, 2010, he was diagnosed with Acute myelogenous leukemia.

Since December, he has completed three rounds of chemotherapy and to date is 100% cancer free. Not to say he hasn’t had his fair share of problems, however, we are all very encouraged with his strength. Currently, he is at the University of Michigan Hospital where he just completed his stem cell transplant.

Jim and Jeanne

Luckily, my dad’s sister, Jeanne Nagy, was a match and was able to donate her stem cells to him. Please keep up your positive thinking and prayers for my dad’s health. The next few weeks are very critical to the success of his treatments. And special thank you to all who support Drink Michigan and their fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

If you would like to make a donation to support Jim Paige and to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives, please make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training. Our friends Mel and Rob will be participating in a full marathon June 5th and will be running in honor of Jim.

We will also be holding a raffle at the Sip of Michigan party this Saturday, and we will be donating ALL proceeds to Team in Training and The LLS.

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