Update on the Holland Avenue Boys

With that kind of disease, that can't be easy," said Jerry G. Bishop, the KPOP-AM disc jockey who credits Abrams and other doctors for his recovery from throat cancer. "You hear you have cancer and the first thing you think is, 'I'm gonna die.' But he never let me feel sorry for myself," said Bishop. Instead, the deejay noticed that the doctor, despite severe physical challenges, radiated humor and energy. "If he has handled this for years," Bishop decided, "what I've got, I can get through. "And he helped me to do that. "Why he agreed

When Fischer offered one of his two healthy kidneys, Abrams hesitated. But two factors led him to accept. "First of all, I need it. Second of all, I really think I would have done the same for him. "When I asked Abrams to tell this chapter in the Holland Avenue Boys' story, he hesitated. He didn't want his recuperation interrupted by calls and visitors. What did I think? I thought that was possible. "But," he said, "I'd do the story if you thought it might do some good, make people reflect on transplants. What do you think? "I think that's certain.

Peter Rowe welcomes calls at (619) 293-1227 or e-mail at peter.rowe@uniontrib.com.

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A book about the Holland Avenue Boys is being prepared. It will further develop their relationships and provide an update on their lives.