A Spoonful

My Dad's Journey started with stomach issues over several months that ended up being tested in a colonoscopy when the cancer was first detected. The doctor's followed protocols of other testing to give a full picture and the diagnosis was given on October 24, 2020 of colorectal cancer that traveled to his liver and gall bladder.  At age 38, dad lived a healthy lifestyle being a vegetarian, athlete, and non-smoker with no family history of colorectal cancer.  He endured many rounds of chemotherapy that lasted a week at a time, starting in the hospital and continue his treatments at home. In between the rounds of chemotherapy, dad had multiple surgeries.

Dad never complained and was so positive and he never let us see if he was scared or in pain. The doctor's told my mom that they were confident that they would be able to help him. He had such wonderful doctor's on his team, and they worked together navigating each step of his medical journey. After all the chemotherapy, dad was ready to start his radiation treatments. Then more tests, scans, labs, procedures and surgeries. Once dad got the cancer free diagnosis June 24, 2021 we all felt like we could take a deep breath. 

There is a misconception that once you beat cancer, you are healthy. For most people, they start fighting harder for health and tend to have other issues arise. The ability to recover and heal takes longer. Unfortunately, there have been several set backs with recovery and the past few years have been a rollercoaster of infections, tests, scans, procedures and more surgeries. 

Now it is January 2024, and more obstacles have been thrown dad's way. We go into the new year optimistic and hopeful that his upcoming procedures, scans and surgeries this year will get him one step closer back to normalcy. His positive attitude is so inspirational, to this day he still never complains. Dad is our true superhero and he has shown us bravery beyond words.

April 2024, dad has taken a residency at the hospital for 2 more surgeries to assist in fixing another medical complication - this time 15 more days. May 2024, Now home resting and getting stronger each day, Dad is healing and trying to get back on his feet. Positive and optimistic the amazing team of doctors are hopeful for a good outcome this time, his care team has been beyond supportive and kind during this ordeal. He is doing good and so proud of our ongoing efforts to champion other families in our situation! We were so surprised and excited, dad made it to his first dance performance of ours this year... we got our 10 year trophies, and the dance director gave us a huge honor announcing to the community about our foundation.

September 2024, unfortunately due to more complications Dad is in a series of weekly surgical  procedures to make another strive forward in his recovery and healing. There is light at the end of the tunnel. As another school year begins we are planning our upcoming events, creating some new partnerships, fundraisers and continue to be paying it forward to others and supporting dad. 

November 2024, we are starting a new track of procedures over the next few months to attempt to heal and repair things that are not holding, starting in December 2024. Dad continues to be in great spirits and optimistic that the surgical team has determined a new protocol and procedures to help him. Our giving campaign has started back up, with many new and exciting partnerships in the area. 

We continue to have strength in sundaes, savoring life's moments as they come.

Ringing the bell after completing Chemotherapy at Cleveland Clinic