Monday, January 10, 2011

Nick started round 25 today, a little concerned with his heart rate again - currently at 100. Looks like the clinical trial we've had our eye on with NCI is a no-go but may have some other options out of Sloan Kettering down the road.

In the meantime, I wanted to share something about Nick. He was asked to write a little story about his trials and "happy endings" for his friend, Makelle, who was giving a talk in church. She included other stories, too. We all went to hear her talk and she delivered it flawlessly. With Nick's permission, here is his portion of her talk:

"Once upon a time, I was a young 18-year-old kid ready to graduate high school when I was was suddenly diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. A cancer that I knew nothing about, and yet it was living inside of me, trying to take my life. A cancer that has forced me to spend three of the past four years of my life in and out of the hospital getting treatments. A total of 24 rounds of chemo, 58 days of radiation, 3 surgeries, and a countless number of nights at the hospital. Through my many visits to the hospital, I was able to see first hand how cancer affects so many people and their families. It soon became clear that I not only wanted to make changes in my life but I also wanted to help others in my situation get through their trials.

​My happy ending is not that I have beaten the cancer that I am still fighting to this day. My happy ending is the gratitude and happiness that I get every year when I get to send a check through my foundation to charities of my choice. My happy ending is the emotional and spiritual peace I have found through years of summer camps with other young adults also fighting cancer. My happy ending is that I know I have made a difference and will continue to do so. There is no doubt in my mind that I would not be the same person I am today if it had not been for the trials in my life. They continue to affect me physically, emotionally, and spiritually everyday. "

Amen.

Love Lori & Nick

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

You make my heart soar. With love and gratitude that you are in my life. GM Jennie

Unknown said...

That was beautiful and touching...What a gift to know that through your generous donations you have made other 'Happy Endings' possible for other people.
Much Love,
Ruth

Unknown said...

Nick,
Not only have you made a difference in other cancer patient's lives but in everyone who has been blessed to know you.
Thank you for all you and your mom have taught me in sharing your experience through this blog. For reminding me to let go of the petty stresses and embrace the beautiful moments in my life. For all of our happy endings lie in those moments ~ which will pass us by if we don't take the time to appreciate them.
You are truly The Greatest Warrior I have ever known! All my love, Beci

Chris Ulvin said...

Dear Nick,
Welcome to Makelle on the faithful, hopeful, triumphant, happy journey many are taking with you Nick. May God continue to bless other cancer patients, campers, you, and those who love you through your story (life). May God strengthen your heart and body as chemo attacks your cancer cells in round 25.
Love and prayers, aunt Chris

Montye Gardner said...

Nick, my heart breaks reading what you have had to endure. Your faith is amazing and I can only imagine how many lives you have touched. Please know my prayers are with you.

Also, wanted to pass along my doctor's name - Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez in NYC. He is saving my life and treats all types of cancers including sarcoma. I was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in my spine September 2009. Spread to my lungs in April and was given 1 year to live. Dr. Gonzalez has saved my life - I hope you will look into him www.dr-gonzalez.com.

May the peace of the Lord wash over you and your family.

Blessings,
Montye Gardner
Winter Park, FL
www.allthisandmore.typepad.com

Jay Paterson said...

Hey Nick,
Wonderful words from a wonderful guy.
You are a leader!
Happy 22nd.
from your Frozen Family in the North,
Jay