Health

‘The Ballgame Is Over Guys’: Cancer Patient Posts Tearful Goodbye Via Viral Video Blog

Eric McLean was diagnosed with leukemia in 2003. His illness has been a roller coaster of getting well and only to relapse several times.

Now, McLean has been told his condition is officially terminal.

McLean first began filming his “confessions” — video blogs — and posting them on YouTube in 2009. He talks about his condition, the treatment and everyday life. Watch McLean’s first confession:

Over the following years, he filmed more than 40 confessions taking you through his ups and downs. On Tuesday, he released his final confession.

He starts his last video post as he did many of the previous ones, saying “what’s up,” introducing himself and providing the date. Then McLean breaks down when he begins to share the title of this video — “Eric’s Confessions Final”. He films this last video in the same place where he shot his first, bringing it full circle saying, among his tears, “because this is the end.“ McLean provides the heartbreaking news to his followers detailing the devastating extent to which his cancer has spread and saying ”I’m in some of the worst pain you can imagine.”

Eric McLean Uploads His Final Confession After Receiving Terminal Cancer Diagnosis, Ending Five Years of Video Blogging

(Image: YouTube Screenshot)

He continues thanking those who have supported him and his family throughout his illness. He says that for someone with his type of cancer, the expected survival is 18 months — he battled for nearly 10 years. He seems at a loss for words saying he doesn’t know what to do.

“God, is it scary,” he said. “There is so much I want to say, so much… I’m 28 years old. I’m going to miss everyone. My family, brothers and my sister, my parents, my wife Carrie. I love you so much, babe, I love you so much.

“I tried so hard. I fought so hard. But the fight is over.”

McLean thanks Harley Davidson, the company he worked for as a program analyst. He calls it the “best company in the world.”

“I love you all. That’s it.”

“My doctor says I won. I won. I got to believe him. There’s nothing else I could have done. I fought to the end. I never said no. Anytime we wanted to try a new experimental drug or whatever it was, I stood up to the plate, I swung my bat as hard as I could. The ballgame is over guys. So, with that, I‘m going to say ’bye’ for the very last time. I love you all. Thank you all and I hope you live long, very happy lives. This is me saying peace, love.”

Watch the whole of McLean’s last video:

You may have noticed the T-shirt McLean was wearing. L.I.F.E. —  Leukemia Ironman Fundraiser for Eric — is a non-profit started to support McClean and his needs. Since this morning, as the video has gone viral, L.I.F.E.’s website has been down. Within just one hour Wednesday morning, the video went from more than 18,000 hits on YouTube to more than 78,000.

Twitter has been helping the video go viral as well. Here are just a few of the tweets:

Eric McLean Uploads His Final Confession After Receiving Terminal Cancer Diagnosis, Ending Five Years of Video Blogging

 

Learn more about McLean’s brave story here.

Editor’s note: We‘ll update this post with more information about McLean’s history and photos once the L.I.F.E. website becomes available again. 

Comments (119)

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  • girlnurse
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 2:40pm

    Eric: God bless you! If you know the Lord..very shortly you will be asking yourself WHY you fought so hard when you could have been in that beautiful place.
    “In this world-you will have tribulation-but be of good cheer, Jesus has over come the world” Peace be with you..

    Report Post » girlnurse  
    • 000degrees
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 3:39pm

      I was given similar news in January and though by the standard that exists I am considered young for this illness, I have a few more years on me than you do Eric. My type is not supposed to act as quickly as yours but it is strange to wake up every morning knowing that a physical ailment is trying to do battle with you and does not rest, it’s always there. I wonder when I get to my moment of truth how I will react. I know God though and every time I let him down I know he does not let me down. It helps me to know this. I hope you know God Eric and if not it is not too late. I also have a supportive family and included in that are a couple of friends that have become family. This is how I arm myself for my battle. My treatments will start soon and it will be game on! I pray for those who are fighting the battle and welcome your prayers back Eric. God’s peace be with you. Oorah, Semper Fi

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 4:28pm

      Eric,

      If you are reading this please give these people a call.

      http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • charleyrocks
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 5:01pm

      So sad everyone is getting cancer, could it be all the radio active waves that is in the home? toaster anything electrical? God please help us find out why please god we need you here.

