For all the issues I've been having lately, today, for more than a few hours, normalcy returned to our lives.
It started early this morning when I decided I would hit the disc golf course. No, not to play, just to walk along and visit with some of the guys. It only got better when Mary, for the first time ever, decided to join me. The crowd was light but it was already over forty degrees when we got to the park. I was only able to last until the 11th hole for two reasons; first I didn't want to overdue it and two, the easiest way out of the woods is after the 11th hole.
We went home, I had a quick 30 minute nap and then it was time to get ready for the matinee show for Trans Siberian Orchestra. Brad, Mary and I had a great time,but it was not at all what we expected. I was expecting something more along the lines of Mannhiem Steamroller, this was more of a rock opera performance, with some seasonal music added in occasionally. The lights and special effects component was very, very impressive.
After the performance, it was off to the Country Club Plaza and our favorite restaurant, Houston's. When we walked in at 6:30pm there was already a ninety minute wait.! Being seasoned veterans at Houston's, within five minutes we had seats at the bar and were placing our orders for dinner! The service we received was as good as having our own booth in the dining room.
What a perfect, busy, entertaining, and nearly normal day!
Showing posts with label FLHW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FLHW. Show all posts
December 18, 2011
October 17, 2011
Friends doing their part
Paige, thank you for supporting our cause and contributing to the hope that we share through the research for a cure for advanced prostate cancer. Words do not adequately express my gratitude!
Early in the summer she informed me that a supplier had donated a beautiful diamond and sapphire bracelet for her to raffle to facilitate further fundraising for our cause. After selling tickets through September, the picture to the left is her brother Richard drawing the winning ticket. When it was over, Mary and the customers of JRC Jewelry had raised $5,000 for FLHW!
Mary, Richard and everyone involved, all I can say is, you are all awesome!
September 18, 2011
Focus, from another continent
In my mind I have been contemplating several variations of this post for a few weeks. I received a note from a friend and in it this person referred to me as a hero. At first I wanted to grab a keyboard and proclaim "I am no hero". For whatever reason, I just want to share, and hopefully benefit others with the my life experience. I don't think I can carry the weight of that label. This clearly was not their intention, but those four letters stuck with me.
Life got the best of me this week and between work, doctors appointments and family activites I was not able to take the time to sit down and address this topic. Good thing because today I received a wonderful note that put it all in focus. DG, a young man from Uruguay sent me the note below. I have included it here with his permission.
Dear David, I followed your site and fb for a couple of years because my dad have pc.
2 days ago he lost his fight, six wonderful years fighting shoulder with shoulder with a exceptional father.
I write this mail to say how much helped us yours histories, your knowledge and your courage.
Maybe i dont wrote you before because my english (with the years is making worst and worst) but I still keeping reading your post every day, sharing your happiness and sadness, and this was keeping me pushing and pushing until the end.
I had the lucky and pride of keep my dad in my arms during her last travel with mom,my brother,my wife and my little daughter (Her princess ) in our home.
Now is time to rest for dad and for us.
Please keep fighting, i will keep reading
I cried, seriously. Perhaps it's the rainy morning. Maybe it is recent news about PCa brethren facing tougher times ahead. Maybe it was the wonderful, complete day I had with Mary and Brad yesterday. What ever it was, his words touched me in a way I definitely needed at this time.
I also sit here and wonder why, two days after he lost his father, DG would write to me. Why? Maybe becasue this blog is more far-reaching and meaningful than I sometimes give it credit for. I am honored to use this medium to reach out to those touched by cancer. I'm just a guy with Prostate Cancer that, at the beginning of my journey, decided to share my battle with cancer publicly. If doing so reaches nearly all four corners of the world and I can bring just a little bit of peace to one man, one family, then we all are blessed.
DG, you and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I dedicate the following prayer to your Father:
Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Life got the best of me this week and between work, doctors appointments and family activites I was not able to take the time to sit down and address this topic. Good thing because today I received a wonderful note that put it all in focus. DG, a young man from Uruguay sent me the note below. I have included it here with his permission.
Dear David, I followed your site and fb for a couple of years because my dad have pc.
2 days ago he lost his fight, six wonderful years fighting shoulder with shoulder with a exceptional father.
I write this mail to say how much helped us yours histories, your knowledge and your courage.
