Memoriam
Carol Mae Kressley Hockman, my mother, was a sock hopper in Allentown, PA who taught my dad to dance. An initial wallflower, he knew he had to learn to keep her from dancing with other men the whole night. They danced together for more than 40 years – as a young couple, as parents, and even as retirees in South Carolina.
My mother loved the beach. Give her an ocean to swim in, some sun to bathe in and a mystery novel to read, and she was set for the day. She also loved to bowl – from the time she was a young girl at the Police Athletic League until her retirement years, when she still kept meticulous records of her scores and averages.
Mom was diagnosed with myelofibrosis in 2007 at the age of 65. She enjoyed an active life and had very few symptoms until the spring of 2009. She died of complications from the disease on December 16, 2009.
She will be missed by her dance partner, Warren; daughters Christina and Traci; six brothers and sisters; 13 nieces and nephews; nine great nieces and nephews and many friends in South Carolina and Pennsylvania.
Contributed by Jennifer Acker
These represent first person accounts of real people living with Essential Thrombocythemia, Polycythemia Vera and Myelofibrosis. It does not represent the views or opinions of anyone associated with the MPN Research Foundation. Please consult your doctor before taking any action to manage your health.