The Flight Path of Resilience: Lawrence W.’s Journey Through Multiple Myeloma
Lawrence W. has spent his life solving problems. Whether it was managing flight delays and cancellations as a Flight Operations Manager at Delta Airlines or keeping control of a fast-paced basketball game as a referee, he has always been the steady presence in moments of chaos. But in August 2024, he faced a challenge that even he couldn’t have anticipated—one that would test his endurance in a way no overtime game or grounded aircraft ever could.
It started with a routine physical, something he never thought twice about. But this time, his doctor saw something concerning in his bloodwork. A referral to a hematologist led to an immediate start of chemotherapy that same day. The diagnosis? Multiple myeloma—ablood disorder with no prior history in his family.
For many, the weight of such news would be paralyzing. But Lawrence is not built that way. His first question to his doctors wasn’t about statistics or survival rates—it was about whether he could still ride his bike and continue refereeing. Because for him, movement has always been a part of life. Whether on the court, on the road, or in an airport control room, standing still was never an option.
By Thanksgiving Eve, just three months into his battle, his numbers had already dropped significantly—a promising sign that treatment was working. While chemotherapy took its toll, his spirit remained unshaken. He continued refereeing men’s league basketball in Arlington, embracing normalcy where he could. High school playoffs would have to wait for the 2024-25 season, but he had no doubt he’d be back full-time the following year.
Now, as he prepares for the next stage—stem cell transplant therapy at UT Southwestern Kirkland—he knows it won’t be easy. A heavier dose of chemotherapy will require hospitalization for one to two weeks, ensuring the transplant takes properly. It’s a gruelingprocess, but he remains steadfast. He doesn’t call himself a cancer patient—he calls himself a recovering cancer patient.
With faith, an incredible medical team, and the unwavering support of his two daughters, Lawrence approaches this next challenge with the same mindset he’s carried throughout his life: control what you can, adapt to what you can’t, and never stop moving forward.
And when the time comes, he’ll be back on the sidelines, whistle in hand, proving that resilience is more than just a mindset—it’s a way of life.