      Report Post » charleyrocks  
    • va87
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 5:19pm

      Girlnurse…….what a beautiful post.
      Throughout my 51 years here, I have come upon things for which I have no faculty to understand. This is one of them. I am a strong and commited believer in Jesus Christ, but this flesh that I live in here occassionally has a very hard time understanding His perfect will. I just don’t know the “WHY” of so many things!
      But I do know this; as He hung on the Cross between the thieves, one of them began to mock and rebuke Him. The other one exclaimed “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
      Jesus said to him “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

      That is my hope and the promise that sustains me in the midst of all of these things I don’t understand.

      I pray that Eric knows our LORD. For a person who dies in their blindness……along with the tears I cry in this flesh, go the tears of the soul…..
      But my heart cries in victory for a brother or sister who has fought the good fight here and gone home. While this flesh feels the sorrow and grief of loss, my soul rejoices and I do not wish my brother or sister back here. I know they would not come back even if they could.

      May GOD’s love and grace and mercy fill Eric, and may he know the Master’s peace that surpasses all understanding.

      Report Post » va87  
    • db321
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 9:23pm

      OOODegree – God Bless You and may your final days on this Earth be merciful and as painless as possible. I was glad to hear that you love the Lord, You all ready know that he loves you. You are about to witness in the rest of your life that God is present, he is alive and he is at work on this earth.

      My Brother died of Cancer and he spent his entire final days trying to get anyone he could to the Lord. God was extremely merciful in his final days. No sorrow or remorse on his part and he closed his eyes for the final time with his kids and baby grand children in his arms and they just thought that he was taking a quick nap.

      One other thing 000Degree – thank you for your service to America and to the World as a Marine. I pray that God send an angel to encamp around and about you and your entire family and may he comfort all that morns.

      God Bless you.

      Report Post » db321  
    • maverick4harlot
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 9:25pm

      TO Eric McLean,
      I am so sorry to hear that you are going to be leaving us however while this may sound crazy I feel the need to say it. I died once. At least I believe I did. I wasn‘t in a hospital so who’s to say. I had an experience, It was more than just a dream. I rarely have good dreams. I consider this experience good. Bright clouds everywhere, I felt less than weightless if thats possible. I was with what felt like everyone. I dont know how else to explain it just EVERYONE thruout all time was there but I couldnt make out faces or bodies but I felt them. Then I heard a voice that was very powerfull that told me “You dont belong here yet”. I said, “where?” Then instantly I felt the weight of the world LITERALLY fall back down on my shoulders, I was heavy again and I sat up gasping for my breath as if I hadn’t been breathing for a LONG time. I know it isn’t my time. I don’t know why. I believe I am still supposed to learn something. I believe maybe you already have. While we desperately need good people here in this world, and you seem like a very good person, I am sure there is a good place waiting for you. I promise, It’s a good place. May God bless you and your family.

      Report Post »  
    • sybilll
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:32am

      000Degrees, You must be so special that God chose you to serve Him on the other side. I pray that you beat the odds, but should you not, I will be honored to shake your hand and pray with you when I join you. My precious niece lost her battle in 2006, and I have no doubt she will greet you.
      Our Father, who art in heaven,
      hallowed be thy name.
      Thy Kingdom come,
      thy will be done,
      on earth as it is in heaven
      Give us this day our daily bread.
      And forgive us our trespasses,
      as we forgive those who trespass against us.
      And lead us not into temptation,
      but deliver us from evil.
      For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen

      Report Post »  
    • SharonIsCaring
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:49am

      Girlnurse your right and Eric I got the call June 29,2012 that my cancer is back. The day the Supreme Court announced Obamacare passed. I barely made it the 1st time in 2007. But my faith in God and the love for my children kept me going. I had to sign a will leaving my children with someone who had problems of their own (for I had no family to leave them with). So I couldn’t leave my children. I came across some video’s this week on a Christian website. I’m not afraid of anything (not even the future) anymore. Here is one of the video’s. http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/Networks/sublib/TBN/ec/43aWYzMzoGzUW0aaWY61MOTHcPVLsqIv

