Today, I’m sharing a story about a man who, in sickness and in health, has been a friend to others, and has found his generosity reciprocated at a time when he needs it most.
David Burns is a lover and a fighter. Even before his initial diagnosis with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) at age 35, he dedicated his life to teaching martial arts and the value of physical and mental fitness. Following treatment in the form of two bone marrow transplants, David went back to work and became an active community volunteer.
His love and service for others has always shown through and for years, as a cancer survivor, he spent time motivating others who were going through treatment. He also gave back by participating in Team In Training, completing a hundred-mile bike ride and raising $5,300 for cancer research. People often say, “If you think training for an endurance sport is difficult, imagine what treatment for cancer must be like.” David is one of those very special individuals who doesn’t have to imagine, having experienced both.
Tragically, after 14 years David’s cancer came back. Recent chemotherapy has put him back in remission, but the thoughts of a third bone marrow transplant in his future, are now part of his daily life. Still, he retains his optimism, living each day to the fullest and doing the things that make him happy which, of course, involve people. He expresses gratitude for the support of many people in his community, who are rallying ’round in this new phase of his cancer treatment; and to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as well. “Over the years,” David says, “I think I’ve read every piece of literature LLS publishes on AML. The more information the better when it comes to battling cancer.
And last year, we received a check from LLS to help pay for treatment-related expenses. Since I am not currently working, those dollars were very helpful.”
Your support makes a difference. For more information about LLS’s vital work, visit www.LLS.org .
I have been somewhat of a slacker in the blog department. It’s not that I haven’t been full of opinions or that my life has been boring. The fact is the exact opposite is true. I just haven’t had much time to sit and write. But after the very therapeutic and euphoric run that I just had, I feel the need. This weather just doesn’t get any better and it does so much for your mental outlook and emotional stability. To sum it up in a word ….. “ahhhhhhh”.
great Easter weekend. We spent most of it at the shore with the family and Brynn got to experience her first trip to the famous 34th Street playground in Ocean City New Jersey as well as her first stroll on the beach. It’s so awesome to watch my daughter take pride in and express all of her great childhood memories as she begins to create memories for her daughter. It’s just another reminder that …. Life is good.
Also coming up this weekend is my first official race of the season. Saturday morning I will be racing the Doylestown Duathlon in scenic Lake Nockamixon State Park. It looks like the temperatures may take a slight dip from the perfect conditions we have right now. But at least it looks clear. I feel pretty good. I won’t break any records (joke) but I won’t embarrass myself either. I’ll have much more on the race on the other side.
State of My Union
We had two slight casualties during the course of the race and as unfortunate as that is, the dignity and courage that both athletes displayed through their disappointment makes them both champions in my book.
One of our guys was kicked quite hard in the jaw within the first ¼ mile of the swim. He forged on for a little while but was eventually yanked from the water and sent to medical to be evaluated. Other than a slightly bruised ego, all else checked out ok. What he did next was what really counted in my book. After getting cleaned up, he made his way back down to mile 5.5 of the run where he hung with the other staff and coaches and cheered on each and every participant. That was a total class move.
We also had one girl strain her knee pretty badly on the bike and was taken to the hospital. The irony is that her true fear and worry about this race was the swim. She conquered that beast and made it through the swim with a sense of purpose. So whatever happened after that really didn’t matter. While some people may have retreated and spent the rest of the weekend feeling sorry for themselves, she did just the opposite. Although she was a little disappointed, maybe even angry about her injury, she showed up at the celebration party with a big smile on her face and felt good about her swim.
Both of these athletes proved that it’s not the stuff that happens to us that defines us, it’s the choices we make after that “stuff” happens. My hat goes off to both of them.
My Man of the Year campaign is in full swing. This Sunday is a big beef & beer featuring the music of Chico’s Mini Vibe and Dennis Selfridge. This is guaranteed to be one great afternoon. More details can be found HERE. We are also fine tuning some additional events and details will follow soon.
I also have a great package to the 2011 Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon which includes race entry, hotel stay for two, dinner for two, and a goodie bag valued at over $200. All of this will soon be auctioned or raffled off to benefit my cause. Stay tuned.
On the racing front, next up for me is the New Jersey Devilman triathlon next weekend, and the Ocean City triathlon the following weekend. I feel good. I feel fit. In a word; things are great.
More to come, stay tuned.