On July 16, Dad endured Chemo #8. With each treatment it's getting more difficult for him to bounce back but don't worry, he's still fighting! Some days I don't think he wants to and some days I think if I were him I don't know if I could endure what he's going through. It used to be that it would only take a week of hell after chemo and then he'd have a week or so of good days. But this last time it took almost two weeks before he started feeling better. It's very frustrating for him to not be able to do the things that he's done so easily his entire life. In the same respect, it's very sad for me and mom to watch him bear the brunt of this battle. But we're still winning and that is what matters! Keepin' our eye on the prize!
Good news is that with Dad's next chemo on August 6, treatment will be reduced by 20% in hopes that the harshness to his body will also be reduced. He will have a PSA done then and we ask for (and thank you) for your prayers that the PSA will continue to decrease. There is no reason to believe it won't. The trend has been in our favor thus far and we know it will continue. Hopefully, there won't be many chemo treatments left!
Not long ago, I was faced with the nightmare of potentially losing my mom to a brain hemorrhage. By the grace of God, she fought and came through pretty much unscathed. I cannot begin to explain the sheer terror of that unexpected event. Almost a year later, my dad's cancer comes back for the fifth time and has spread like wildfire to the bone. The fear of losing my father was then slapping me in the face. But my parents are fighters and it's not time yet!
This past April, a good friend of mine unexpectedly lost his parents on the same day. A coworker of mine also lost his parents within months of each other. I can't even imagine how that feels. I can't imagine losing one of my parents much less both of them at the same time or within a short period of time. The only saving grace for me would be that they are together.
I try not to think about these things but I also am not going to ignore reality or blow off the possibilities that surround us. I have always been the type of person who would rather be prepared for the worst and it never happen than to not know what to expect and be blindsided. In that same regard, I have had my own personal struggles (thankfully not health-related) over the last month and while they are finally starting to be resolved, the experience has just opened my eyes and made me realize what is really important in life. It's not the stresses of work or the people who don't see my point of view. It's not the fact that I broke a heel on one of my favorite pair of shoes or that my hair is turning gray faster than it has in the past. It's not the fact that the ghetto asshat blocked my driveway again. It's not the trivial things. Because as soon as I start getting bogged down by the trivial things, I am quickly reminded of just how trivial they are.
Life truly is short, my friends. It can change in an instant and there's no turning back. In one moment, one act can change the way you have always thought or behaved. In one moment, you may never be the same person again and you didn't even see it coming. There's no warning sometimes and you just have to adjust and do the best you can with what you've been given. So try not to worry your life away. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Most of all, be aware of what you say, how you say it and the meaning that you are putting forth through it. Tell those you love that you love them. Spend time with them and don't put anything off until tomorrow. Live each day as if it were your last and make it count! I'd hate for you to not have that opportunity one day. There's nothing worse than regrets.
Dad is now in the midst of his good week and he and Mom are doing everything they can to make every moment of those good days count! Keep the prayers coming!! I can't begin to stress how important they are and how much all of your support means to the three of us!
Until the next update, I'll leave you with one of my favorite songs.
Blessings
by Laura story
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we have faith to believe
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near
And what if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the achings of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
And what if the trials of this life....
the rain, the storms, the hardest nights are Your mercies in disguise.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Chemo #7 - This shit sucks
On June 25, Dad had Chemo #7.
On July 1, we found that his PSA is continuing to decrease and is at a 20.
In February, when chemo started, his PSA was at 101.
Chemo is working!
Hallelujah!
My dad is probably tired of hearing me exclaim those three words at this point.
Why?
Because even though chemo is working and the PSA is continuing to decrease, each treatment is harsher and it's really starting to take its toll on him - physically and mentally.
It's pretty fascinating when I think about how it's actually become quite predictable at this point. Chemo treatments are once every three weeks on a Thursday. The "bad period" lasts about a week and a day after chemo - meaning the Friday a week after the Thursday chemo - he starts rejoining the land of the living. But when he's in that bad period, he feels as if he's never going to come out of it. It used to be that he could get through the bad days because he knew the good days were just around the corner. The last few treatments; however, have been down right miserable and unbearable. At times, there's just no rationalizing with him.
He's weak.
He's frustrated because he gets exhausted doing everyday routine things.
He gets mad because what used to be such an easy task he just can't do any longer.
All food tastes like cardboard. Even water tastes bad.
His fingernails and toenails are blackening and brittle.
His feet tingle so bad that he has to take an oxy just to be able to sleep at night.
I never want to diminish how he's feeling or what he is going through because I know it is pure hell. In fact, it absolutely destroys me to the depths of my heart and soul to see him enduring this nightmare but.... I also do my best to try to encourage him and remind him that this too shall pass.
There IS a light at the end of the tunnel. We see it with each cycle and THAT is what he needs to focus on each time. That Friday a week after the Thursday chemo, he WILL start feeling good again. I must admit with each treatment it is harder for him and harder for me and my mom. Mom and I do absolutely everything we can but we also realize that it's often just not enough. He, unfortunately, has to battle this physical burden on his own and all we can do is take a deep breath, do the best we can to encourage him and support him, and pray for those good days to arrive quickly.
I remind him of how this all started last Fall:
He was in tremendous 24/7 pain.
He couldn't go four hours without taking a narcotic and that still didn't instantly make the pain disappear.
He was walking with a cane because he was hurting so badly.
He couldn't sleep because of the pain.
You could visibly see the knot on the back of his head where the cancer had spread to the skull bone. His back, side and hip were sources of agony.
No treatment was currently working. The cancer was continuing to grow at a fast pace.
I remind him of how what he's going through is pure hell BUT it could be so much worse:
What if chemo wasn't working?
What if he felt this bad and it wasn't making a difference?
What if the PSA wasn't decreasing but still doubling every four weeks?
What if he was vomiting 24/7?
What if he had to be hospitalized?
What if he was still having insufferable pain on top of how he's feeling now?
What if there were no good days to look forward to?
What if every day since chemo started in February was a bad day?
What if his taste buds never came back?
What if he still had to take narcotics 24/7?
What if the cancer was still spreading?
What if he was given a timeframe left on his life?
Thank God, none of those things are happening!!!!
So what do we do?
We must continue to take one day at a time. We must power through the bad days with our focus being on the good days that are approaching. We must take a deep breath and suck down that daily ton of water so that we don't become even more dehydrated than chemo already makes us. We must plug our nose and eat that food so that we don't become weaker. We must rest on the bad days because we all know that our bodies heal when they are resting. We must take a step back and realize it is ok to let someone help us do the things that we can't do as easily anymore. It is not admitting defeat. It is allowing others to help because they want to and because it's a simple fix!
