Cindy Crawford

My brother, Jeff, died of leukemia when I was ten. Although I was quite young, his life and death had a great impact on me. I often think of him as the battery charger behind all of my success. I feel somehow that his energy has been transferred to me, and has allowed me to do so many things. I am happy to be able to return that gift by participating in the 25th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Kids with Courage reunion.

I have so many great memories of my brother Jeff, but there is one particular image that sticks out in my mind. He was three years old and I had just learned a song at school called "I Have Lost My Underwear." I was teaching him the song. My brother put on my Dad's long underwear. He pulled them up all the way to his neck with his arms inside. He was running around the living room laughing and singing this song that goes like this. "I have lost my underwear. I don't care, I'll go bare. Bye-bye long johns. They were very good to me. Tickled me tee hee hee. Bye-bye long johns. Oh, how I'll miss that little trap door behind me. If they come looking they'll know where to find me. I have lost my underwear. I don't care. I'll go bare. Bye-bye long johns."

I love you, Jeff, and I miss you.

By Cindy Crawford (model, actress)
For Jeffrey K. Crawford
Leukemia, treated at UW Comprehensive Cancer Center (UW CCC)
Jeffrey died at 3 in 1975

This piece includes excerpts from UW CCC Honor Role of Donors, 1993.

Reprinted with permission from the book "Kids with Courage."
"Kids with Courage" may be obtained by calling Wisconsin Clearinghouse at 800-322-1468.

No part of "Kids with Courage" may be reproduced in any way or by any means without permission in writing form from:
University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center
K4/666 Clinical Science Center
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792