A Story of HOPE, Living before it’s to Late

Well, another event has past by and a successful one at that. I spent the day in Stratford, Ontario at the Relay for life as part of the committee that help put this all together. We were blessed to have almost perfect weather and lucky enough that the wildfire smoke here in southwestern Ontario cleared out before the day started. I was chosen this year as the participant of hope speaker, an honour I never take lightly, after the previous speeches I have given over the last while it’s still important to always reach the audience with the message I want to convey. This time with a little added pressure of being in front of a hometown crowd with many familiar faces in the audience. I was more nervous this time than the others for that very reason I think, also representing others at the event either battling cancer themselves or having lost loved ones to this disease. It was also a chance to introduce Neuroendrocrine cancer to a crowd and give them a quick lesson what it is and how it affects the health of those living with a rare type of this illness. Spreading awareness is something I don’t take lightly and feel it has become a calling for me. I used to think and sometimes still do that my story isn’t really that important and at some points boring, I know now that isn’t the case.

Trying to cram a three year story into a meaningful ten minute talk is tough to do for a rookie speaker, remembering in the end to finish with the point you want to get across. I stumbled a few times through, but managed to get back on point, the crowds eyes were on me as I scanned the audience. Wanting to make people understand how important to spend time with those you love and cherish, along with the fact your story can continue even with a cancer diagnosis, as a positive vibe and a lust for life can do wonders for the spirit and I deeply believe that. Along with the treatment doctors prescribe, the way we chose to live goes a long way in not only the time we’ll be here, but also the quality in which we live it. Forcing me to look deep inside to see who I really am now? Finding that new identity, which can be absolutely terrifying, but after some time and quiet reflection I now find it refreshing. No longer bound by the fear of making mistakes with my life, knowing there’s limited time here I’ll do what makes me happy and love living and that will extend my existence on the planet. After telling my story I wanted to make sure to end it with that one word those of us cursed with this disease want to hear, HOPE. Without hope, there really is nothing to live for, I hope to live a long, interesting and meaningful life and if I got that message out to only one person that’s what it’s all about. I saw many tears and smiles in the crowd, so I think my message got through.

As you can see I have a great support network and that is vital, not only in my life and what I deal with, but everyone in this day and age needs someone or a group to lean on. If you don’t message me, I’ll listen, without some renewed humanity spread across this world we are all in for a tough road ahead. At an event like this you can feel the love and caring, why can’t everyday be like this? What a great future we’d all have, it starts with listening and telling a story, people want to relate to, they want hope. I had many approach me throughout the night and tell me a did a great job, I talked so much I spent barely any time on the track doing the actual walk, that is what my son was for, lol. I feel extremely humbled and proud to be able to touch people in a way that makes them think about what is important in life and that I am also an important part of so many peoples lives. I have asked myself this question of who am I now, so many times, the answer is becoming clearer. I’m a storyteller, given a clearer prospective of life now, I want everyone to feel they’re a part of this journey and to live this life to the fullest and do what you LOVE, not what you have to do. If you can relate to this post feel free to share, subscribe, leave me a comment and like. Cheers, Steve