The diagnosis came on the day before New Year's Eve last year. My wife and I were completely numb. How could this possibly happen? How could I have Stage III Lung Cancer? It had to be a mistake!
This was no mistake. I have lung cancer. I, who have spent my entire life actively pursuing health and fitness, have lung cancer. I, who have competed in athletics since I can remember, have lung cancer. I, who never smoked, have lung cancer. I, who went vegetarian over 7 years ago, have lung cancer. I, at 49, have lung cancer.
So it now goes that I FIGHT lung cancer. No symptoms to alert me. A simple chest x-ray found the tumors. 8 months of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of radiation, and 2/3 of my right lung removed, I continue to FIGHT lung cancer.
I am a fighter. I am a winner. I will NOT lose to this. All those years competing at top-level athletics prepared me for this. Two NCAA Championship rings remind me that I am tough, that I know what it takes to persevere. I am a winner!
This fight will not get me down. I have too much to do on this earth. I have a beautiful daughter whom I want to watch grow and succeed in her own life. I have a wonderful life partner with whom I want to continue to experience the world. I have amazing friends and family who are behind me in this challenge. And now I have LUNG FORCE to support me along this journey.
I found this quote recently and now live by it: "My current situation is NOT my final destination." ~ unknown
