First of all, thank you to everyone who has repsonded to the news and blog posts in regards to Robert Jordan’s announcement about his Amyloidosis diagnosis. It just proves that his readership is full of caring individuals.

I’ve spoken a little more with RJ about what’s going on. Here’s what he said:

We leave for the Mayo in Rochester on 1 April, to make for an easy trip. My first appointment, for some testing, isn’t until [a few days later]. I’ll be there for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on various things like how long it takes to harvest sufficient bone marrow stem cells — there is a wide variance in how many people normally produce — so I’ll finish up in mid-to-late May and will make the late-June appearances in Seattle and Anchorage with little or no difficulty, as I see it.

So that means he’e starting his long journey this Saturday. Although it probably goes without saying, if you live near the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, please do not “stop by” to see him. Please respect his privacy, and his treatments. He hopes to possibly post to his blog while he’s there, and is planning to do a few public appearances in June. We’ll figure out what those exact dates are for the Seattle and Anchorage book signings and post them here.

A lot of people have asked how they can help, or where they can send donations to. If there are to be donations, Robert Jordan would like them directed to the Mayo Clinic, earmarked for the Amyloidosis Program. Here’s how you you can do this:

How to donate to Amyloidosis research in Robert Jordan’s name
For secure online credit card donations, the address iss http://www.mayoclinic.org/development/give.html.

Click on the “Give now!” link under “Give Online”. After you register, in the memo section add a note that the donation is designated for amyloidosis research in honor of James Rigney (Using his pen name will cause massive confusion in their system. They’re not that used to celebrities!)

If you prefer to send a real check, you may send it snail mail to:

Department of Development
Mayo Foundation
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905

Make out the check to the Mayo Clinic. In the memo section or in an accompanying letter add the same designation info, for amyloidosis research in honor of James Rigney.

Thank you to anyone who contributes. Not only will you be assisting in Robert Jordan’s treatment, but in the treatment of many more people also diagnosed with this difficult disease.