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Don Ecton, Founder and Chairman, VSFC

 

I was diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) in 1999 through a routine physical exam in my home town of Lexington, KY. I selected a "wait and see" posture at that time. Five years later, the disease had progressed to enlarged lymph nodes and an elevated white blood count in addition to a noticeable loss in energy. That alone was not alarming to my doctors, but a very large lymph node (over 10 cm) in my abdomen resulted in chemotherapy in 2004. I underwent 6 months of chemotherapy (Fludarabine, Cytoxin and Rituxin combination proposed by the MD Anderson Cancer Clinic) and, although CLL is considered an incurable disease, I was pronounced in remission in late 2004. I remain in remission to this day and have fully resumed all of my activities that I had prior to chemotherapy.

My wife and I retired to live in the retirement community known as The Villages of Florida. In 2005, after successful chemotherapy proposed by MD Anderson, my wife and I decided we would try to raise funds to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) specifically to help MD Anderson researchers find a cure for all the dreaded blood cancers. We decided to do this through a golf tournament and since there were several to choose from on The Villages, we decided to seek approval for this event. The Village Golf Division was more than eager to assist us in the planning of this event that we later named, "Victory Scramble Fore a Cure'" or VSFC for short. In our inaugural event in 2005, we raised $25,000 and in 2006 we raised $20,000. Our goal for 2007 is again $25,000 which, according to LLS procedures, will give us the necessary amount for a full grant which can be donated to a specific research clinic like MD Anderson. I am extremely excited about this event and need your help to achieve our goals.

Donald L. Ecton
We Will Miss You!

Donald L. Ecton, born January 19, 1937 in Lexington, KY, resident of The Villages, Florida, died Christmas Day 2007 at 5:55 p.m. after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Don retired in 1994 from the Kentucky Department of Transportation, and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He moved from Lexington, KY to The Villages in January 1996 and was actively involved in many activities including being a charter member and business administrator at Fairway Christian Church, former president of the Village Golf Club, founder and past president of the Kentucky Club, member of the Village Christian Chorale, co-chairman of men’s golf Residents Cup, sang in a gospel quartet and was an avid golfer and bowler.
Don is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Felicia (Flea) Ecton, three sons, Donald Jr. (Chip), Kenneth and Andy, and three grandchildren, Steven, Reece and Amanda. He is also survived by two daughter-in-laws, Lisa and Erin, a nice, Elaine, and two nephews, David and Doug.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
3319 Maguire Blvd., Suite 101, Orlando, FL 32803
www.leukemia-lymphoma.org