Maybe i dont wrote you before because my english (with the years is making worst and worst) but I still keeping reading your post every day, sharing your happiness and sadness, and this was keeping me pushing and pushing until the end.
I had the lucky and pride of keep my dad in my arms during her last travel with mom,my brother,my wife and my little daughter (Her princess ) in our home.
Now is time to rest for dad and for us.
Please keep fighting, i will keep reading
I cried, seriously. Perhaps it's the rainy morning. Maybe it is recent news about PCa brethren facing tougher times ahead. Maybe it was the wonderful, complete day I had with Mary and Brad yesterday. What ever it was, his words touched me in a way I definitely needed at this time.
I also sit here and wonder why, two days after he lost his father, DG would write to me. Why? Maybe becasue this blog is more far-reaching and meaningful than I sometimes give it credit for. I am honored to use this medium to reach out to those touched by cancer. I'm just a guy with Prostate Cancer that, at the beginning of my journey, decided to share my battle with cancer publicly. If doing so reaches nearly all four corners of the world and I can bring just a little bit of peace to one man, one family, then we all are blessed.
DG, you and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I dedicate the following prayer to your Father:
Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
June 12, 2011
For Jimmy R
Earlier this year, probably in the March timeframe, I received a request for several of our FLHW silicon bracelets. Through a series of emails I discovered I was sending these to the sister of a man my age, also battling advanced prostate cancer.
Last week I received an email update from her that Jimmy had passed. There are many reasons this news upsets me, but the part that hurts me the most is the fact that he left a wife and three teenage children.
Are you starting to hate this disease as much as I do?
Jimmy’s sister told me that as an educator he was known to provide students a “Golden Starfish” pin. She sent one to me and below is the poem that accompanies each pin.
____________________________________________
The Starfish Story
While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it back into the ocean.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.
The old man smiled, and said, "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?"
To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, "But young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it back into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."
____________________________________________
Bless you Kathy and Jimmy’s entire extended family.
Last week I received an email update from her that Jimmy had passed. There are many reasons this news upsets me, but the part that hurts me the most is the fact that he left a wife and three teenage children.
Are you starting to hate this disease as much as I do?
Jimmy’s sister told me that as an educator he was known to provide students a “Golden Starfish” pin. She sent one to me and below is the poem that accompanies each pin.
____________________________________________
The Starfish Story
While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it back into the ocean.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.
The old man smiled, and said, "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?"
To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, "But young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it back into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."
____________________________________________
Bless you Kathy and Jimmy’s entire extended family.
May 17, 2011
2011 Prostate Cancer Doubles Shootout
Last Saturday 87 disc golfers competed in the 4th Annual FLHW ‘Prostate Cancer Doubles Shootout’. I would like to thank our Board members and volunteers who did a wonderful of job putting this event together. The spirit of this event is always inspiring!!!
There were 5 teams from St. Louis, two from Marshall, MO, one each from Topeka and Wichita, KS as well as one from Lincoln, NE. The rest of the players were from Kansas City and surrounding areas. Though the weather was chilly with an overcast sky the winds died down for round two and the afternoon was quite enjoyable!
There were 5 teams from St. Louis, two from Marshall, MO, one each from Topeka and Wichita, KS as well as one from Lincoln, NE. The rest of the players were from Kansas City and surrounding areas. Though the weather was chilly with an overcast sky the winds died down for round two and the afternoon was quite enjoyable!
Lunch as always included our infamous salmon burgers, and much more. We were entertained by a champion Frisbee dog, Towser and the players finished the break with a Ring of Fire filled with tons of prizes!
Due to my love for the sport, this might be my favorite event of the year. It also ranks up there because of the underling purpose of the event. Yes, it is great to raise some money for the cause, but more importantly, I appreciate the opportunity to address a group of men and women that are at or near the optimal age for starting to be concerned about Prostate Cancer and improving their health in general. At the end of the day, if one person gets tested or begins having conversations with their doctor about their health, then it’s mission accomplished!May 13, 2011
An absence
It’s been a few days since my last post. Sorry, but I’ve been extremely busy! In addition, there is not a lot to report from a health perspective. I continue to feel fine and in fact, perhaps even a little better overall.
