mcr285

last week i lost my dad to stage iv melanoma. he fought hard for 10 months and never quit. i've posted his history here a couple of times, so i won't go into much detail, but i want to again stress how important regular check ups and regular scans are to anyone who has had any stage of melanoma! if my dad had been given proper follow up care after his first melanoma seven years ago, he might be alive today. seven years ago, my dad's doctor declared him to be cancer free and told my dad the chance of a recurrence was about 15%.

my dad's death took all of us completely by surprise. he was the strongest and bravest man i've ever known. and i'm not talking about just emotionally and his brave fight with cancer. my dad believed in physical fitness, a good diet, and regular exercise. he preached at us constantly to keep in shape and to take care of ourselves. when i say this took us by surprise, i mean we all expected him to beat this cancer! the one thing i know he would want us to do is spread the word on how dangerous this disease really is. too many people just don't know or understand or take it seriously!

i wish all of you well in your own battles and you are all in my prayers.