Inspirational Stories

Five years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). After dozens of chemo treatments, an unplanned trip to the emergency department, and a three-week stay at the hospital for a stem cell transplant, I am happy to say this guy (makes a fist with thumbs pointing to self) is "IN REMISSION." I'm cancer-free! Butttt . . . as much as I want to say "**** you, cancer" and show you how my physical body changed over the last year, I'm NOT going to make this post about me.

Rather, I want to publicly show my love to MY LOVE, Lisa. From the day I learned I had a 14 cm tumor in my chest to the ALMIGHTY day I learned I was cancer-free, my wife Lisa never left my side. So, as my family and I celebrate the second chance God has given me to live my life, love my wife, family, and friends, and very importantly be able to watch/guide my kids grow, I've got to say, “Thank You, cancer for showing me what love, through Lisa's actions, means to me.”

It means Lisa attending ALL of my chemo sessions and doctor appointments, double-checking my chemo doses, and ensuring other nurses were on-point with protocol (which they were!).

It means Lisa's endless calendar planning for our wonderful family/friends to watch our one-year-old and three-year-old while I recovered from treatment. (Gawd, that recovery week sucked!)

It means Lisa taking time off of work, waking up with the kids every day, and essentially putting HER LIFE on pause while I received treatment.

It means Lisa taking our dog Dexter, WHO ALSO HAS CANCER, to the vet regularly for meds and his own treatment.

It means Lisa managing ALL of the above with a smile and glow that only those who know Lisa know about.

I could go on and on, but I'll save that talk for the next time I share a coffee or beer with you. So, if you've got someone who's "down for you" and "walks the walk" when it comes to love, you are so very blessed.