Earlier this week Brad had his Confirmation. It was a touching, spiritual Mass and it was good to have family there as well. We had a nice celebration over the weekend. I cannot express enough how proud I am to be his father. How he has handled my condition for the past six years as well as how he has managed other situations make me proud beyond words. He has developed emotional strength and maturity well beyond his years. He and I will be spending a lot of time together in the next several weeks, and for that I am both thankful and blessed.
Last Friday we held the 3rd annual ‘Friday Night in the Greenhouse’ event. It was beautiful evening and we were delighted to see a number of old friends and many returning supporters of FLHW. It is a nice family event and we raised $1,800 for prostate cancer research and promoted the importance for men to be tested for prostate cancer!
Tomorrow is the 4th annual FLHW Prostate Cancer Doubles Shootout, a two man disc golf tournament. This year will be the biggest, with more players and more prizes than ever before! Once again the weather forecasts for it to be a little cool, but dry. It was that way last year and turned out to be quite perfect. Looking forward to spending the day outdoors with friends and family. I’ll post plenty of photos and perhaps some video in the days ahead.
Have a great week-end!
Earlier this week Brad had his Confirmation. It was a touching, spiritual Mass and it was good to have family there as well. We had a nice celebration over the weekend. I cannot express enough how proud I am to be his father. How he has handled my condition for the past six years as well as how he has managed other situations make me proud beyond words. He has developed emotional strength and maturity well beyond his years. He and I will be spending a lot of time together in the next several weeks, and for that I am both thankful and blessed.
Last Friday we held the 3rd annual ‘Friday Night in the Greenhouse’ event. It was beautiful evening and we were delighted to see a number of old friends and many returning supporters of FLHW. It is a nice family event and we raised $1,800 for prostate cancer research and promoted the importance for men to be tested for prostate cancer!
Tomorrow is the 4th annual FLHW Prostate Cancer Doubles Shootout, a two man disc golf tournament. This year will be the biggest, with more players and more prizes than ever before! Once again the weather forecasts for it to be a little cool, but dry. It was that way last year and turned out to be quite perfect. Looking forward to spending the day outdoors with friends and family. I’ll post plenty of photos and perhaps some video in the days ahead.
Have a great week-end!
March 12, 2011
Letting it all sink in...
After allowing a few days to let the events of last week sink in, I find myself at peace in so many ways. Although I was very nervous about addressing the J&J team, the speech itself was extremely well received. I was grateful that they appreciated my humor and I was able to keep my emotions under control, for the most part. I can talk about my plight and the disease in casual conversation with ease. For this event I had prepared a dozen Power Point slides and 14 pages of speaker notes. I did this on purpose to keep my myself on point, as I tend to wonder in conversation, especially after being on Lupron for six years. I had a number of points that I really wanted to share and the notes were there to keep me on track.
After I concluded my presentation, I was approached by one particular woman that was so emotional she had written her comments on the back of her business card. We ended up talking and I learned that her father had recently passed from advanced PCA. She described it as him just giving up. The conversation was both touching and crushing.
Many of the attendees followed up with personal emails and comments here on my blog. One email in particular says so much:
Power of the mind, empowering the body with the support of loved ones to fight cancer is so much more powerful than people realize and you brought those ideals to so many people including myself. You changed the way I think and live my life - Thank you David! You are an inspiration now to so many.
I think I have found a calling. If not a calling, certainly my passion. Promoting my journey,and the fight that so many men are going through, is what I am meant to do. If it helps the life of even just one man, it is all very well worth it!
After I concluded my presentation, I was approached by one particular woman that was so emotional she had written her comments on the back of her business card. We ended up talking and I learned that her father had recently passed from advanced PCA. She described it as him just giving up. The conversation was both touching and crushing.
Many of the attendees followed up with personal emails and comments here on my blog. One email in particular says so much:
Power of the mind, empowering the body with the support of loved ones to fight cancer is so much more powerful than people realize and you brought those ideals to so many people including myself. You changed the way I think and live my life - Thank you David! You are an inspiration now to so many.
I think I have found a calling. If not a calling, certainly my passion. Promoting my journey,and the fight that so many men are going through, is what I am meant to do. If it helps the life of even just one man, it is all very well worth it!
