Hello! My name is Troy Frick. I was a fan of your music growing up and I still remain a big fan today. I am a member of the 185th ARW out of Sioux City, IA. My wife and I saw you in Sioux City when you were on your 2016 Salute to Military and Veterans Tour.
Back in November of 2017, at the age of 45, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The doctors told me with the high number of leukemia cells, the prognosis wasn't good. After going through 6 rounds of intense chemotherapy (hospitalized for 5 days while chemo was administered), I was told that I had reached remission. To lessen the chance of relapsing, I was then told that I would need a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, the nearest hospital that did the transplant was an hour and a half from our home town. In June of 2018, after 3 days of full body radiation and 2 days of intense chemo, I received my bone marrow transplant from an unknown 22 year old donor, followed by 2 more days of chemo. Upon my release from the hospital in mid July, 2018, I had to stay within 30 minutes of the hospital, so my wife and I lived in a hotel for the rest of the required 100 days of recovery. Progressing through recovery better than what most do, we were allowed to go back home almost 30 days early. At my 101st day after transplant, I was allowed to return back to the military with limited duty and shortened hours.
When you announced your End Of The World Tour for 2018, I was so excited but yet saddened. I was not sure I would be able to attend the concert as my immune system was still not back to full strength and I was having severe back and knee pain. I wanted more than anything to see you all one more time. The doctor reluctantly gave me permission to go to the concert!!!! The morning before your concert in Omaha, NE in March 2018, I had an appointment with my transplant doctor. He told me that my immune system was almost back to normal!!! To get the news I had won the battle and I kicked cancers ass and then have the opportunity to see GREATEST band in the world that night, was the best thing I could have ever wished for.
Last night, I saw a post on Facebook that KISS was coming back to Sioux City in February, 2020! I was extremely excited. I am going to get tickets to see you all one more time. Nobody can see the band KISS too many times.
Again, I want to thank you taking the time to read this and for making the music you have made. Can;t wait to see you in Sioux City IA one last time!
Troy Frick
Posted on 11/09/2019
