Roel Wielinga is a graphic artist who is published internationally in the graphic novel and comic field. After 59 years of great health he was diagnosed with AML a month or so ago. As many patients know, there is a great deal of medical information out there on the disease - and very littledetailed  patient to patient communication. We have many medical researchers and staffers working with patients who have cancer, but Roel and I saw an immediate need for information and support from those who know best what fears, hopes and issues newly diagnosed patients go through - the patients themselves. As a writer/photographer, I joined forces with Roel to create a photo blog and a journal of his experience. They both present examples of the unique art Roel began to produce as he explored his feelings. We hope the words and pictures will provide insights and support for other sufferers. The photos and journal can be found at these URLs:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/marknewell/

http://www.roels-story.com

We hope the contents will help, inform and inspire. This is ongoing project so lease feel free to comment and suggest. We are particularly interested in hearing what specific issues with AML other patients would like to see written about and photographed. Future segments will cover lab work and researcher interviews, as well as documenting Roel's experience.