Fight Like Hell

Mar 24, 2011 by Brooke McMillan

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The following is a letter from cancer survivor, Brian Rose, about how the new LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center has helped him in his fight. The new Center is officially opening tomorrow and thanks to a generous donor, all donations given through March 31st will be matched 100%. It is our hope that you will consider making a donation in honor of those we serve so that we can help people affected by cancer “Fight Like Hell”.

From the moment my doctor told me I had stage 4 melanoma, I?ve been fighting like hell and putting everything I?ve got into beating this disease.
I was in my early 30s and uninsured, and there?s no way I could have made it this far alone.

LIVESTRONG has been there for me in countless ways, helping me find and afford treatment, navigate the health care system and learn about my fertility preservation options to plan for my family?s future.

I?m a professional baseball coach, and there?s nothing I know better than teamwork. Friends and family have been there for me every step of the way, but LIVESTRONG is a big part of my team, filling in the gaps with personal, one-on-one services and support.

There?s no roadmap for this disease. When I was diagnosed, I felt lost?I needed help navigating not just treatment, but also dealing with cancer?s financial and emotional strain.

LIVESTRONG was there for me with the right information and the guidance I needed to keep fighting. The treatments I receive for stage 4 melanoma are complex, and LIVESTRONG has helped me understand what?s happening and what my options are.

There?s so much more to fighting cancer than medical treatment, and it?s important to me to make sure others have access to the same support I got.
LIVESTRONG has so many new and innovative resources that people need to know about. They are committed to servicing the specific needs of those of us affected by cancer. No matter how big or how small the issue, LIVESTRONG means finding a solution.

It?s never easy. And although the statistics are against me, I?m still here?. I?m a survivor.

And I want to thank my mom Barbi, my girlfriend Lupe and LIVESTRONG for being there with me every step of the way. I especially want to thank Pam and Mike Reese for their generosity in matching donations made during the Twice as Strong campaign. And I want to thank you for all you do to support LIVESTRONG?s navigation services for me and countless other people fighting the same disease.

Sincerely,
Brian Rose