Justice William McAnulty

Bill’s cancer has proven to be more aggressive than anyone originally hoped.  He is home and resting comfortably.  The family is overwhelmed with gifts of love, food, and flowers, which are all greatly appreciated.  At this time, and in order to honor Justice McAnulty’s life-long service to the community, we would like to request that all future gifts be in the form of donations to the following entities:

1.  The Justice William E. McAnulty, Jr. Scholarship Fund – U of L Brandeis School of Law, U of L Foundation, University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky. 40292.

2.  Hospice Of Louisville — P.O Box 35425, Louisville, Ky. 40232-9892.

3.  Highland Presbyterian Church – 1011 Cherokee Road, Louisville, Ky. 40204.

The sad news that you have probably already heard or read is that Bill submitted his resignation to the Governor last week.  As you can imagine it was a difficult decision but one he felt was best for himself, his family, and the people of Kentucky.  Unfortunately he also suffered another setback and has been hospitalized for the last week with a broken collarbone he sustained in a fall.  The good news is he is feeling better and is scheduled to return home tomorrow (Monday) and will resume radiation therapy shortly.  The McAnultys sincerely appreciate the overwhelming outpouring of sympathy and support from all of you.  Bill has read every comment left here and is humbled by the positive things you have written about him and the impact he has had on all of our lives.  However, the next few weeks are going to be difficult for the entire family and they regrettably ask that you please send your continuing words of encouragement here in the comments rather than to them directly via phone or e-mail.  In return we promise to update his progress here more frequently so that you can be with him "virtually" every step of the way.

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.  It brightens his days and makes the fight just that much more worthwhile.

Bill is undergoing radiation on his shoulder and femur for the next 10 days.  He appreciates the calls, however, needs rest for the next few weeks and is unable to return many of the phone calls.  The best form of communication during the next two weeks would be email and I will update the website more frequently.  We both appreciate the thoughts and prayers and comments, and gifts of food and flowers.  He truly has amazing friends!  Kristi McAnulty

Today, Bill starts the radiation treatment for the brain to prevent further tumors.  He will continue this treatment daily for three weeks.  It is not expected to make him feel badly and side effects should be minimal.  Following the radiation, and a few days off, he will begin chemotherapy for the lung cancer.

I want to personally thank everyone for the kind (and funny) words of support, prayer and encouragement!  It is truly astounding.  And the support with the children has been phenomenal.  We certainly feel the love!  And thanks for the many phone messages, some of which have not been returned.  Keep the good vibes coming!  Kristi McAnulty

Bill is home today and doing great!  The doctors and nurses at Jewish were wonderful.  He is getting rest and his spirits are great!  I’ll print out your comments for him to read.  Kristi McAnulty 7/16/07

The following statement was released to the press today.

Kentucky Supreme Court Justice McAnulty Recovering Following Surgery
Brain Surgery performed July 11, 2007 at Jewish Hospital

Louisville, KY (July 12, 2007)…Kentucky Supreme Court Justice William E. McAnulty, Jr., underwent brain surgery at Jewish Hospital on Wednesday, July 11. The 59 year-old Justice was diagnosed with lung cancer a little more than two weeks ago, which had also spread to the brain.The surgery, which lasted a little more than one hour, was performed by neurosurgeon Wayne G. Villanueva, M.D. “A ‘gross total resection’ was performed on Justice McAnulty to remove a lesion from the base of the cranium,” said Villanueva. “It was metastasis to the brain from the lung cancer. He came through the surgery extremely well. We moved him to our intensive care unit following surgery, which is normal for this type of procedure. We plan to move him to a regular patient room today.”Following recovery from his July 11 surgery, medical oncologist Jeffrey Hargis will be coordinating planned chemotherapy and radiation therapy. “The next phase of his treatment should be starting later this month,” said Hargis.His wife Kristie said, “We appreciate the kind thoughts and prayers from everyone and are especially thankful for all the support we have received from family and friends. We also want to thank all the wonderful doctors and nurses involved for the great care he is receiving at Jewish Hospital.” McAnulty has four children, two grown children from a previous marriage and two younger children, ages four and 12. The McAnulty family will not be providing media interviews at this time.

We welcome your words of encouragement for the McAnulty family in the comments below or in the guestbook page on the right.