MARY CHRISTOPHER
Observer-Dispatch

Every day at the Mayo Clinic is a journey for Barry Depot, but his spirit and optimism carry him through.

Depot, 36, is at the clinic receiving chemotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It's the Utica native's second battle with the disease.

Those who know him -- and many know Depot well because of his commitment to the community and job as personnel manager at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Marcy -- can follow his progress on an online journal.

"I'm trying to do everything I can to be positive and upbeat," Barry said. "I look forward to the encouraging words every day."

His online journal, through CaringBridge, is a day-by-day description of his routine with his wife, Laurie, and outlines how he feels and where he is in the process.

CaringBridge is a non-profit organization that offers free Web pages for those receiving care.

Founded in 1997, its mission is to bring together a global community of care powered by love of family and friends in an easy, accessible and private way.

Much of Depot's journal demonstrates his zest for life and love for his family and friends.

In one entry, dated Jan. 29, Depot explained how 3.1 million stem cells were drawn from him that day and then ends the message with the signature Wal-Mart cheer.

"While we're not entirely out of the woods yet, we can smell home," he wrote in Wednesday's entry. " I feel like we all need to keep focused for about another week or so and this will all be behind us in an odd sort of way."

The CaringBridge Web site has been a "God send" for the Depots because they can keep contact with family and friends in one easy step, Laurie said.

More than 3,000 visitors have signed the guest book and left an encouraging message. The large outreach is indicative of Barry's personality, she said.

"This site has allowed us to share his experience with others and maybe in some way help them with their own lives," Laurie said. "Many people go through terrible tragedies and maybe this journal can show them they don't have to be alone. I do think this has been a big part of the healing process."

Depot has seen a lot in his 36 years.

He grew up south of Boston and graduated from West Point.

He served in Operation Desert Storm with the First Infantry Division and was in the U.S. Army from 1988-92 and the Iowa National Guard from 1992-95.

Community activities -- ranging from work with the United Way of Greater Utica, the Utica Curling Club, Workforce Investment Board and coaching his sons sports teams -- always dominate his time.

Right now, he misses his sons -- Joshua, 11, and Steven, 8 -- terribly, but he knows he'll see them soon.

Friends and colleagues say Barry is a man who epitomizes optimism and goodwill.

Joseph Kelly, distribution center general manager, said he speaks for the entire staff when he says Depot has 1,500 well-wishers from Wal-Mart.

"He's like a brother to us," Kelly said. "He's going to be 100 percent cured -- we don't consider any other options for him."

Others, like friend Sheila Gilroy, said Barry has been good to so many people that there are many in the community who would like to do something for him in turn.

A committee is planning a celebration for later in the month in honor of Barry.

"We just want to give Barry back what he gives all of us, but with a big smile," Gilroy said.

The Depots are touched by the acts of kindness and generosity that the community has sent to the couple and their family.

Barry and Laurie will be married 15 years this year and Laurie is sure good times are ahead.

"He is my and I am his best friend," she said. "We survived Desert Storm, and we'll get through this too."