March 09, 2011
In so many ways
Saturday night, in the midst of the annual dinner/auction at our church, I received recognizition for supporting the auction committee and for the accomplishments of FLHW.
This came as a complete and total surprise to me. As our Church Administrator, FLHW Board member and dear friend read those gracious and kind words, I was numb. It was the exact opposite of how I felt last week in Philadelphia. Thank goodness I wasn't asked to speak, this was different. This was a room filled with family and friends, and I would have wept like a toddler. Chris, Rob, Beth and whoever else was involved, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Later on in the evening a fellow parishioner approached me to both congratulate me and offer a vey generous donation to FLHW. Wow, pile on my weaken emotional state! Once again, I have to say I am amazed by the kindness of people.
------------
Tomorrow is my next bi-weekly trip to Atlanta. I'm still feeling good and though my numbers were up after the first month of Abiraterone, I am confident in the doctor's prediction that it can take several months for the drug to take effect.
This came as a complete and total surprise to me. As our Church Administrator, FLHW Board member and dear friend read those gracious and kind words, I was numb. It was the exact opposite of how I felt last week in Philadelphia. Thank goodness I wasn't asked to speak, this was different. This was a room filled with family and friends, and I would have wept like a toddler. Chris, Rob, Beth and whoever else was involved, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Later on in the evening a fellow parishioner approached me to both congratulate me and offer a vey generous donation to FLHW. Wow, pile on my weaken emotional state! Once again, I have to say I am amazed by the kindness of people.
------------
Tomorrow is my next bi-weekly trip to Atlanta. I'm still feeling good and though my numbers were up after the first month of Abiraterone, I am confident in the doctor's prediction that it can take several months for the drug to take effect.
March 02, 2011
The Big Speech
Today I had the honor and privilege of visiting with over three hundred members of the Johnson and Johnson pharmaceutical team. For about 30 minutes I shared my personal story and some highlights of the challenges, concerns and opportunities of the many men fighting the battle against advanced prostate cancer.
I was more nervous than the previous times that I have discussed this topic publicly, either on local television or the radio. A large room full of people can be intimidating.
Below is an excerpt of my introduction to my message about living with advanced prostate cancer.
I was more nervous than the previous times that I have discussed this topic publicly, either on local television or the radio. A large room full of people can be intimidating.
Below is an excerpt of my introduction to my message about living with advanced prostate cancer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I really appreciate you providing me the time to tell my story and the personal side of what it's like living with advanced prostate cancer.
Though I will spend this time talking about my journey, at the same time I do so as a representative for all the other men out there fighting this disease. These names (referring to a slide projected on 2 large screens at the front of the room) are just 27 of the hundreds of thousands of men out there fighting this battle every day. Some of the men listed are in remission, others are in a similar situation as me, and still others are struggling more than we know. They all have stories, but just like the disease itself, and humans by nature, every one of their situations is unique.
Art G Bob E Brian W Bruce L Chuck M Dan J Dan Z Dom M Don T Eric S Greg J
Jay D Joel N John A John H John S Kiwi Brian Ludwick Mark H Merle Mike M
Scott G Terrance Terry H Tom T Tony C Walt W
I am not a doctor, an academic, nor an expert, but I do believe I know a little more than the average patient. The primary lesson I have learned during this journey is that prostate cancer is a really, really complex disease and every single patient is different. There are men with low PSA and just a few small tumors that are in such excruciating pain that they can barley function. Then there are men like me with high PSA, extensive mets and are in no pain. It’s crazy at best.
Rik M Rick S Aubrey P Steve B Wes W
And these 5 are friends of mine that are no longer with us. One of these men fought for over 13 years, another less than two. I share these 5 names only to express that once again I am honored to represent those that have succumb and all the men out there dealing with the advanced stage of this disease.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I continued by sharing all aspects of my personal journey; the spiritual, the nutrition and physical, the emotional and the medical. I discussed the blog, our foundation and the fact that people from around the globe have reached out to us, recognizing that prostate cancer has no borders.
I attempted to lighten the subject with a bit of humor.It seemed to be well received. My hope is that my audience left with a broader perspective of what we, the men with advanced PCa, go through as we battle this horrible disease.
I continued by sharing all aspects of my personal journey; the spiritual, the nutrition and physical, the emotional and the medical. I discussed the blog, our foundation and the fact that people from around the globe have reached out to us, recognizing that prostate cancer has no borders.
