For the past couple weeks, the NorCal fires have kept us indoors and out of the smoke (… and off the bike). Thankfully, our town has been far from the action and not threatened with evacuations or evacuation warnings. We hope that continues to be the case for what has unfortunately become our annual ‘fire season’. We can’t thank our local first responders enough for keeping us and surrounding towns safe. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Chadwick Boseman – Cancer Conquerer & Superhero
I’ve been thinking a lot about Chadwick Boseman this weekend. What an amazing person. He was a superhero both on and off screen. I wish I could have met him and thanked him for all he’s done for the cancer community. His passing and his amazing 4-year wrestling match with colon cancer is instantly educating millions worldwide about this terrible illness. And what’s more, Chadwick took time along his way to help and stay connected to other cancer patients. I simply cannot imagine what it took him to complete multiple films, participate in all that goes along with them, and serve as the picture of super-human strength … all the while quietly tackling multiples surgeries and chemo treatments. There is no greater definition of superhero in my book.
I am a little sorry to see the common phrase ‘he lost his battle with cancer‘ being used in many articles and headlines about him. I’ve come to learn that’s a loaded phrase in the cancer community as it connotes you are somehow a loser if you die of cancer. As we are all learning from Chadwick’s example, this phrase is hardly accurate! If there was ever a poster hero for how to live with and conquer cancer, I’d say he’s certainly it. Those of us deep in the cancer club – AND lucky enough to continue with things outside of treatment – have been given the gift of a very special ‘heads-up’ about the value of time. It helps you realize: It’s all about how you use your time. I’m guessing Chadwick quickly processed that when he was diagnosed and turned on his jets to pack as much into life as is super-humanly possible. Worth a mention, it appears he focused on leading by example, bringing people together, and helping others. That’s just plain, simple, badass superhero mojo and I love the guy for sharing it with the world.
I’ll also volunteer that we can more accurately call Chadwick Boseman an amazing cancer survivor. According to the National Cancer Institute, the definition of a cancer survivor is:
“One who remains alive and continues to function during and after overcoming a serious hardship or life-threatening disease. In cancer, a person is considered to be a survivor from the time of diagnosis until the end of life.” That’s how I’m going to remember him … and, of course, as Black Panther / King T’Challa!
Chemo Round #41 – Time for a Little More of That Magic Juice
This week, I’ll go down to UCSF for Chemo Round 41, the last in a series of infusions that’s carried me through the summer. It’s the same drill I’m very accustomed to — walk in/out treatment followed by a chemo hangover that runs a little less than a week. Later in September, we’ll do CT scans and determine what’s next in my treatment plan. We’re hoping for a little ‘chemo vacation’ this Fall and will keep you posted.
Join Us Now for the “Crafty Chemo-Thon” – Stop by the Swag Shop On Your Way Out!
I would not be here and in the amazing shape I’m in without cancer breakthroughs. And, we‘ve found a fun way to help them keep moving forward. Any purchases you make in our Team Crafty swag shop will send a few dollars to worldwide cancer research; we donate 100% of our TeePublic affiliate commissions to Conquer Cancer Foundation.
- This week, in honor of Round #41, we’ll be doing a 3x match through 5pm PST, Friday, September 4th (… that’s the approximate end of my expected chemo hangover).
- Check it out. We’ve got lots of great t-shirts, hoodies, and more, for the cancer fighters (and cyclists) close to you.
- Come on in – You know you’ve been wearing that same favorite T since COVID began!
- Store link: https://www.TeePublic.com/stores/TeamCrafty
Thanks for all your support!
We feel all the prayers, positive vibes, and white lights, you send us from near and far.
They really help us keep rollin’ and we are forever grateful!
MC