      Report Post »  
    • seresmary
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 2:11am

      Eric, I don’t know if your a believer in Jesus Christ or not, but if your not I pray that someone would come into your life to give you the gospel of Christ. He came into this world Eric for one purpose and that was to save the lost by going to the cross that “whoever would believe in Him would have everlasting life”. We are all her but for a small time, none of us know when it is time to leave. The hardest thing I think is for those we leave behind. I am sure that they will miss you terribly, but the hope that we all have that know the Lord Jesus Christ is that someday and not to far away we will be reunited with the Father, with those that we love who know Him as well. There is a Heaven, a special place for those that know Him and love Him. He gave His life for you Eric, He willingly carried the cross and was nailed to it and took every sin that we have upon Him. He bled and died for you, all you have to do is confess your faith in Him and you too can have that same hope, the hope of the resurrection that when the Lord returns, the trumpet will sound, and He will descend with a shout and those who are “asleep” in Christ will rise first, and we who are alive will rise to meet them in the air with our glorified bodies to be with Him forever…. there will be no more death, no more pain, no more tears. Eric I pray that someone will come along side of you and give you that Hope in Jesus Christ, Him alone Eric is the way, the only way back to the Father..MaryS

      Report Post »  
    • sillyfreshness
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 2:39am

      So sad. Wish he and everyone with cancer could be cured.

      Report Post » sillyfreshness  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 6:36am

      I hae stage IV breast cancer that has moved to my lung an spine. I‘m going unconventional because I think it’s better. I don’t think doctors are out to NOT cure us, I think the pharmaceutical companies are lying o them and they fall for it. Think about it, if they cure cancer, what will they do with all the cancer drugs they spent billions developing? I’m using B17 and I feel better. I haven’t been tested since I started, but I feel better. I’m able to do my housework, I don’t get that “clicking sound” when I breath while lying on my left side. We’ll see how it goes. It’s banned in the US, possibly because it works? It’s made from apricot kernels.

      Report Post »  
    • 000degrees
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 6:36am

      DB,SYBILLL thanks for the well wishes. My own situation is not nearly as serious as Eric’s. I’ve recently gotten a crash course on Leukemia and there are different types. I really wanted Eric to know that though he does not know me I stand with him and offer as much support as I can within this forum. I am actually much more comfortable with my rude sarcasm aimed at the knuckle heads out there. I do enjoy keeping up with all the Jarheads who post here as well as Ranger and some others who wore a uniform and took an oath. I am proud to know any of you.
      Semper Fi

      Report Post »  
    • Hollywood
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 8:12am

      We are called to fight the good fight and run the race, as Paul was. We are to become disciples of Christ, and disciple others. His pain and endurance can be a great message to others,IF he is a Christian. As a Christian, I do not fear physical death, as it is but a gateway to the presence of Christ.
      I pray ALL will come to this knowledge, and repent, and seek forgiveness. God can, and does Heal those, when it suits His purpose, to bring others to Him.
      I will pray for him.
      Maranatha

      Report Post » Hollywood  
    • GlennaBeckski
      Posted on August 16, 2012 at 12:41pm

      Beautiful GirlNurse … and if you are reading this Eric .. if you don’t know the Lord .. Invite Him into your heart and ask Him to forgive you of all your sins… acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior who died on the cross and was resurrected 3 days later. You will feel the weight of the world taken off your shoulders and the beautiful presence and peace of the Holy Spirit.

      Jesus is the answer … Don’t leave earth without Him.

      Report Post » GlennaBeckski  
  • ichbin
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 2:35pm

    So tough to watch people go through these things. God bless Eric and all the lives that have been touched by him. Keep on fighting Eric, and when you finally get to the other side take a break and celebrate the good and bad times that you created!