I know I'm not going through this - he is. I know that I am not feeling the anguish and frustration that he is feeling. I know he knows all of this because I have these conversations with him all the time but it's reinforcing it and it's BELIEVING it that has to occur.
To all of Dad's friends and family, I have a few easy but important ways you can help:
1. Please continue to pray. Prayers are what have gotten Dad this far. They DO work! He is living proof. But pray not only for the cancer to be gone and for the PSA to continue to decrease, but pray for physical and mental strength for Dad to continue to fight this battle!
2. Please STOP asking him how many chemo treatments he has left. There is no set amount of treatments. There never has been. I'll continue to say what I've been saying - chemo is working. We keep doing chemo until it stops working or his body can't tolerate it any longer. Those two things aren't happening and hopefully won't happen. The goal is to get his PSA to a 0. At that point, we will do scans again to see if there is any evidence of cancer. If there isn't, then chemo ends. However, the PSA will continue to be monitored. Continuing to ask him when his last treatment is does not help matters any because all he wants is for this poison to stop being pumped through is body. The more you ask the more demoralizing it becomes because he wants an end date and there isn't one. We will do what we need to do and have as many treatments as it takes to get rid of this cowardly disease.
3. When you see him or talk to him, don't focus on his health and the fact that he has prostate cancer. My father may have cancer but cancer is not what my father is about. Treat him like you've always treated him. He happens to be battling a terrible disease but he's not a different person. He is living with this 24/7. He doesn't want to talk about it 24/7. Treat him as you always have - no differently. I have learned from so many other friends who have battled cancer, that the worst thing you can do is treat them differently; yet everyone always does. (That one was for you, my sweet Peggy!)
4. Visit him. Call him. Send him an email or a card. Offer to go out to lunch. Offer to bring food over. Offer to have a beer or a glass of wine during his good days. Offer to just come over and hang out. If he doesn't feel like it, he'll tell you! But it will mean more than you know to even ask!
Right now, he's in the midst of his "good period" and we need to focus on turning those good days into great days! Next Thursday, July 16, will be Chemo #8 and we'll begin this vicious cycle yet again. I still don't understand, in the year 2015, why we haven't found a better way to get rid of this disease than by poisoning human beings in the process.
But again, at least chemo is an option. Without it, I don't want to even think about where we'd be right now.
However, to put it bluntly, this shit downright sucks.
On July 1, we found that his PSA is continuing to decrease and is at a 20.
In February, when chemo started, his PSA was at 101.
Chemo is working!
Hallelujah!
Why?
Because even though chemo is working and the PSA is continuing to decrease, each treatment is harsher and it's really starting to take its toll on him - physically and mentally.
It's pretty fascinating when I think about how it's actually become quite predictable at this point. Chemo treatments are once every three weeks on a Thursday. The "bad period" lasts about a week and a day after chemo - meaning the Friday a week after the Thursday chemo - he starts rejoining the land of the living. But when he's in that bad period, he feels as if he's never going to come out of it. It used to be that he could get through the bad days because he knew the good days were just around the corner. The last few treatments; however, have been down right miserable and unbearable. At times, there's just no rationalizing with him.
He's weak.
He's frustrated because he gets exhausted doing everyday routine things.
He gets mad because what used to be such an easy task he just can't do any longer.
All food tastes like cardboard. Even water tastes bad.
His fingernails and toenails are blackening and brittle.
His feet tingle so bad that he has to take an oxy just to be able to sleep at night.
I never want to diminish how he's feeling or what he is going through because I know it is pure hell. In fact, it absolutely destroys me to the depths of my heart and soul to see him enduring this nightmare but.... I also do my best to try to encourage him and remind him that this too shall pass.
There IS a light at the end of the tunnel. We see it with each cycle and THAT is what he needs to focus on each time. That Friday a week after the Thursday chemo, he WILL start feeling good again. I must admit with each treatment it is harder for him and harder for me and my mom. Mom and I do absolutely everything we can but we also realize that it's often just not enough. He, unfortunately, has to battle this physical burden on his own and all we can do is take a deep breath, do the best we can to encourage him and support him, and pray for those good days to arrive quickly.
I remind him of how this all started last Fall:
He was in tremendous 24/7 pain.
He couldn't go four hours without taking a narcotic and that still didn't instantly make the pain disappear.
He was walking with a cane because he was hurting so badly.
He couldn't sleep because of the pain.
You could visibly see the knot on the back of his head where the cancer had spread to the skull bone. His back, side and hip were sources of agony.
No treatment was currently working. The cancer was continuing to grow at a fast pace.
I remind him of how what he's going through is pure hell BUT it could be so much worse:
What if chemo wasn't working?
What if he felt this bad and it wasn't making a difference?
What if the PSA wasn't decreasing but still doubling every four weeks?
What if he was vomiting 24/7?
What if he had to be hospitalized?
What if he was still having insufferable pain on top of how he's feeling now?
What if there were no good days to look forward to?
What if every day since chemo started in February was a bad day?
What if his taste buds never came back?
What if he still had to take narcotics 24/7?
What if the cancer was still spreading?
What if he was given a timeframe left on his life?
Thank God, none of those things are happening!!!!
So what do we do?
We must continue to take one day at a time. We must power through the bad days with our focus being on the good days that are approaching. We must take a deep breath and suck down that daily ton of water so that we don't become even more dehydrated than chemo already makes us. We must plug our nose and eat that food so that we don't become weaker. We must rest on the bad days because we all know that our bodies heal when they are resting. We must take a step back and realize it is ok to let someone help us do the things that we can't do as easily anymore. It is not admitting defeat. It is allowing others to help because they want to and because it's a simple fix!
I know I'm not going through this - he is. I know that I am not feeling the anguish and frustration that he is feeling. I know he knows all of this because I have these conversations with him all the time but it's reinforcing it and it's BELIEVING it that has to occur.
To all of Dad's friends and family, I have a few easy but important ways you can help:
1. Please continue to pray. Prayers are what have gotten Dad this far. They DO work! He is living proof. But pray not only for the cancer to be gone and for the PSA to continue to decrease, but pray for physical and mental strength for Dad to continue to fight this battle!
2. Please STOP asking him how many chemo treatments he has left. There is no set amount of treatments. There never has been. I'll continue to say what I've been saying - chemo is working. We keep doing chemo until it stops working or his body can't tolerate it any longer. Those two things aren't happening and hopefully won't happen. The goal is to get his PSA to a 0. At that point, we will do scans again to see if there is any evidence of cancer. If there isn't, then chemo ends. However, the PSA will continue to be monitored. Continuing to ask him when his last treatment is does not help matters any because all he wants is for this poison to stop being pumped through is body. The more you ask the more demoralizing it becomes because he wants an end date and there isn't one. We will do what we need to do and have as many treatments as it takes to get rid of this cowardly disease.
