My name is Pam and my husband Don passed away on October 10, 2010 at the age of 49, we found out last December that he had Stage 4 Chronic Lymphocyctic Leukemia (CLL). He bravely fought 10 month battle of chemo, shots, meds, hospital stays, doc visits, etc. but in the end he had no immune system and he got an infection and we always knew what the outcome was if that happened. Don was an extremely huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fan - he saw them in concert once in 08, then we saw them twice in 09 - one of which was a month before the was diagnosed and he wasn't feeling good but we traveled from NC to SC to see them anyway. We had planned to go to see them in Raleigh NC in 2010 but he was not doing well enough that we could then we had found out they were going to be in Jacksonville NC with Trace Adkins on 10/8/10 and since that was only about 1 1/2 hr from home we were going to get VIP tickets so that Don would be able to sit down because he could not have stood up for the whole show but I never did order the tickets because I knew if he couldn't go that I wouldn't go because I would not leave him. I looked after him for 10 months - I went to every doc appt - if he was in hospital then I stayed also. He always stayed very positive and actually inspired other patients that he came in contact with. I have definitely had a tremendous showing of love and support . "Simple Man" was his favorite Skynyrd song because he said it described him - and of course like everyone else he loved "Free Bird" and then when God and Guns came out he really liked "Gifted Hands" so that is why I tell everyone that "My SIMPLE MAN is now a FREE BIRD in God's GIFTED HANDS! I love and miss him so very much!

Thanks Pam for giving us a glimpse into your husband's battle and for sharing your heart with the Nation.

"FLY ON PROUD BIRD, YOUR FREE AT LAST" !

May God Bless you Pam my thoughts and prayers go up to heaven for you and your family...just know that your husband is now safe in the arms of Jesus