Fighting Back

The Relay For Life of Texas Tech event served up some interesting insights into the world of fighting back. The committee (made up of students who volunteer ALOT of time and effort) spent alot of time stressing over some major things this week (outside of the regular -- let's put on a gigantic fundraising event). On Monday, five days prior to the event, they were told that they would have to move the event to a different location...they've had it at the previous site for the previous six years (all six years of the event). They handled the situation, moved locations and really did a bang up job with what they had to deal with. In fact, it looked like this was the best turn out at a TTU RFL event that I've seen (my 4th this year). So, great job...terrific job.

I had the privilege of speaking during the Fight Back ceremony. I was going into the ceremony after hearing two inspirational stories of hope and courage a couple of hours earlier at the Ceremony of Hope. It's amazing what college students are dealing with these days. When I was in college, "cancer" was something old smokers got. Never really heard of any friends with the disease. Now it seems that every day we hear of a friend, a family member or a co-worker who is stricken or knows someone who gets told: "I'm sorry, but you've got cancer." The stats back it up -- 1 of every 2 men and 1 of every 3 women will get cancer at some point in their lifetime. 1500 people died YESTERDAY from cancer.

But, there is HOPE. Relay For Life has been around 25 years and has raised b i l l i o n s of dollars that go into the fight against cancer through research, patient services, advocacy and outreach.

In the past four years, I've traveled the cancer journey. I've been in the dark valleys and have lived in the moment of God providing beautiful and sunny mountaintop experiences. I know what it feels like to not want to go to radiation treatment number 21 (had to have 38). I know what it feels like when your five year old asks: "Daddy, are you going to be ok?" When I really wasn't sure that I would live to see her walk into her first day of kindergarten. I know what it felt like when just a couple of months ago my now 9-year old asked: "Daddy, will I ever get cancer?"

Wow. What a question. So, you ask -- why do you talk about Relay For Life so much? Because it is the only way I know how to Fight Back against cancer so that I can hopefully one day help my daughters live with knowing they will never have to hear those words....

Relay For Life 2009

American Cancer Society

Just some thoughts about the American Cancer Society and what the organization does and will do. Started to think about how long the organization has been in the business of fighting cancer. In the past few days, high school friends have been posting old pictures. There were a couple of pictures from "back in the day" when we had alot of events and fundraisers to stop smoking. Honestly, I remember some of those, but not alot. And, I for sure was one of those who thought: cancer will never be a part of my life...it's just for 2-pack a day smokers and old people. One of life's ironies, I guess. Now 43, I am proud to say I'm a 4 year survivor of stage IV squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue. Cancer. In the early 1980s, didn't know much about the American Cancer Society. Today, I do. And, I'm glad. Just wish I would have been passionate then as I am now. Thank you ACS! Thank you Relay For Life!