3. When you see him or talk to him, don't focus on his health and the fact that he has prostate cancer. My father may have cancer but cancer is not what my father is about. Treat him like you've always treated him. He happens to be battling a terrible disease but he's not a different person. He is living with this 24/7. He doesn't want to talk about it 24/7. Treat him as you always have - no differently. I have learned from so many other friends who have battled cancer, that the worst thing you can do is treat them differently; yet everyone always does. (That one was for you, my sweet Peggy!)
4. Visit him. Call him. Send him an email or a card. Offer to go out to lunch. Offer to bring food over. Offer to have a beer or a glass of wine during his good days. Offer to just come over and hang out. If he doesn't feel like it, he'll tell you! But it will mean more than you know to even ask!
Right now, he's in the midst of his "good period" and we need to focus on turning those good days into great days! Next Thursday, July 16, will be Chemo #8 and we'll begin this vicious cycle yet again. I still don't understand, in the year 2015, why we haven't found a better way to get rid of this disease than by poisoning human beings in the process.
But again, at least chemo is an option. Without it, I don't want to even think about where we'd be right now.
However, to put it bluntly, this shit downright sucks.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
The silent, and often overlooked, hero
Since January, this blog has been focusing on my plight to put an end to prostate cancer, served as a journey through my fundraising activities leading up to the ZERO race on Father's Day and has become a way to promote awareness through my dad's story. Expression through writing has also served as a form of therapy for me. While I hope that all of you have been able to gain knowledge and perhaps even enjoyed reading my posts, it's way past time that the silent, and often overlooked, hero through this entire battle is now acknowledged.
But first, I need to explain a few things. It's time for a little one-on-one tutorial of the prostate because I bet most of you don't even know where it is located or its function. Yeah, I'm a woman and I'm talking about an important part of a man's reproductive system. Get over it. I have found that women are the ones at the forefront of this disease and I am proud to be one of those women. Did you see my short but poignant interview on Let's Talk Live! on News Channel 8 on June 15? It was even mentioned then how women are taking the lead in the cause. If you haven't seen it, here's the link:
Ok, here we go, people. Pay attention.
The prostate gland is shaped like a doughnut, the size of a chestnut and weighs about an ounce. It is made of 70% glandular tissue and 30% muscular tissue. The prostate sits just below the bladder, behind the pubic bone and just in front of the rectum. It wraps around the urethra which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis.
The prostate provides nourishing and protective fluid to support sperm survival and increase the chances of fertilization of the egg in a women's uterus. During ejaculation, the prostate contracts around the upper portion of the urethra, preventing urine from being released into the semen. It produces seminal plasma which is a component of semen and contains alkaline compounds to protect sperm after ejaculation into the vagina, and supplies proteins, enzymes, and minerals such as zinc and calcium to nourish sperm. The prostate gland also secretes natural compounds that stimulate contraction of the uterus to help sperm move towards the egg and increase the chance of fertilization. In essence, the secretions of the prostate gland produce nutrients sperm need for survival. Without prostate gland secretions, sperm would not be able to survive in the female reproductive tract. So, the prostate is a pretty important little gland if you are one of those people who want to have children, right?
Several conditions can affect the prostate as a man ages and most men will experience some type of prostate problem in their lifetime. The prostate gland actually continues to grow throughout a man's life but very slowly after the age of 25. Enlargement of the prostate is a normal part of the aging process and usually doesn't become a problem until about the age of 60. While an enlarged prostate is not a problem in itself, it is uncomfortable and can lead to more serious problems. Prostatitis which is inflammation, and sometimes combined with infection, of the prostate, can also be a problem and is the number one reason why men under the age of 50 visit a urologist. I, however, think that the number one reason men under the age of 50 SHOULD visit the urologist is to get a PSA test! Actually, I highly recommend you get a PSA as soon as you turn 40. While prostatitis and enlargement of the prostate may be uncomfortable and lead to other issues, prostate cancer is something that can be detected very early and I highly recommend all men have a PSA test. The only way prostate cancer discriminates is by affecting men. Age doesn't matter anymore. Gentlemen, give yourself a great birthday gift. It could perhaps be a gift that saves your life.
So there's the down and dirty of the prostate gland in a nutshell. Get it... nutshell. The prostate gland is the size of a chestnut. Nutshell. Ha. Yeah, stick around, there's bound to be more where that came from.
Prostate cancer is extremely difficult for a man to handle - not just the physical toll that it takes on his body, but the equally (often worse) mental toll as well. The majority of men do not want to talk about it when they are diagnosed and take on the battle privately for years because for some reason they are embarrassed, ashamed or just feel awkward. I, unfortunately, have known many men who have suffered through this disease and treatment alone - some by choice, some not.
My dad has been fortunate since day one of being diagnosed, 19 years ago, to never have to fight this battle alone. My mother and I would never let that happen. A friend commented on how much prostate cancer research I've done lately. This hasn't been lately. I have 19 years of research and information in this brain of mine and I'm still trying to learn more. Knowledge is power.
Do you know what else is powerful to a man with prostate cancer? An amazing, selfless, devoted and loving woman by his side who will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to keep him happy and protect him. No, I'm not talking about me. This isn't about me. Remember, it's never been about me and it sure isn't now.
I'm talking about 'til death do us part. The real 'til death do us part. Those aren't just words with no meaning. It's in those wedding vows for a reason. You speak those words because you mean it from the depth of your heart and soul. In sickness and in health. Everyone can get through the good times together. It takes a lot of strength, love and prayers to get through the bad times. It's not easy. There are times that are easier than others but it's definitely not easy.
This woman is by his side at all times - literally and figuratively. She boosts his confidence when he's feeling low. She finds the positive in the darkest of times even when it's the hardest thing for her to do. She bites her tongue and holds her breath when his pain and frustration causes him to not think before he opens his mouth and speaks. She makes sacrifices in her life that no one but she knows and it's sometimes hard for her to comprehend why. She can barely remember what her life was like before him and she can't even imagine her life without him.
Even though life as they know it has changed and may never be the same again, she is focused and devoted and she makes the most of every moment with him. This woman is prayerful and God-fearing but that doesn't mean she doesn't worry and silently scream out "why!!??" She may not even be in the best of health herself, but she finds the inner strength to conquer anything. She never complains and she never gives up hope. She often swallows her pride and puts his wants and needs before her own. While she devotes her life to making sure he doesn't feel alone, ironically, she often feels as if she is the one who is alone. She promises her love to him and assures him that they will get through this nightmare together. She is terrified most days and yet her courage is rivaled by none.
