On cancer...

It’s been about seven months now, since I first suspected that the cancer I thought I’d conquered eight years ago let me know that it was back.

Tests, more tests, still more tests, surgery, chemo, more chemo, a little more chemo... and now I’m ready to get on with the rest of my life.

Once again, for now, all the tests show I’m cancer free... and it was through very little effort on my own that I can say that.

I’m writing this right now because of the efforts by other people to make me whole, to rid me of this disease. I’m going to guess that if there was a way to count them, that the number of people who are responsible for my current good health number at least in the tens of thousands.

That includes people I know and love, good friends, dedicated and caring doctors, nurses, technicians, some passing acquaintances and a ton of other people I’ve never seen and will likely never meet.

I’m here because of the tireless efforts like those of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life folks, many of whom will spend 24 hours this weekend, June 21-22, walking endlessly around the “track” at Cardinal Stadium to raise money to fight to find the cure for me and millions of others with cancer.

I’m tremendously proud to say that I was able to take some time on my 33rd wedding anniversary to complete at least one of those “laps” a few weeks earlier in Imlay City to celebrate, once again, as a cancer survivor.

A lot of people have been very helpful to me over this most recent journey. Obviously my family and friends have been loving and tremendously understanding and patient. The same can be said for everyone here at the Davison INDEX and VIEW Newspapers, who have accommodated my inconsistent schedule over the past four months. I owe them an enormous thank you.

The fight against cancer is a huge undertaking and — from my perspective — a quite noble cause.

We will all likely be touched in some way by cancer during our lives. It could strike a friend or loved one, a neighbor or maybe you.

My favorable fate makes this day that much more humbling and quite incredible.

It’s a tremendously powerful boost to the spirit to know then that you are not alone. That the fight goes on. That no matter your age, gender, race, creed or political persuasion that there are thousands of people who are all in your corner, putting their brains or their bucks and a whole lot of positive energy to making you well.

Give them a hand or a buck if you can. I’m living proof that the effort has been put to good use.