Envision the possibility of stopping cancer in its tracks.
On the evening of September 5th, 2008 I sat on a couch next to my father. I held his hand as we watched a celebrity-filled television show called “ Stand Up To Cancer”. I cried, so did he. I remember him being particularly struck by the appearance of Patrick Swayze and the young children featured on the show who were bravely battling the disease. For the most part we watched in silence.
Little did I know as we sat together that night, that within two short months my father would become one of the statistics — he passed away within three months of his diagnosis with stage IV colon cancer.
For me, personally, I had always thought about cancer in an abstract way. “IT” was something bad that happened to other people — other families. “IT” was likened to an intense roller coaster ride, through tunnels of darkness, bracing yourself for what lies around the next corner. “IT” continued to challenge the best scientific minds, unable to find a cure.
“IT” has now changed my life forever ….
- Joni Romnes Welzien
If you missed the “Stand Up To Cancer” show on that evening in September, I invite you to take the time and watch it here.
I, too, lost my father to cancer last year, 12-26-08, at the early age of 71. He was diagnosed in the late stage of lung cancer which was inoperable. I share in your family’s sadness as the infliction of cancer has to be one of the cruelest, most debilitating, maddening diseases. We watched a strong man become so weak, and by the end, in so much pain it’s hard to think about it little alone write about it. I have to say your tribute to your father soothed me beyond words. Thank you for sharing.