Stand Up To Cancer

Leasha DeCamp

This article out of Missouri shares DeCamp's story. The elementary school principal was diagnosed last year with Stage 3 colorectal cancer, and last year she had surgery to remove part of her colon and rectum, along with a hysterectomy, before entering follow-up chemotherapy. She writes in first-person about her diagnosis treatment: I cannot express enough how I relied on my family, friends and especially my savior, Jesus Christ. Without prayers, a positive attitude and a loving family, I would not have made it this far . . . If you have abnormal symptoms, I encourage everyone to go to your doctor and get checked out in a timely manner!"
http://www.marshfieldmail.com/articles/2010/03/13/news/doc4b97034bdf047025458431.txt

Andy Whitfield

Whitfield is the star of the new Starz drama "Spartacus"; he has been diagnosed at the age of 38 with non-Hodkgin's lymphoma, and it set to begin treatment immediately, halting production of the new series. His cancer was described as "very treatable" and was caught in the early stages. "I'm receiving excellent care and am feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me," Whitfield said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6290TM20100310

Layla Grace Marsh

Layla Grace, just two years old, passed away last week after a ten-month battle with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. All over the country, thousands of people followed her battle on Twitter and Facebook, and hundreds turned out at a memorial service for her on Saturday, where 1500 pink and purple balloons were released. "I've learned more from a two-year-old than I have from high school and college in my 24 years of life," said one family friend. "She taught me about endurance and faith and just waking up every day and being happy to be alive."
http://www.khou.com/home/Hundreds-of-Balloons-Released-to-Remember-Layla-Grace-87589572.html

Larry Bergo

Bergo has been battling Stage 4 multiple myeloma for seven years now, since he was diagnosed in May of 2003. A remission brought on by a stem cell transplant lasted only 10 months; since then Bergo has been through multiple rounds of chemotherapy in varying combinations. Now, as part of a clinical trial, Bergo is hoping for a more promising response. "When you have cancer, life takes on a new meaning," he said. Time takes on a new meaning . . . I've always said, 'It'll be OK.'"
http://www.albertleatribune.com/news/2010/mar/15/cancer-survivor-knows-firsthand-value-research/

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.