Vernon Fountain has had a difficult time of it. He suffered a serious motorcycle accident from which it took years to recover. In 2005, he was diagnosed with chronic lymphoid leukemia, leaving him tired and facing periodic cancer treatments. Not long ago he suffered a stroke, making it difficult for him to walk.

Mr. Fountain thinks his high cholesterol is connected to his stroke, and he wishes he had pursued more regular screenings. But through it all, the impetus that keeps him going has been his family. His daughter and grandchildren live with him and his wife, Kathy, whom he lovingly calls “Katherella.”

“My Katherella,” he says. “She has been with me through the chemotherapy. She is always with me. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

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