She is his caregiver.
She is the love of his life.
She is the silent, and often overlooked, hero in his battle with this coward called prostate cancer.
She is an angel on earth.
She is my mom.
But first, I need to explain a few things. It's time for a little one-on-one tutorial of the prostate because I bet most of you don't even know where it is located or its function. Yeah, I'm a woman and I'm talking about an important part of a man's reproductive system. Get over it. I have found that women are the ones at the forefront of this disease and I am proud to be one of those women. Did you see my short but poignant interview on Let's Talk Live! on News Channel 8 on June 15? It was even mentioned then how women are taking the lead in the cause. If you haven't seen it, here's the link:
Ok, here we go, people. Pay attention.
The prostate gland is shaped like a doughnut, the size of a chestnut and weighs about an ounce. It is made of 70% glandular tissue and 30% muscular tissue. The prostate sits just below the bladder, behind the pubic bone and just in front of the rectum. It wraps around the urethra which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis.
The prostate provides nourishing and protective fluid to support sperm survival and increase the chances of fertilization of the egg in a women's uterus. During ejaculation, the prostate contracts around the upper portion of the urethra, preventing urine from being released into the semen. It produces seminal plasma which is a component of semen and contains alkaline compounds to protect sperm after ejaculation into the vagina, and supplies proteins, enzymes, and minerals such as zinc and calcium to nourish sperm. The prostate gland also secretes natural compounds that stimulate contraction of the uterus to help sperm move towards the egg and increase the chance of fertilization. In essence, the secretions of the prostate gland produce nutrients sperm need for survival. Without prostate gland secretions, sperm would not be able to survive in the female reproductive tract. So, the prostate is a pretty important little gland if you are one of those people who want to have children, right?
Several conditions can affect the prostate as a man ages and most men will experience some type of prostate problem in their lifetime. The prostate gland actually continues to grow throughout a man's life but very slowly after the age of 25. Enlargement of the prostate is a normal part of the aging process and usually doesn't become a problem until about the age of 60. While an enlarged prostate is not a problem in itself, it is uncomfortable and can lead to more serious problems. Prostatitis which is inflammation, and sometimes combined with infection, of the prostate, can also be a problem and is the number one reason why men under the age of 50 visit a urologist. I, however, think that the number one reason men under the age of 50 SHOULD visit the urologist is to get a PSA test! Actually, I highly recommend you get a PSA as soon as you turn 40. While prostatitis and enlargement of the prostate may be uncomfortable and lead to other issues, prostate cancer is something that can be detected very early and I highly recommend all men have a PSA test. The only way prostate cancer discriminates is by affecting men. Age doesn't matter anymore. Gentlemen, give yourself a great birthday gift. It could perhaps be a gift that saves your life.
So there's the down and dirty of the prostate gland in a nutshell. Get it... nutshell. The prostate gland is the size of a chestnut. Nutshell. Ha. Yeah, stick around, there's bound to be more where that came from.
Prostate cancer is extremely difficult for a man to handle - not just the physical toll that it takes on his body, but the equally (often worse) mental toll as well. The majority of men do not want to talk about it when they are diagnosed and take on the battle privately for years because for some reason they are embarrassed, ashamed or just feel awkward. I, unfortunately, have known many men who have suffered through this disease and treatment alone - some by choice, some not.
My dad has been fortunate since day one of being diagnosed, 19 years ago, to never have to fight this battle alone. My mother and I would never let that happen. A friend commented on how much prostate cancer research I've done lately. This hasn't been lately. I have 19 years of research and information in this brain of mine and I'm still trying to learn more. Knowledge is power.
Do you know what else is powerful to a man with prostate cancer? An amazing, selfless, devoted and loving woman by his side who will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to keep him happy and protect him. No, I'm not talking about me. This isn't about me. Remember, it's never been about me and it sure isn't now.
I'm talking about 'til death do us part. The real 'til death do us part. Those aren't just words with no meaning. It's in those wedding vows for a reason. You speak those words because you mean it from the depth of your heart and soul. In sickness and in health. Everyone can get through the good times together. It takes a lot of strength, love and prayers to get through the bad times. It's not easy. There are times that are easier than others but it's definitely not easy.
This woman is by his side at all times - literally and figuratively. She boosts his confidence when he's feeling low. She finds the positive in the darkest of times even when it's the hardest thing for her to do. She bites her tongue and holds her breath when his pain and frustration causes him to not think before he opens his mouth and speaks. She makes sacrifices in her life that no one but she knows and it's sometimes hard for her to comprehend why. She can barely remember what her life was like before him and she can't even imagine her life without him. Even though life as they know it has changed and may never be the same again, she is focused and devoted and she makes the most of every moment with him. This woman is prayerful and God-fearing but that doesn't mean she doesn't worry and silently scream out "why!!??" She may not even be in the best of health herself, but she finds the inner strength to conquer anything. She never complains and she never gives up hope. She often swallows her pride and puts his wants and needs before her own. While she devotes her life to making sure he doesn't feel alone, ironically, she often feels as if she is the one who is alone. She promises her love to him and assures him that they will get through this nightmare together. She is terrified most days and yet her courage is rivaled by none.
She is his caregiver.
She is the love of his life.
She is the silent, and often overlooked, hero in his battle with this coward called prostate cancer.
She is an angel on earth.
She is my mom.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Today is about one number.... zero
The morning of Father's Day, Sunday, June 21, 2015, was a very emotional and solemn, yet jovial, time for me. Since January 15, I had tirelessly devoted the majority of my waking hours (and plenty of non-waking hours as well) and energy to what would culminate in this one morning.
As my favorite guy drove us to Arlington at 7 a.m., I sat in the back seat of the fire truck (come on, it's a big red Silverado) with a subdued attitude but my mind racing a mile a minute.
Today was the ZERO 2015 Capital Area Run/Walk.
We parked the truck and walked a few blocks to get to the courtyard where all the festivities would take place and where I would meet up with my team, Denny's Shotgun Riders.
Walking in silence and trying to remember to breathe, I saw my parents slightly ahead of me, walking hand in hand, and my heart skipped a beat.
That right there.
The 66 year-old lovebirds still holding hands after all these years.
That is what makes all of this worth while.
ZERO is about keeping families together.
Personally, I joined ZERO to help keep MY family together.
My family.
My two parents and myself (and Prowler, of course)
That's my family.
My first goal of the day was to get my team together for the first time (minus my sweet Gloria who was with my SC family contingent). I could not have asked for a better group of human beings to spend this morning with and to walk in honor of my dad. Words cannot express how much each and every one of them means to me.
Denny's Shotgun Riders consisted of five runners, four walkers, a prostate cancer warrior and the best mom/caregiver/wife ever put on the face of this earth.
