18 years ago today, I was given a new lease on life. When I was 11 years old I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I was given less than 5% chance of survival. I endured chemotherapy treatment every other week for 18 months, 30 radiation treatments, 7 surgeries and over 3 months in a hospital bed followed by months in a wheelchair or on crutches. As near to death as I may have been then, I beat the odds and am here today to tell the story. Rarely does a day go by where I am not somehow affected by my battle with cancer. On April 17, 1990 I had my last chemotherapy treatment and was able to go on living. Since then, every April 17th is like another birthday for me. A day of celebration and reflection. The date has become significant in other ways for me as well. 417 is the number I ran on my track car. April 17, 2003 is the day I met my beautiful wife. April 17, 2006 is the day I bought my hot rod. The day I picked it up in Kansas and drove it 500 miles home. My favorite picture of my dad and I. April 17, 2007 I had some custom paintwork done on the dash of my hot rod to commemorate the day and honor my mentor who had recently passed away from cancer. Tonight I plan to take the hot rod out for a drive. Just to think, relax and reflect. And then spend the rest of the night with the people who mean the most to me -- my wife and my family. Thanks for reading. I just couldn't let this day pass without saying something . . .
"Congratulations" is inadequate. You probably have a greater appreciation of life than the rest of us. Good job beating that shit!
Whhhaaaaat!?! I've known you for a few years and never knew this... This -is- an awesome day! It's all making sense now!
The day-to-day things everyone deals with can be very challenging (to put it mildly). It's when someone, such as yourself, has had to endure the insurmountable, that humbles me deeply. Keep your family and friends close, nothing else really matters.
Congrats again my friend. Just for eveyone that hasn't met Bull he's a great guy and loves this hobby. The hobby definitely helped him through the battle he had when he was younger. Also the pictures don't do the dash any justice on his car, real cool artwork by Tingler. Now when you are driving around tonight make sure to lay the second black mark in front of the house and finish what you started! Later, John
That is the funny thing about this website. Here we all are looking at the things we enjoy and then you hear a story that really puts life into perspective. Cherish this day man, you deserve it.
Thanks guys. Can't wait to get home to put some miles on the Model A. That and some tacos and frosty adult beverages at the local Mexican joint with my wife and family will make for a perfect night.
Good on ya, man....it was nice to read something positive this week; too many negatives. Give everyone a hug & hoist a glass of your favorite beverage...and thank your parents, too, for holdin' on during tough times...
Very inspirational and really hits home for me. Today is my fathers last(hopefully) chemo treatment. In fact he is probably hooked up as I write this. Its his second run which was for 6 months this time. Did the surgery and the radiation too. I pray this is the last of it. Hopefully 4/17 is a lucky date for him too. Hes the one who introduced me to this hobby from an early age, and I owe so much to him. Thanks for the inspiration, and CONGRATS! I think I'll have pops read this thread later if he feels well enough. Thanks again.
congrats man... that seems to a very treasured day for you... have a gerat day! or at least whats left of it... let us know how the cruise goes!
Jay, I just got choked up reading that. Your dad will be in my prayers. Wish him well . . . and happy 4/17 . . . from one survivor to another . . . Adam
NO matter how bad you think things are for you...there is someone else that has it worse...or has gone thru the worst things imaginable... CONGRATS on 18 tuff years...hope you have many more birthdays...and 4-17 anniversaries...!!! R-
great story!!! ive been through 3 with my mom,breast ,colen then skin. now every time shes gets sick im hoping its JUST a cold.. happy rebirthday!!
The Jalopy Journal