I attempted to lighten the subject with a bit of humor.It seemed to be well received. My hope is that my audience left with a broader perspective of what we, the men with advanced PCa, go through as we battle this horrible disease.
February 23, 2011
Trailblazing....
It was just a brief comment during a phone call. The friend, and fellow PCa patient, said something to the effect of “You are out there trailblazing for me and the rest of us!”
Trailblazing? Wow, I never looked at it that way. Perhaps I was living in a momentary bout of selfishness? I was looking at my current clinical trial from a me, me, me point of view. Yes, it is true I really need this treatment to work, but just as important, we, all of us fighting this disease, need it to work.
December 09, 2010
Poker for Prostates
On Monday night we held our 9th Poker for Prostates event!
It never fails, at every event there is someone that I am blessed to know, who steps forward and amazes me with their generosity! Thanks to him, I am forever grateful! Once again, I am humbled by the support of all the participants and volunteers who made the evening a success.
The event resulted in 33 players who helped us to raise nearly $2,000!!
It never fails, at every event there is someone that I am blessed to know, who steps forward and amazes me with their generosity! Thanks to him, I am forever grateful! Once again, I am humbled by the support of all the participants and volunteers who made the evening a success.
The event resulted in 33 players who helped us to raise nearly $2,000!!
This moves us closer to our 2010 goal of donating $40k to PCF, which repesents an increase of 25% from 2009!!
September 23, 2010
Six is magical
Tomorrow at this time I will be knee deep in getting the 6th Annual FLHW Golf Tournament off the ground. God has once again promised us a perfect day of 75 degrees and no rain! We're six for six when it comes to the weather.
This year we find ourselves in an interesting spot; the number of players and teams is down slightly, we'll have 31 total, but the number of sponsors and donations are up quite a bit. At times like this I'm so overwhelmed with others generosity, and I'm not sure what to say that will adequately express my appreciation. So I try to just smile and thank them once, maybe even twice, but it never seems to be enough.
In a few hours I'm off to the airport to pick up one of my life long friends. We go back more than forty-two years. He sacrifices a weekend from his wife and daughters each year, flies across the country and spends it with us. In addition a number of family and friends will come to Kansas City from St. Louis to spend a few days here as well. I'm not sure I can find words to appropriately thank them for their support and participation as well. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by friends, family and even strangers, all helping me do our little part to rid the world of this awful disease.
I've said before that since I was diagnosed, I didn't 'get' cancer, God 'gave' it to me and it is up to me to figure out why and what to do with it. These examples are just a few of the many I have experienced in the past five and a half years that lead me to believe I'm getting closer to figuring it out.
This year we find ourselves in an interesting spot; the number of players and teams is down slightly, we'll have 31 total, but the number of sponsors and donations are up quite a bit. At times like this I'm so overwhelmed with others generosity, and I'm not sure what to say that will adequately express my appreciation. So I try to just smile and thank them once, maybe even twice, but it never seems to be enough.
In a few hours I'm off to the airport to pick up one of my life long friends. We go back more than forty-two years. He sacrifices a weekend from his wife and daughters each year, flies across the country and spends it with us. In addition a number of family and friends will come to Kansas City from St. Louis to spend a few days here as well. I'm not sure I can find words to appropriately thank them for their support and participation as well. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by friends, family and even strangers, all helping me do our little part to rid the world of this awful disease.
I've said before that since I was diagnosed, I didn't 'get' cancer, God 'gave' it to me and it is up to me to figure out why and what to do with it. These examples are just a few of the many I have experienced in the past five and a half years that lead me to believe I'm getting closer to figuring it out.
August 16, 2010
Great Prostate Cancer Challange - Kansas City
For those of you in KC, here's a great walk/5k that you should put on your calendars.
Mary and I participated last year and really enjoyed it.
I hope to see you there this year!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date / Time
Sunday, September 19, 2010 @ 8:00 AM
5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Walk - 8:00 a.m.
On site Registration - 7:30 a.m.
Address
10701 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS
Northeast corner of I-435 and Nall in Overland Park, Kansas
Registration Closing Date
Pre-registration via website through Wednesday, September 16, 2010.