To my delight, Denny's Shotgun Riders was also graced with a Superkid!
Though storms ravaged our area the night before and lightning even struck my home, God graced us with a beautiful sunlit sky and cool breeze that morning.
Julie and Colony of ZERO had quickly become our fast friends and on this day, I truly believe we were officially united as one family.
Jimmy Charles started us off with his song, Superman, and as my grandmother's light shined down on us, my heart filled up and the tears flowed.
It all hit me. This is real. We are here because my Dad has cancer.
We are here because it is Father's Day and we're honoring my Dad by showing him yet again he is not alone in this battle.
It all hit me. This is real. We are here because my Dad has cancer.
We are here because it is Father's Day and we're honoring my Dad by showing him yet again he is not alone in this battle.
It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do
Swallow my pride, face the truth
Go through hell, feel the fear
Praise the Lord that I'm still here
And I still got more miles here on this road
And now I'm here to help you all to understand....
that you can't fight this battle on your own.
You ain't Superman.
After the song, we all released balloons, for all those affected by this coward of a disease.
Then it was time to run four miles!
Or.....do the rational thing in my mind, and WALK four miles with these three wonderful friends while carrying our team banner!
"Denny's Shotgun Riders
Proudly wearing light blue for Denny!"
Jeff" Lighting Rod" Stamp, Brian and Melissa were ready to take off!
Mom and Dad were proudly seeing us off at the start and playing photographer!
I knew I had earned a lawn sign along the route but wasn't sure where it would be placed.
I happened to look to the right not long after we started our walk and there it was!
I happened to look to the right not long after we started our walk and there it was!
As we were walking the first two miles, I was able to catch Jason.....
and then Melissa and Brian as they were already running back the last two miles.
Jeff and Jason were the first of our team to finish the race.
Then Jeff, Brian and Melissa came to join us and bring home the banner and our love for Dad together through the finish line!
Then Jeff, Brian and Melissa came to join us and bring home the banner and our love for Dad together through the finish line!
Whether we ran, we walked or we were the team cheerleaders, we did it.
We were united for Denny.
A few weeks prior, I had been asked by ZERO if I would be willing to speak at the race - to tell my and Dad's story. I was humbled and honored to do such a thing. I am not a procrastinator by any means but for some reason this speech was the hardest for me to prepare. I took on my "Let's Talk Live!" interview a week prior with no prep at all and came through with flying colors. However, speaking at the race in front of survivors, caregivers, families who had lost men to this disease was a whole different story. This meant something.
Two days before the race, I started to put words together and came up with a good two-page, five-minute write-up. I figured I'd pair it down and get to basics on Saturday. Well, that didn't happen and Sunday morning at 6 a.m. I was tweaking my speech. It still didn't feel right and I was not feeling good about it. I printed it out, folded it up and threw it in my bag.
As the morning went on and I saw more and more people with "in memory of" signs, I knew that reading a five-minute speech wasn't going to be the right thing to do. No one wanted to stand there, hot and sweaty, after running four miles and listen to some girl talk about how her dad had cancer for the fifth time. So I did something, I have never done before.
I scrapped the speech and went with my gut.
I needed to be me and this needed to be real and come from my heart.
I was truly in awe of all the people who had shown up that morning. As I spoke about my Dad's early diagnosis, how important early detection is, and all that he has endured, I instantly started to feel a bit selfish. The majority of the people who I saw standing out there listening intently to me were daughters and wives who had lost their fathers and husbands to prostate cancer.
I suddenly felt like the luckiest girl in the world.
Why?
Because my father, who is battling prostate cancer for the fifth and worst time, is right there with his eyes fixed on me. He is here. He is alive. He is witnessing every bit of this moment. I am beyond ecstatic that I am doing this race while my father is still here and can be part of it. Others who were there were racing in memory of someone. I can't even imagine how that feels.
I have said so many times through this fundraising and awareness effort that this is not about me. This is about Dad.
Well, right then as I was speaking and looking into the eyes of these people, I saw Sandra Ham with tears rolling down her face. I had never met Sandra but I knew who she was because for about two weeks she surpassed me as the top fundraiser for this event. I learned from her fundraising page that she had formed a team in memory of her husband, Gordon. As I pointed out my dad to the crowd I saw Sandra turn around and they hugged.
It was then that Sandra Ham and Tara Nikituk joined me on the stage.
We were the top three individual fundraisers and top team fundraisers.
The three of us - women - were here fighting for an end to prostate cancer.
I was the lucky one.
Not because I was the top fundraiser. Not because my team was the top fundraising team.
But because I was doing all of this and still had my prostate cancer survivor.
Sandra and Tara had lost theirs.
This isn't about me. It never has been and never will be.
This isn't about me being the top individual fundraiser.
This isn't about my team being the top fundraising team.
This is about my dad.
This is about Mr. Ham.
This is about Mr. Nikituk.
This is about bringing awareness to prostate cancer.
This is about promoting the importance of early detection.
This is
about encouraging men to take control of their bodies and health.
This is about
giving a voice to, and honoring, all of those men who have been affected, who are
battling this disease, who unfortunately have lost their lives to this disease
and for those who haven’t even been diagnosed yet.
This is
about raising money for a cure so that one day NO man will have to go through
what my dad and all these other men have had to endure.
This is about
strong women supporting and loving their men.
This is about letting my dad and all men
who are batting prostate cancer know
that they NEVER have to fight alone!
This is about one number…. ZERO!
Zero pain and suffering
Zero psa levels
Zero prostate cancer!
Monday, June 22, 2015
The faces of prostate cancer - the men for whom I walked
Prostate cancer is the second leading death of cancer among men. 240,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and 30,000 others lose their lives. Odds are that you know someone who has had prostate cancer, is battling the disease right now or has unfortunately succumbed to the disease. If you haven't been touched by prostate cancer, congratulations, but odds are, unfortunately, you WILL know someone in your lifetime.
Having a 19-year prostate cancer survivor as my father, I know more about this disease than I ever would have imagined. I am by no means an expert, but I know what works and doesn't work in Dad's case and I have been and always will be his advocate.
Men don't want to talk about their health. They definitely don't want to talk about prostate cancer. In fact, for some reason they think there is some sort of taboo surrounding it which doesn't make any sense to me. By joining forces with ZERO, I want to promote awareness. I don't want men to be embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their prostate cancer diagnosis and I definitely want to encourage every man to be proactive and responsible for their health! Men, if you're over 40, demand a PSA test when you have your annual checkup/physical. Women, encourage your men!! We all know early detection is key with breast cancer and early detection is just as important with prostate cancer!!
