Friday June 14, 2002
Hi Folks,
I've been asked by some folks for a copy of the comments I made at the
American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, June 14-15, 2002. For those who
were with us and asked, here is a copy of what I said. For those who
couldn't join us, maybe this will help make you feel you were with us for a
terrific event - even the rain held off until after midnight. The best part
of the evening was seeing eight thyroid cancer survivors walking the
Survivors' Lap wearing ThyCa signs. For once, we were visible.
:)r
Ric Blake's Comments at the OPENING CEREMONY of the
Greater Lawrence (Massachusetts) Relay for Life, 6:00 p.m., June 14, 2002
We are here to support a great mission, which is to create a future in which
cancer will be unknown. We are also here to support the goals of the
American Cancer Society, which has worked toward a cancer-free future since
1913.
We are survivors who have watched our futures change as cancer changed our
lives. We are caregivers who have watched helplessly as those we love most
battle for their lives. We are medical professionals who fight against
overwhelming obstacles. We are volunteers who support our friends, neighbors
and colleagues.
Survivor, caregiver, volunteer, researcher or healer, we are optimists who
believe a few people can change the world. We believe that coming together
on a day in June can save lives and that our effort will make a difference.
Look at the faces around you. Many of us are here today because there were
those in the past who also believed they could make a difference. And they
did. Their research discovered better ways to detect and treat cancer.
Their volunteer work raised money and resources to support that research.
Their individual and personal battles with cancer continue to inspire and to
teach us how to live our lives.
We are here to change the future and to remember the past. As a cancer
survivor and a caregiver and a volunteer, I am deeply honored to walk with
you in Greater Lawrence's 2nd Relay for Life. Lawrence has been important to
me because my two favorite jobs were here. Part of my heart will always
remain here because my wife's family, the Zanfagnas, came to Lawrence from
Italy 90 years ago, and without my wife's support, I wouldn't be able to be
here tonight. From my heart, I thank you.
Ric's Talk at the SURVIVORS' RECEPTION, 7:30 p.m., June 14, 2002
Three Things I've Learned Since My Diagnosis
#1.
My Life Is Worth More Than My Kitchen
If I were going to spend $10,000 to renovate our kitchen, I'd get a
written estimate. If I were going to spend a few thousand dollars to repair
my car, I'd get a written estimate. Why wouldn't I spend as much energy and
time when it comes to my life?
As an advocate for my own healthcare, I've learned to:
get everything in writing
keep copies of everything I get in writing
ask for a treatment plan
get a second opinion
research options
The first thing I learned was that my life is worth enough to find the best
care available.
#2.
I've Learned to Garden in the shade.
Stay out of the sun during EBR and chemo last summer.
No more gardening?
No, but
I had to learn to garden differently, which meant to
Follow the shade... and to
Garden by the square yard.
The second thing I learned was that I didn't have to give up my life, I just
had to live it flexibly to the beat of a slower drummer.
#3.
My cat is my role model
I learned to live at a slower pace by watching our cat, Annie McSmudge, who
will be 20 years old in August.
Consider Annie's schedule:
Wake up late.
Stretch
Eat.
Drink.
Pee
Wash up
Check the house for dogs
Find a warm lap
Snuggle
Nap
Wash up for lunch
Eat
Drink
Pee
Wash up
Watch the birds
Nap
Wash up for dinner
Eat
Drink
Pee
Find a warm lap.
Snuggle
Go to bed early.
The most important thing I've learned is to enjoy the moment."