About the book State of a Union: Inside the Complex Marriage of Bill and Hillary Clinton, by Jerry Oppenheimer

I am Marla Crider's nephew. It has come to my attention that Marla's name is again in the news regarding her brief relationship with Bill Clinton decades ago, before he was married to Hillary. In particular, author Jerry Oppenheimer has raised Marla's name again, claiming that she let him interview her again before her death.

I do not believe this to be true.

In the final months of her life, I helped Marla with this blog. She had two wishes. First, she wanted to share her experience battling cancer in a way that would be helpful to anyone going through the same thing. Second, she wanted to push down all references to Bill Clinton - push them off the page - whenever people Googled her name. Sitting down for an interview with Mr. Oppenheimer would certainly have run counter to that goal. I saw no new information in the news articles I've read today. I saw no new quotes from Marla that were not in the book when it was written years ago. New photos of Marla that appeared in the news stories could easily have been lifted from this blog by Mr. Oppenheimer.

I believe Mr. Oppenheimer is using Marla's name in an attempt to generate new interest in his book so that he can make a little bit more money. If Mr. Oppenheimer has any proof that he actually spoke to Marla "shortly before her death," I'd welcome visiting with him about it.

To those who are reading this blog after finding it while searching for information about breast cancer, please continue reading and know that it was Marla's wish that her experience during her battle will give you strength and comfort.