I must admit I love men! (Of course, there are ones that I may not be too fond of, but in general, I love men.) Men can be stubborn but hopefully they have women, like me, who care about them, will stand up for them, convince/urge them to do what is right and encourage them to be responsible for their own lives and health! A simple blood test could save your life, gentleman! So what's the big deal? Are you scared? Are you nervous? Totally understandable but wouldn't you rather know that you have prostate cancer and be able to get rid of it than blow off a simple blood test and find out years later that it's too late? Yeah, that's what I thought. Early detection is HUGE!
Society has long believed and portrayed prostate cancer as an "old man's disease". That couldn't be farther from the truth. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer which I believe is a reason why older men are the ones who are typically diagnosed. It's good that it's a slow-growing cancer, but isn't that even more reason to find out ahead of time so that you can work to stop it immediately?
I'll now get off my soapbox (but only for the rest of this post) and would like to introduce you to a few men. In addition to the most important man in my life, my dad, I also walked in honor/memory of the following men on Father's Day when I led my team, Denny's Shotgun Riders, in the 8th Annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk.
Willie L. Sitton, “Poppy”,
“Uncle Bill”
After deciding to take prostate cancer head on, I am proud to say that on May 19, 2015, Poppy had his last radiation treatment and rang the bell at the finish line! Poppy is a perfect example of how routine checkups are important and early detection is key! He is continuing with hormone therapy and is on medicine for nausea and another to relax the prostate area. Poppy is an example of how we should never give up!
"The race is not a sprint. It's a marathon! Keep going!"
Tony Wilson
I met Tony when he was 36 years old and I was 23. Tony was full of life, athletic and a devoted father of two young boys. Tony was part of my everyday life when my dad was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer.
About a year after we met, Tony moved to Colorado and while we kept in a touch for a while, it wasn't long before life got in the way and we lost touch for many years. Two years ago, our paths crossed again and I was shocked and sad to hear that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in October of 2011 at the age of 51. At the time of diagnosis, Tony was only four years older than my dad at his time of diagnosis and my heart shuddered to think that he had gone through this battle at such a young age and alone.
When Tony was diagnosed, his PSA was 46! He endured hormone therapy and Cyberknife radiation treatments - five directly to the prostate and 23 to the surrounding lymph nodes. His treatment was completed in March 2012 and his current PSA is 0.28. He's physically doing well, is appreciative of every day that the Lord has given him and wholeheartedly believes in the power of prayer.
Tony also has three things he feels are very important that he wants to share with all men:
1. Early Prevention - guys should start being tested at 40, especially if prostate cancer is in your family history.
2. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, do something immediately. Do NOT wait!
3. Make sure your family supports you in your decision, including what type of treatment you choose. It's a very depressing disease for a man to go through, both physically and emotionally. Support is monumental.
Glenn Poe
Natalie, Glenn's daughter, was happy to share his story with me. Glenn was diagnosed in 1992 at the age of 54. His prostate cancer was diagnosed through a routine checkup and he had a PSA of 4.5.
Glenn was told that if his cancer was inoperable he had five to six years to live and if it was operable he had 10 to 12 years to live. Glenn has surpassed the doctor's expectations because he is now 77 years old!
He endured radiation and surgery in which his urologist said the cancer was well contained and he was able to "get it all". Twenty-three years later, Glenn is still cancer free and continues to have a PSA of 0.1! He has always had an unshakeable fear of the 10-12 year survival comment and while now feeling physically healthy, he remains heartbroken over the loss of his amazing wife to ovarian cancer in December 2012.
Lou Manne
Lou, my friend Adam's dad, was diagnosed at the age of 80 by way of a routine blood test during his annual physical. Lou endured radiation and chemotherapy with his last treatment being in December 2014. A native, New Yorker, Lou now enjoys life between living in Las Vegas and Bali, Indonesia. Once he got a clean bill of health in the U.S., he couldn't wait to go back to Bali and enjoy the good life again! I can't blame him! He will continue follow up appointments and routine PSAs when he returns to Vegas.
Gary Pugh
Bill
In 2003, at the age of 71, Bill's PSA was a 5 and had symptoms of problematic urination. His doctor recommended a biopsy which confirmed prostate cancer and that same year Bill had a radical prostatectomy. In 2004, Bill's PSA started to increase again. A small spot was found and he went through radiation. I'm happy to say he has been cancer free ever since with a PSA of 0.1.
Clarence is my dad's grandfather who was diagnosed in the 1960s with prostate cancer had cobalt radiation treatment because it was the only option at that point in time. He was a master electrician and died in 1968. I, unfortunately, was not able to meet my great grandfather who my dad remembers fondly. I feel he passed on many of his genuine traits to his great grandson.
Art Campbell
I never got the pleasure of meeting Art, but I often feel as if I know him through his son. Art was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a PSA in the single digits but it slowly increased over time. After radiation and chemotherapy, it eventually metastasized to the bone and caused much pain in the pelvic area and broken bones. At the age of 83, Art lost his battle as a result of prostate-cancer related complications.
The following are additional men who have been affected by prostate cancer for whom I vowed to walk. Unfortunately, I have not been given photos or stories but will share what I know.
Having a 19-year prostate cancer survivor as my father, I know more about this disease than I ever would have imagined. I am by no means an expert, but I know what works and doesn't work in Dad's case and I have been and always will be his advocate.
Men don't want to talk about their health. They definitely don't want to talk about prostate cancer. In fact, for some reason they think there is some sort of taboo surrounding it which doesn't make any sense to me. By joining forces with ZERO, I want to promote awareness. I don't want men to be embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their prostate cancer diagnosis and I definitely want to encourage every man to be proactive and responsible for their health! Men, if you're over 40, demand a PSA test when you have your annual checkup/physical. Women, encourage your men!! We all know early detection is key with breast cancer and early detection is just as important with prostate cancer!!
I must admit I love men! (Of course, there are ones that I may not be too fond of, but in general, I love men.) Men can be stubborn but hopefully they have women, like me, who care about them, will stand up for them, convince/urge them to do what is right and encourage them to be responsible for their own lives and health! A simple blood test could save your life, gentleman! So what's the big deal? Are you scared? Are you nervous? Totally understandable but wouldn't you rather know that you have prostate cancer and be able to get rid of it than blow off a simple blood test and find out years later that it's too late? Yeah, that's what I thought. Early detection is HUGE!
Society has long believed and portrayed prostate cancer as an "old man's disease". That couldn't be farther from the truth. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer which I believe is a reason why older men are the ones who are typically diagnosed. It's good that it's a slow-growing cancer, but isn't that even more reason to find out ahead of time so that you can work to stop it immediately?