On-site registration Sunday, September 19, 2010 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
- $20 Pre-race registration
- $25 Race-day registration
- $10 Fun Walk
Brief Description
Join us on September 19, 2010 for the 2nd Annual Great Prostate Cancer Challenge® in Kansas City to benefit ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer. In the inaugural race last year Kansas City Urology Care donated $10,000 to ZERO and $5,000 to the Kansas City Prostate Cancer Foundation.
We are passionate about prostate cancer! We are dedicated to helping fund research and educating the
Kansas City Metropolitan area about prostate cancer. Help us make this passion come true. Sign up today
to run or walk.
Information and Sign-up
May 05, 2010
Quite memorable
I heard this on television last night; "The things you do for yourself die with you. The things you do for others lives on forever"
I did paraphrase this, and although I searched for the original source, I could not locate it. However, it remains my unwritten mantra. Even before I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I was the type of person to jump in and help others without anticipation of reciprocal favors. This idea lives on in Faith, Love, Hope, Win. The foundation is not about helping David, it is and will remain about helping others battling this disease by supporting the research for better treatments and perhaps one day a cure for advanced prostate cancer.
Isn't it sad that so many people in our society live with a mindset completely opposite, the old, "What's in it for me?" approach to life. The gift of life is too short to live that way. I continue to believe I was put here for a reason and given prostate cancer in order to help others. "It's not all about Me", as I have said many times in the history of this blog.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am looking forward to Friday and Saturday's FLHW events. I know they will go well, but I always get nervous leading up to our events. Once again the weather is forecasted to cooperate. Saturday will be a chilly 42 when we get started in the morning, but perfectly sunny with temperatures climbing into the mid-sixties!
I walked the disc golf course yesterday with the owner and his wife. They are truly good, generous people. Even though I have played the course a dozen times I couldn’t help express my gratitude to them for the use of this piece of property. To repeat an earlier description; where the subdivisions end on the south end of Overland Park is where this property and the 'country' begins.
With that thought, I close by repeating the quote I started with because it applies to these people as well as to myself: "The things you do for yourself die with you. The things you do for others lives on forever".
I did paraphrase this, and although I searched for the original source, I could not locate it. However, it remains my unwritten mantra. Even before I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I was the type of person to jump in and help others without anticipation of reciprocal favors. This idea lives on in Faith, Love, Hope, Win. The foundation is not about helping David, it is and will remain about helping others battling this disease by supporting the research for better treatments and perhaps one day a cure for advanced prostate cancer.
Isn't it sad that so many people in our society live with a mindset completely opposite, the old, "What's in it for me?" approach to life. The gift of life is too short to live that way. I continue to believe I was put here for a reason and given prostate cancer in order to help others. "It's not all about Me", as I have said many times in the history of this blog.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am looking forward to Friday and Saturday's FLHW events. I know they will go well, but I always get nervous leading up to our events. Once again the weather is forecasted to cooperate. Saturday will be a chilly 42 when we get started in the morning, but perfectly sunny with temperatures climbing into the mid-sixties!
I walked the disc golf course yesterday with the owner and his wife. They are truly good, generous people. Even though I have played the course a dozen times I couldn’t help express my gratitude to them for the use of this piece of property. To repeat an earlier description; where the subdivisions end on the south end of Overland Park is where this property and the 'country' begins.
With that thought, I close by repeating the quote I started with because it applies to these people as well as to myself: "The things you do for yourself die with you. The things you do for others lives on forever".
April 30, 2010
A hectic week ahead for FLHW
On Friday, May 7th, FLHW will be hosting our 2nd annual 'FLHW Friday Night at the Greenhouse' event. The owner of Suburban Lawns and Garden will be donating 10% of all sales between 5pm and 8pm, at the 105th and Roe store to FLHW. He also provides live music, beverages and light snacks. It is a very nice event and will be a fun night! It's also the Friday before Mother's Day, so a great time to pick up some flowers!