    Report Post » ichbin  
  • Watermain
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 2:20pm

    Eric, your strength is amazing and so inspiring. Know that the gift of these videos you left will be a great comfort to many suffering as you have suffered. You define the term “strong man’. Hopefully, your suffering will not last long.

    Report Post » Watermain  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:51pm

    ” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

    Eric, you fought long and bravely. Thank you for sharing yourself – your life with others. May your pain give way to joy in the presence of God.

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
  • Rob
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:44pm

    So, better to know death is coming so you can leave a video, or just struck down quickly?

    Report Post »  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:53pm

      Rob,

      Excellent question. I watched his final video in it’s entirety to see if someone near death had any clarity in their final moments. He didn’t, but at least he had a chance to say goodby to those he loved and cared about.

      After, he starts hospice care, his final days will be days of drug induced stupor.

      Report Post »  
    • SolitudeBliss
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 6:13pm

      It’s a question that has 2 answers:

      A quick unknown death for Myself. I suppose most humans for themselves do not wish to know when they are going to die.

      A known time for my death for my family and friends. If it gave my family and friends peace of mind and go through the grieving process easier then people would say yes because of their loved ones.

      In the end whichever way Death comes for you it is how YOU face death. And this young man has fought bravely, I hope he faces death well.

      Report Post »  
  • VoteRightDammit
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:39pm

    I hope everyone will realize the harsh tool exacted on illnesses like leukemia by the political forces behind AIDS research (the gay lobby). At the National Institute of Health, funding for AIDS – on a “per affected patient’ basis – is about TEN TIMES HIGHER than that for any other disease – including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. This has been true for over a decade, and is strictly the result of political pressure from gays, how represent over half of all the new AIDS cases in America. This becomes even MORE disgusting when one realizes that essentially every one of these gay AIDS cases could have been prevented had not the individual involved not been drawn to risky sex. And for that the NIH drastically reduces funding for all other diseases.

    TIME FOR A FULL AUDIT NOT ONLY OF THE FED ……………

    Report Post » VoteRightDammit  
  • toto
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:28pm

    Is a marrow transplant out of the question? Couldn’t watch the videos, so that question may have been answered.

    Report Post »  
  • RichmondMomforFreedom
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:28pm

    He is just a baby. It makes you think about how all of your troubles and worries in life, yes, even the election, are nothing compared to death and crossing that river. We must never forget our faith or forget to open the door to the Lord when we hear Him knocking. Amazing Grace. He is always there waiting for us. We are the ones that stray. Footprints in the sand. May God Bless Eric and his family!

    Report Post » RichmondMomforFreedom  
  • martyinhagerstown
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:04pm

    I hope everyone reading this KNOWS where they are going after this life ends. You CAN know…you owe it to yourself to find out.

    Report Post »  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 9:21pm

      You owe it/We owe it to GOD to say, “Thank YOU, FATHER, for the gift of this life.” It is precious, and no matter its length or brevity, it is priceless.

      Report Post »  
  • Rob
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:59pm

    I have always thought of death as “The Bear.” I think of it like, when one is born, the bear is born on the same day and begins hunting you. Sometimes the bear finds you when you are very young…but hopefully, it takes much longer. The bear caught my mother at 73 in the form of cancer. My grandmother made it to the age of 99 and the bear caught her in her sleep. The bear is always hunting, and all you can do is keep living and doing the best you can…. I have always wondered where and how my bear is going to get me.

    Report Post »  
    • 00100111
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:18pm

      I’ve always thought of it more as a companion who joins us on our journey of life to remind us to cherish each moment, because they’ll never come again.

      Report Post »  
  • lembrandt
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:46pm

    We have a good friend who has been struggling with leukemia for years, too. This video is just so sad – I can’t really say anything other than to wish Eric and his family peace and tranquility he does not now have. God bless you, man.

    Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:46pm

    …
    Eric, let God come into your heart. Give your soul to the Lord.
    In return, God will give you peace and the strength to deal with death.

    Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:36pm

    Oh, Eric. I am so sorry for the unimaginable pain & fear you must be going through. You have given us an amazing gift. Thank you. Let your family & friends love you and share all of the “goodbys” together. It’s time, honey. God is waiting for you to come home to Him, with His arms wide open. May God’s mercy & blessings rain down on you and your family.

    Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:35pm

    …
    I lost my cousin to Leukemia.
    She was only ten years old.
    God be with you Eric.

    Report Post »  
  • MiCurmudgeon
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:47am

    In the past two years I have gone through a heart valve replacement , replacement of an aorta aneurysm , two pacemakers , prostsate and hemorroids. It takes a few things like these to remind a person what is really important. Believe me getting re-elected isn’t worth the crap put out by Obama , especially in view of his total failure to lead. Leaders take responsibility and losers blame.

    Report Post »  
  • RamboTheDog
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:41am

    50 years ago my father died of leukemia, he was 26 when the diagnosed him.. 28 when he passed

    The fact Eric was able to battle for 10 years is a testimate to his spirit and the fantastic advances they have made in battling cancer.

    Research I’m sorry to say will be stiffled by ACA.

    Report Post » RamboTheDog  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:41am

    Eric fought for ten years……expectancy was 18 months, it takes a very strong person to do that…..I hope his pain stops, and his suffering subsides, and he falls gently into the warm arms of the lord…..

    Report Post »  
  • Man-On-A-Mission
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:30am

    I wish we had a cure for this….heart breaking…this is why our government can not take away funding for research…..the answer is out there….it just takes money and research…

    God Bless You…….

    Report Post »  
    • Le Sellers
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:59am

      Yes, it takes money for research.

      It does not necessarily take GOVERNMENT money. In fact, if we knew the truth, I suspect that government money actually retards the discovery of new treatments and cures. That’s the way government is: counterproductive in all it attempts.

      Report Post » Le Sellers  
  • NewLife56
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:24am

    In times like these, God see’s the hope he had for all of us, but only a very few show him. I have a feeling and I’m hopeful his reward will be more than we can imagine. God Bless him and his family and accept him into his loving arms.

    Report Post » NewLife56  
  • OniKaze
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:13am

    May respect and Honor follow you to the next existence…. A fighter ALWAYS deserves a 2nd chance, and I am faithful you will be rewarded with one….

    Doctors are wrong ALL the time… and here’s hoping that they are wrong this time, and somehow this man can continue to be with the ones he loves…

    If not, then be proud…. Most people can’t face death with dignity, and you have been given that chance…

    Report Post » OniKaze  
  • harleyman
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:01am

    What amazing strength you have. There’s always hope and I will pray for you.

    Report Post »  
  • txannie
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:54am

    Lost my sister within that 18 mo window to AML…this guy fought HARD and did a good job of it. God be with him and his family.

    Report Post » txannie  
  • HKS
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:51am

    It’s never over, til it’s over.

    Report Post » HKS  
    • sndrman
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:03am

      “til tha fat lady sings”(and don‘t think automatically it’s moose-cheel)…..perhaps we should be thankful to GOD that he’s given us health and our daily trials are nothing compared to this youngs mans struggles….i remember when i was 29 and the the youth and vigor and promises…..we can‘t second guess GOD’s WILL……still sad for the people left behind……..GOD still has alot of miracles yet to shown…………

      Report Post »  
  • Bravefaith.org
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:47am

    I tried and couldn’t get through 2 minutes of this video

    Report Post »  
    • mikegray24
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:34pm

      I can’t even bring myself to try. This is one of the saddest things I’ve seen in a while. I can’t even begin to guess what it would be like to face my own mortality like that. I hope that, when it’s my time, I’m fortunate enough to not see it coming. Stories like this certainly help to put things into perspective.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:43am

    God be with you, so long as life remains a miracle can happen; May God grant that miracle of healing and of faith for all to see His power.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Edward
      Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:02pm

      I too am praying for a miracle for Eric, to see the healing power of Christ in his life. May he accept Christ as his saviour, if he hasn’t, so he will have nothing to fear when his time on Earth is done.

      Report Post » Edward  
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