I'll now get off my soapbox (but only for the rest of this post) and would like to introduce you to a few men. In addition to the most important man in my life, my dad, I also walked in honor/memory of the following men on Father's Day when I led my team, Denny's Shotgun Riders, in the 8th Annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk.
Willie L. Sitton, “Poppy”,
“Uncle Bill”
Poppy is the father of my dear friend, Gloria, and my South Carolina Daddy. The first time I met him, we instantly connected and I knew this was a genuine, loving and special man with which I was conversing - the epitome of a downhome, traditional, Southern gentleman.
In November 2014, at the age of 81, Poppy was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was diagnosed during a routine checkup in which his PSA had risen significantly since his prior checkup. An MRI was then conducted and cancer was confirmed. The tumor was so small that Poppy's doctor recommended intense radiation for a month and a half instead of surgery, which at his age would have been more dangerous than the cancer itself.
In November 2014, at the age of 81, Poppy was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was diagnosed during a routine checkup in which his PSA had risen significantly since his prior checkup. An MRI was then conducted and cancer was confirmed. The tumor was so small that Poppy's doctor recommended intense radiation for a month and a half instead of surgery, which at his age would have been more dangerous than the cancer itself.
Farrell Thomas
In 2013, Farrell, my friend Gloria's cousin by marriage and part of my South Carolina family, was diagnosed at the young age of 42 with a PSA of 5. (For a point of reference, my dad was diagnosed at the age of 47 with a PSA of 26.) His doctor told him he had not seen many men as young as he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Farrell had robotic surgery to remove the prostate and his PSA has been 0 ever since! He is a perfect example of how prostate cancer can affect any man - regardless of age - and how early detection is key! Farrell continues to have PSA tests every six months and is thankful to God for his recovery and for the support of his incredible wife, Gina.
Tony Wilson
I met Tony when he was 36 years old and I was 23. Tony was full of life, athletic and a devoted father of two young boys. Tony was part of my everyday life when my dad was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer. About a year after we met, Tony moved to Colorado and while we kept in a touch for a while, it wasn't long before life got in the way and we lost touch for many years. Two years ago, our paths crossed again and I was shocked and sad to hear that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in October of 2011 at the age of 51. At the time of diagnosis, Tony was only four years older than my dad at his time of diagnosis and my heart shuddered to think that he had gone through this battle at such a young age and alone.
When Tony was diagnosed, his PSA was 46! He endured hormone therapy and Cyberknife radiation treatments - five directly to the prostate and 23 to the surrounding lymph nodes. His treatment was completed in March 2012 and his current PSA is 0.28. He's physically doing well, is appreciative of every day that the Lord has given him and wholeheartedly believes in the power of prayer.
Tony also has three things he feels are very important that he wants to share with all men:1. Early Prevention - guys should start being tested at 40, especially if prostate cancer is in your family history.
2. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, do something immediately. Do NOT wait!
3. Make sure your family supports you in your decision, including what type of treatment you choose. It's a very depressing disease for a man to go through, both physically and emotionally. Support is monumental.
Glenn Poe
Natalie, Glenn's daughter, was happy to share his story with me. Glenn was diagnosed in 1992 at the age of 54. His prostate cancer was diagnosed through a routine checkup and he had a PSA of 4.5.
He endured radiation and surgery in which his urologist said the cancer was well contained and he was able to "get it all". Twenty-three years later, Glenn is still cancer free and continues to have a PSA of 0.1! He has always had an unshakeable fear of the 10-12 year survival comment and while now feeling physically healthy, he remains heartbroken over the loss of his amazing wife to ovarian cancer in December 2012.
Natalie attributes her father's survival to early detection which yielded great results!
Lou Manne
Lou, my friend Adam's dad, was diagnosed at the age of 80 by way of a routine blood test during his annual physical. Lou endured radiation and chemotherapy with his last treatment being in December 2014. A native, New Yorker, Lou now enjoys life between living in Las Vegas and Bali, Indonesia. Once he got a clean bill of health in the U.S., he couldn't wait to go back to Bali and enjoy the good life again! I can't blame him! He will continue follow up appointments and routine PSAs when he returns to Vegas.
Gary Pugh
I've known Gary for the majority of my life. I grew up with
his daughter, Kari, and his son, Casey. Their mother, Sheila, was my mom's best friend and my "second mom" until we unfortunately lost her in November 2003.
In 2013, Gary's PSA slowly started to increase but was still only at a 2.5. His doctor suggested Gary see a urologist when it was at 4.5 at which time a biopsy was conducted. In September 2014, Gary was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 67. In February 2015, he opted to have surgery to remove the prostate to hopefully eliminate the risk of his cancer returning.
Ironically, his urologist is the protégé of my dad's urologist who diagnosed him back in 1997. Gary is in great hands because Dr. Desai is a mini me of Dr. Lou and extremely proactive! Another example how early detection and a proactive doctor is key!
Ironically, his urologist is the protégé of my dad's urologist who diagnosed him back in 1997. Gary is in great hands because Dr. Desai is a mini me of Dr. Lou and extremely proactive! Another example how early detection and a proactive doctor is key!
Bill
In 2003, at the age of 71, Bill's PSA was a 5 and had symptoms of problematic urination. His doctor recommended a biopsy which confirmed prostate cancer and that same year Bill had a radical prostatectomy. In 2004, Bill's PSA started to increase again. A small spot was found and he went through radiation. I'm happy to say he has been cancer free ever since with a PSA of 0.1.
Clarence R. Moore
Art Campbell
The following are additional men who have been affected by prostate cancer for whom I vowed to walk. Unfortunately, I have not been given photos or stories but will share what I know.
- Avery Williams - survivor
- the father of my cousin, Gail Moore
- the father of my friend, Nancy Kotney
- the father of my friend, Paula Calvin
- Robert Pearles, the grandfather of Kerri Beroza (Certified Specialist of Wine, Ingleside Vineyards)
- Ron Klebacher, father of my friend, Honora Klebacher - survivor of prostate (and colon) cancer
- the father of Laura Brletic (owner of Confections Cupcakery)
Through me, these men will never be forgotten and they will continue to have a voice.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Nats tickets for a great cause!
I am proud to announce that my friend, Dan, has graciously offered up his pair of Washington Nationals baseball tickets for a game in July as a way to raise money in honor of my dad and to help fight prostate cancer!
The first person to donate $110 to my personal page for the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk before Saturday, June 20 at 10p.m. will receive a pair of tickets (Section 308 - gallery seats - press box level - 3rd base line) to the Monday, July 20 game at 7:05 p.m. when the Nats take on the New York Mets in D.C.
Your donation of $110 could provide a free prostate cancer test to a man at-risk! I can't think of a better way to donate! You are potentially helping to save a man's life from prostate cancer by early detection and in return getting to enjoy the Nats play the Mets!
