Stories
Danny Strine
It’s really hard to believe that more than 10 years have gone by since I first walked… well was dragged into Cancer Services. I was 20 and in college miles from home. I had found out earlier that day that a lump that had been removed from behind my ear turned out to be cancer. I was tough and stubborn. Let it go and it will go away was my solution. The truth is I was scared and did not really know what to do. The doctor recommended I go to Cancer Services; they could help guide me and take care of whatever I needed. So my wife (then girlfriend) dragged me into your office. You were there stubborn, confident and reassuring that you could help me.
You, the staff of Cancer Services, the volunteers and donors gave me a gift I’ll never be able to repay. Thanks to everyone involved I have a wonderful wife, and two beautiful amazing children. Not only that but my parents, family, and friends have been given more time to spend and enjoy life with me. I am not the only one that was helped. Everyone I have interacted with over those last ten years was affected by the generosity of Cancer Services.
It has not been an easy decade but it has been one I would not change. I have grown in my trials and celebrated my triumphs. I have been able to share my story with a great many people. The visible scars I have are truly a blessing because it opens to door for me to share and comfort people fighting the battle I have fought. My wars with cancer are over for now. This July was my last trip to my oncologist, who said she would not need to see me again unless there was a problem.
This letter to you is not only a thank you for all that I have been given, but it serves as an encouragement to everyone. There is hope, there is life after cancer. I am living proof. My daughter was born December 20, 2010. We were told due to my treatments I probably would not be able to have children. We tried for years and years not giving up hope. Finally our dreams came true and I have been blessed with her in my life. Then almost a year later we were surprised again and found out we were having a little boy. My son was born Aug 27, 2012. July of 2009 my wife and I left our jobs and went into business for ourselves. We opened a consignment shop specializing in kids items called The Classy Kid. We just relocated it to Illinois in November so my wife’s family could be closer to the grandchildren they weren’t suppose to have ;)
Cancer affects everyone one way or another and it is so amazing to know that there are people out there that care and want to help. Like I said earlier I did not know where to turn or what to do and the help you gave was a guiding light that helped save me and gave me the joys I have today.