Community Blog

September 30, 2007

Hope is a powerful weapon against cancer

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My neighbor Sandy always struck me as an optimistic guy, but his positive nature was verified after I observed his battle with brain cancer this past summer. I used to think optimism was a characteristic of the unaffected, people without cares. Now I know hopefulness is an imperative tool because adversity afflicts even the best of people, and hope can be the greatest weapon.
My friend’s dad Sandy is a popular eighth grade history teacher who coaches cross country and golf at a large middle school in Oklahoma. The 49-year-old’s qualities make him a great mentor. His kind blue eyes are welcoming, and his ever-present smile can give anyone the feeling that he or she matters. One can spot his head of grey, wavy hair from a considerable distance and know they will have a better day just from running into him.
My sister’s old teacher Sandy asked a substitute to finish the spring upon learning he had terminal cancer. He did not want attention while he looked his fate in the face. As he quietly slept to the History Channel’s hum, relatives from hours away exhausted his answering machine. Sandy called people back joking that the pretty nurses from the chemotherapy clinic are keeping him busy.
My friend Sandy would pray each morning wearing outdoorsy boots, a long bathrobe, and a smile, as gray hair fell into shiny piles on the floor. Sandy glowingly exclaimed that thanking God for his blessings was his favorite part of the day.
Last month, my fellow human Sandy learned his treatment destroyed the cancer and he has decades, instead of months, to live. He never stopped smiling throughout his tribulations, even in June when his body was riddled with blood clots and doctors were urging him to write a will. Physicians commended his enduring positive attitude and said optimism is linked to cancer survival rates. His sunny disposition might have saved his life.

Posted on September 30, 2007 at 5:00:34 PM by ninalivson ( Hope is a powerful weapon against cancer, 3 comments)

That is a wonderful story!

Posted on September 30, 2007 at 5:14:11 PM by jill

You don’t know how much I needed a story like this today. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Posted on October 1, 2007 at 8:25:12 AM by lori0513

Thank you so much for the inspiring story. I was buoyed so by it, just when I needed it. Gaile

Posted on October 3, 2007 at 10:00:55 PM by gaile