Save a man's life, watch men play a sport and even take your favorite man with you!
Sounds like a win-win to me!
All you have to do is follow the link below and make a donation on my personal page in the amount of $110:
(I will contact the winner with details of how to retrieve the tickets.)
As a leader in the fight against prostate cancer, ZERO advances research, encourages action, and provides education and support to men and their families. Most importantly, when you donate to ZERO, you can be assured your money is truly making a difference because 98 cents of every dollar donated goes to research and programs to fight prostate cancer!
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Meet the Team
Each member of Denny's Shotgun Riders has made a commitment to help put an end to prostate cancer and to support my dad, Denny! By "riding shotgun" with Denny, we assure that he will never have to fight alone! Since I've been talking about this team since January and the race is this Sunday, I thought it's way past time for you to virtually meet each one of these fantastic people through my eyes!
Val Moore - Team Captain
Ya'll know me already! I'm the batshit passionate one who started this plight six months ago and isn't about to stop! I'm also the luckiest girl in the world to call this guy we're racing for my dad!
Denny and Linda Moore
These two are my role models in life, my best friends, the parents every girl dreams of and the two most important people in my life who also hold the key to my heart!
Maurine Wood
While Maurine was one of the first two people I asked to participate in this walk with me and has quickly became one of my best friends over the last two years, she is also participating in honor of her father, who suffered from prostate cancer in the latter years of his life. Although her father did not succumb to this disease, he worried about it constantly before he passed in 2008. "Denny Moore is a wonderful, caring person and I have spent some wonderful times with the Moore family at their beach house, concerts, and "happy place” enjoying the pleasure of their company, along with great food, wine, and music. I am honored to be a part of their “family." I don't know what we'd do without you, Red!
Gloria Sitton
I met my soul sister about 10 years ago when I worked in Shitty Hall, I mean Alexandria City Hall. We instantly became friends and Gloria became the sister I never had. Her family instantly accepted me and became my South Carolina family just as she instantly became a part of mine. She always knows exactly what to say at all the right times to make me feel better and I truly don't know what I'd do without her! While Gloria was one of the first two people I asked to join the team, she unfortunately will not be able to join us on race day and has written the following message to share:
"My favorite “Denny Moore Memory” is one Saturday me and my VA family went visiting wineries. Now, Dad Moore is the life of the party and he was encouraging me to drink up. Next thing I know, I had tasted twelve different wines and I was done because I am a lightweight. But it never occurred to me that I was doing too much because Dad Moore kept us laughing and smiling the whole day. (Val remember he rode the traffic circle like European vacation—LOL - drove Mom Moore bananas). I will always stand up and speak life for Dad Moore—cause he gives life to everyone who meets him. I am missing the race because I am going to SC to see my dad, who is also battling prostate cancer. Cancer is no fun! But with organizations like Zero - The End of Prostate Cancer, my dad and Dad Moore, will be not only survivors but conquerors over this disease.
I’m riding shotgun in SC, y’all! --Gloria"
Jason Crawford
I met Jason by chance (or was it?) in September 2014 and it didn't take long for him to become a very special and important part of my life. While he hasn't known my parents for long, he instantly accepted them and brought a sense of calm, generosity and goodness to our lives. My favorite guy is someone I know I can always count on and I am so very grateful to have him in my life. No one but Jason has been able to "remedy my crazy" with such ease! Jason is a Crossfit coach and will be one of the admirable (or maybe, insane) ones in my mind who's running the four miles on Sunday. Jason didn't hesitate to join the team and it's a true blessing to have him by my side in this crazy world.
Jeff Stamp and Amelia Stamp
I met Jeff about a year or so ago at a going away party at my happy place for our Korean intern buddy, Jack, who worked in the County's Budget Office. I knew of Jeff through mutual friends but it wasn't until this night that I actually met him and was able to spend time with him. Jeff has an enormous God-fearing, heart of gold and is so very easy to talk to. He has accomplished so much in a short amount of time when it comes to becoming healthy and I admire that he's not only doing it to better himself but he's doing it for his family. Jeff unfortunately lost his dad at a young age, and he wants to make sure that his two precious kids don't lose their dad. His adorable daughter, Amelia, has joined the team and will follow in Dad's footsteps by participating in the ZERO Kids Superhero Dash for Dad! Jeff is a Tough Mudder competitor and a runner so look out, people. He's got his eye on the prize. I am so fortunate to call him my friend and a member of our team.
Alison and Phil Patton
Alison and Phil Patton are one of my all-time favorite couples. I met Phil at my happy place when Alison was overseas. We spent many nights at Winestyles and at the Dale City Moose Lodge for seafood nights with my parents. I joke that Phil quickly became "the brother I never wanted" when in reality, I absolutely adore this guy. Best part, though? When Alison came home and I got to see how amazing she is as well. It was heartbreaking when they got transferred to Germany but it wasn't long and they were back in Montclair where they belong! No matter what mood I'm in, this couple always seems to make me smile and I am so grateful they joined the team!
Mary Anne Schwartz
I am so excited about Mary Anne joining us on Sunday! She and I met a few years ago at my happy place but the one moment I really remember is at the Halloween party. I was Harley Quinn and she showed up in a t-shirt that said "This is my Zombie costume." I hate Halloween and this was the first time since I was a kid that I dressed up in costume and "celebrated". I was coerced by my friend who was the Joker and I did have a kick-ass costume so why not? Mary Anne and I hit it off immediately and I told her she was my "Poison Ivy" (another Batman reference). From that moment on, we were fast friends. While I don't see Mary Anne nearly enough, we always have an incredibly fun time whenever we are together and end up laughing until we hurt! This crazy girl ran a wine race a few years ago and she didn't think twice about signing up to join us to support my dad on Father's Day!
Melissa and Brian O'Neil
Melissa and Brian are neighbors of Maurine's and I feel as if I know them through her. However, I have only been around Melissa twice and Brian once. Melissa is a two-time breast cancer survivor and nurse and her darling husband is an Army Colonel. I was so very touched when they both came to my fundraiser on April 29. It truly restored my faith in humanity. Melissa is a true warrior when it comes to fighting breast cancer and running marathons. Having them join the team just this week meant so very much to me and my family and I look forward to Sunday and getting to know them better as time goes on.
Being one of Denny's Shotgun Riders means that we've got Dad's back. It means we love him and we will do everything we can to support him through this battle. I, honestly, can't imagine anywhere I'd rather be.
Thank you to each and every one of you for joining my team and supporting my father and this cause! I look forward to seeing each of you on Sunday and doing the Denny's Shotgun Riders name proud!
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