Stand Up To Cancer

Reid Sacco

In a comment on our inaugural "With You, We Stand" post, Deb Sacco wrote in to share her family's story. Reid Sacco passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 20; now, for the fifth year running, family and friends will participate in a 28-mile bike ride across Boston's North Shore to raise money for young adult cancer research. "After his gallant 2 year battle, we promised to make a difference, so no other young adult, so full of life, would have to struggle to live life," Deb wrote. To learn more about this year's Reid's Ride, which is right around the corner, visit www.reidsaccofoundation.org.

Peter Tork

In the Washington Post, Peter Tork, formerly one of the Monkees, writes in to tell his cancer story in his own words. Tork is facing adenoid cystic carcinoma, a relatively rare cancer of the mouth. "I recovered very quickly after my surgery, and I've been hoping that my better-than-average constitution will keep the worst effects of radiation at bay," he writes. "My voice and energy still seem to be in decent shape, so maybe I can pull these gigs off after all. Just in case, though, I've invited some friends to join me, including my friend Lauren, a world-class slide guitar player. People will be so dazzled by her that they won't notice whether I'm doing well. I'm also bringing in belly dancers, and I'm expecting a fly-over by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Maybe elephants."
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/checkup/2009/07/my_blog_last_week_about.html?hpid=sec-health

Tom Weber

Tom Weber, a prostate cancer survivor from Wisconsin, has found a new way to stay upbeat about the disease: music. Weber writes songs with titles like "Little Prostate Let Me Down" and performs them at a local cancer care center. By putting a funny slant on some of the more negative side effects of prostate cancer treatment, including incontinence and sexual dysfunction, Weber says he's found a way to keep smiling through his illness. "I believe in having humor in my life every day," he said.
http://www.htrnews.com/article/20090707/MAN0101/907070430/1984/MAN04

"srutledge"

Another SU2C Blog reader shared her story in the comments on June 26. srutledge was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at the age of 30; today, eight years later, she's cancer free. She writes, "I had only heard sad, depressing stories about melanoma. I knew it was the most fatal cancer. I was, in a nutshell, freaking out . . . I let fear hold onto me for years. One day I was in my dermatologist's office and I said, Why don't we ever hear good stories about melanoma? He said to me, Share yours. It is a success story. That moment was defining for me . . . I have decided this cancer won't rule my life. I will not be fearful, but thankful."

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.