The Mendez Family’s Challenge
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10-10-2008? The phone rang- I could hear it in my mother?s voice that it was far more than just a cold. Yet, I never expected to hear, ?Your Dad has Cancer?.
All sorts of thing began to run through my head: surgery, chemo, radiation? Where would we go? What stage is it? Does Dad have a time frame? What about insurance? It became so overwhelming!
I knew there was no way we were losing this battle. I whispered in his ear, ?We?re going to get through this. We?re going to make it, and you?re going to be okay!? I knew that facing this head-on was the only way we could ensure a successful fight and for my Dad?s sake, I wasn?t willing to give it anything less than my best.
During his first appointment we learned that my dad had a rare and unusually non-aggressive form of prostate cancer. The doctor told my dad that he didn?t have to make a decision now. Yet, we had the option of surgery. My dad lost one of his older brothers to prostate cancer, so the decision for us was rather simple; we opted for the surgery.
My dad was diagnosed on Oct. 2, 2008 and had surgery on Nov. 19, 2008. He has been cancer-free ever since.
I had heard of LIVESTRONG before, but until cancer became a reality in my immediate family, I did not know much about its cause. We are a very fortunate family to have our father with us, and that?s why we participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge. We understand that not every one will win the battle against cancer, but we believe that our contribution and participation in the 5K at the LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin, gives someone or some family that chance.
I?ve learned a lot of things because of my Dad?s cancer experience. I reconsider taking life for granted. I try and seize opportunities I would have otherwise let slip by.
I hope you?ll consider joining me on October 23 for the LIVESTRONG Challenge 5K.
-Belinda Mendez
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