Tom truly honored me by suggesting we donate our wedding gifts to the Zane
Schulte Athletic Scholarship Fund. I'm very lucky to have found such a 
compassionate and generous man to share my life with.  Many have asked about 
Zane and I have a hard time talking about him without the smiles and laughter 
being intermingled with tears...
On June 24, 1999 I met one of the most inspirational people I have ever known.  
He was wise beyond his 15 years and he forever changed my life.  His name is 
Zane Thomas Schulte.  I had just graduated from medical school and suddenly I 
had donned a long starched white coat and people were referring to me as doctor.  
And to make the experience even more intense, I started my intern year at MD 
Anderson and was working hard to appear composed.  Then came Zane, my very 
first patient.  My composure was immediately tested by his outrageous pranks. And 
he immediately won my heart. He once told his friends" to live every day, one day 
at a time. And enjoy it. Laugh at yourself". His laughter proved the best medicine 
for all the people he touched.  He had an uncanny ability to make people feel at ease 
in the most difficult situations.  I once asked him if he ever asked himself "Why me?"  
His answer was simple, "Why not me?"  His selflessness was just one more 
endearing quality in a long list. He started out as my patient but quickly became 
my friend. His courage was unbelievable, his compassion heartwarming and his love for 
friends and family undeniable. His body succumbed to the cancer on June 18, 2000, 
but his spirit soars.  He will forever be in my heart and I am a better person for 
having known him.  I would like to thank Zane's mom and dad, Barbra and 
Tom, for their special friendship.  And thank you all for your generosity in 
honoring Zane.