Click on any participant's name to view a PDF of their full story. "Who would have thought that the resulting visit to the hospital would change our lives forever? Can you imagine the shock when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer? ... Dane never smoked and had a very active lifestyle. We took guidance from his aunt, who had battled cancer: She told us to cry for two days and then after we had accepted it, fight like we have never fought before and never look back!" Cindi "Having cancer has shown me that people really do care, and I have been sometimes amazed at the outpouring of love and kindness that was sent our way by so many – neighbors, friends, co-workers, and complete strangers...I have also learned that a positive attitude is essential in getting through each day! There is a plaque in the waiting room at the radiation center that reads 'Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass – it’s about learning to dance in the rain.'” Carolyn "Some rather amazing changes have come about because of this ordeal. Cancer makes you see the truth in yourself. I now realize that I carried false images of myself and my life. This revelation led me to a more honest perspective of myself. It was freeing, confining, conflicting, serene and ultimately rendered self acceptance. I'm not afraid to die. I'm not afraid to reassess who am am. I do know that the most important beings in my life are my family and my animals, with all of their flaws. You see, I've learned that I'm not as good, special, loving or compassionate as I thought I was (but I still think I'm pretty funny). Sounds like another crappy cancer gift but it's not. It's all good." Melanie "That call came two days later: December 3, 2010. I was sitting at home, by myself, just waiting. I can’t describe how surreal it was to hear that I had cancer. I didn’t even really know anyone who had cancer. Earlier in the year I had competed in my first marathon, my first 10k, and my first half-marathon. I had plans. I had dreams. I wasn’t just making a bucket list; I was crossing off accomplishments left and right. Then I learned a tough lesson; cancer doesn’t care who you are or where you’re going. It can happen to anyone. And in that instant, I knew my life would never be the same." Barbara E. "The most important thing I have learned is that everyone's body is different. What happens to one person with the same cancer may not happen to you. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion. If you meet the protocol for a clinical trial, seriously consider being a participant. God bless you as you travel your journey!" Amy W. "I always thought I took good care of myself, taking vitamins, eating lots of fruits and vegetables. I exercise, and I don't smoke. So if in my position, one would think "Why me?" Why not me? feel that between my three sisters or my four girlfriends, I was probably the strongest and could handle it the best. I don't want people to feel sorry for me or pity me. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. What the reason is for this I'm not quite sure yet, but someday I will know." "The severity of my situation called my attention to the unmistakable need for a full attack treatment plan. For me, the only decision was to agree to the most aggressive anti-cancer plan Dr. Abraham could design. Chemo, yeah give me as much as you can, as fast as you can, with the least amount of time in-between. Surgery, yeah, cut out everything that you can, don’t leave a scrap or cell behind. Radiation, yeah, give me the strongest, most expansive coverage, for as long as you can…because I will bear it. My husband and I will raise our two boys with each other at our sides. My family will talk with me not about me at our family reunions. My friends and I will still have long conversations. I will be a survivor." Karen "We also sailed the Greek Islands with [my boyfriend's] family, when they chartered and crewed a catamaran. What an experience of a lifetime. We went to Italy, toured the Vatican. And I have been blessed to travel on several cruises. The whole point is you can’t let cancer stop you from living. Plan fun things – celebrate every thing you possibly can." Amy M. "My doctor told me I would have about
2-3 weeks until my hair would fall out. I was in denial and did not
take action immediately to get a wig. My husband called Pat at
Creative Hair Solutions and she took me in right away. I was
devastated about loosing my hair because I always had straight, long
brown hair and at that time it was very long, about half way down my
back. I was so upset that she just cut it up to my shoulders and
used a sample to match to the dye for my wig. I went back about 4
days later and she had it all ready and styled for me, and she fitted
it after shaving my head. It was pretty nice for having to wear a
wig. So I felt a little better about it." "My story is one of faith and hope in Christ and I pray that my experience will lead others to put their faith and hope in Him as well. I know that God created me and that He has the cure for cancer, that no doctors seem to have. He has been the source of my strength throughout this difficult battle. He has carried me, comforted me, and given me the peace that passes all understanding." "Life gives us many curves and you must go after each aspect with strength and courage to battle hard and trust that those with the medical wisdom are looking out for your best interest. My life and perspectives have changed a great deal, but knowing that I have so many people who think of me and my family and pray for better health and strength gives me the courage to take on each day with a positive attitude." "As part of the human race we can all strive to achieve perfection, but what good is perfection without having people to share it with? I believe the true meaning of life is to find comfort in the people around us and to help those people in need of help; my support system was with me when I needed the most support. I will be forever grateful for my family and my friends. My faith has grown tremendously throughout these experiences, and I am truly indebted to have such experiences that have allowed my faith to grow so strongly. I have met many wonderful people during my battles with Leukemia and I will cherish these relationships forever. My family has become very close through my experiences with cancer; I am very blessed to have such a supportive family." "It is amazing how it has affected almost every aspect of my life, both good and bad. It was not something that I expected to go through, especially at my age, but I am glad that it happened to me instead of others because I knew that I was going to be fine and there was no way I was going to let this slow me down." Marc Coming soon! John Coming soon! |
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