Stand Up To Cancer

Jaime Escalante

Escalante, 79, is the math teacher who was the basis for the movie "Stand and Deliver." Today, the former teacher at Garfield High School in LA is in treatment for bladder cancer in Reno, and his doctors have told him he has a few months, at best, to live. But Escalante still has lessons to share, which he does using a pen and paper since his voice is almost gone. Asked about his former students, he writes, "They understood the significance of ganas, the giant step to success. I had many opportunities in this country, but the best I found in east LA. I am proudest of my brilliant students."
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-escalante7-2010mar07,0,6159259.story

Pam Miller

In this article out of South Dakota, Miller, 47, shares her story. Diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 45, Miller had surgery to remove a tumor the size of a plum as well as a foot and a half of her colon. She says she wishes she would've known the disease was hereditary - her mother had had polyps - and that she'd have seen a doctor about her symptoms sooner. She says, "I should have pursued it with my doctors but I didn't because of the embarrassment . . . I do feel strongly about it. Had I not been so embarrassed I probably wouldn't have had to go through all of this."
http://www.ksfy.com/news/health/86674017.html

Placido Domingo

Domingo, the 69-year-old tenor singer, had surgery last week to remove a cancerous polyp from his colon and is expected to make a full recovery. According to his spokeswoman, the cancer was localized and the operation was minimally invasive. Domingo is expected to return to work in April with a performance of "Simon Boccanegra" in Milan. "His exact return to his performing engagements remains subject to how fast he can heal and regain his characteristic strength," said his spokeswoman.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14634131

Lauren Gayeski

In a comment on last week's "With You, We Stand," Lauren shared her story: "On this day, 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was 19. Having cancer had a profound effect on my path in life. Since my surgery, I graduated from college, became an oncology nurse and cared for hundreds and hundreds of cancer patients, got married, and gave birth to three beautiful boys. Now, even when I'm having a rough day, life is still sweeter because I've seen the other side, both myself and from those for whom I have cared. Cancer made me grateful for all the little things we take for granted and I try to live in the moment, because it's scary to not know what's ahead. So, cheers to my 10 years without cancer! Thanks for letting me share my story..."

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