Details? http://www.flhw.org/images/stories/pdf/2010%20greenhouse%20event.jpg
The following day is the 3rd annual 'FLHW PC Doubles Shootout'. It will be played again at the beautiful Thornfield disc golf course, a privately held course in Stilwell, KS. This disc golf tournament will attract approximately ninety disc golfers for two eighteen hole rounds, lunch, a few beverages and prizes for the winning teams. As with the ball golf tournament, the day will run smoothly due to the help of the FLHW Board and the wonderful volunteers. This year we will be selling limited edition, commemorative discs. Even if you do not play disc golf, please consider buying one to help support the cause! Discs are $25 including shipping (domestic). Email me at 'info at flhw.org' if you are interested. We've already had some sales, which is great. There is a picture of the disc below. We appreciate everyone's support! The picture on the front of the disc was taken at last year's event.
The following day is the 3rd annual 'FLHW PC Doubles Shootout'. It will be played again at the beautiful Thornfield disc golf course, a privately held course in Stilwell, KS. This disc golf tournament will attract approximately ninety disc golfers for two eighteen hole rounds, lunch, a few beverages and prizes for the winning teams. As with the ball golf tournament, the day will run smoothly due to the help of the FLHW Board and the wonderful volunteers. This year we will be selling limited edition, commemorative discs. Even if you do not play disc golf, please consider buying one to help support the cause! Discs are $25 including shipping (domestic). Email me at 'info at flhw.org' if you are interested. We've already had some sales, which is great. There is a picture of the disc below. We appreciate everyone's support! The picture on the front of the disc was taken at last year's event.
Have a great week-end!
December 15, 2009
There is an app for that!
It took some time to develop, but the final version of the FLHW iPhone App is complete and ready to download. If you are using an iPhone or iTouch, click the image below to download. You can also go to the iTunes store and search for 'FLHW'. It's free, please go download today and let me know what you think. There is a lot of information on FLHW as well as on Prostate Cancer in general. You can also share with friends, etc. via Facebook and Twitter.
I owe all of this to a company here in Kansas City, MTB Mobile. Jeff and Andy put a lot into this little app, and they did all of it out of the goodness of their hearts. Thanks to both of you for all your hard work and persistence through the Apple approval process.
December 11, 2009
2009, you were good to us!
2009, where have you gone?
It seems like just a few weeks ago we were wrapping up 2008.
Today we closed the year for the Faith, Love, Hope, Win Foundation by making our annual donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. I am proud to announce that for 2009 our donation is the same as 2008, $32,000!
To raise that much money, in the midst of this economy makes me so proud of all that have helped throughout the year. Two poker events, a disc golf tournament, the greenhouse event and of course the golf tournament.
I'm a little speechless right now. In just four and a half years FLHW has raised over $132,000!!
We couldn't have done any of it without the help of all the players, sponsors, friends and family.
God bless you all.
It seems like just a few weeks ago we were wrapping up 2008.
Today we closed the year for the Faith, Love, Hope, Win Foundation by making our annual donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. I am proud to announce that for 2009 our donation is the same as 2008, $32,000!
To raise that much money, in the midst of this economy makes me so proud of all that have helped throughout the year. Two poker events, a disc golf tournament, the greenhouse event and of course the golf tournament.
I'm a little speechless right now. In just four and a half years FLHW has raised over $132,000!!
We couldn't have done any of it without the help of all the players, sponsors, friends and family.
God bless you all.
December 09, 2009
Lucky Sevens
Monday the 7th we held our 7th FLHW Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament. We started these in 2006 as another way to spread the word about Prostate Cancer screening as well as to allow people that may not play golf to come out for a good time and to help support FLHW.
Over the past three years the poker tournaments have raised approximately $10,000 of the overall $132,000 we have raised for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. I was rather proud when I added this up on Monday before the tournament.
At this week's event we had 42 players and raised slightly more than $1,500! It was really great to see a number of first timers. I hope they enjoyed themselves and will come back for future events! The room and tables were packed! In the end Brad took first and Tim second.
I really enjoyed the evening and am looking forward to our next poker event in February!
Also on Monday I had my monthly doctor visit, Lupron shot, PSA test and quarterly Zometa infusion. The meeting with Dr. V was rather quick. My PSA rose to 108.8. We decided to maintain the current regimen through the holidays. I am feeling great and the other tests were in the normal range. When I return next month, on January 4th, as long as I remain pain free and my PSA remains somewhat stable, we will just continue on. (All of the pictures are here).
October 27, 2009
Something new for FLHW
I am proud to announce the launch of the new and improved www.flhw.org
go check it out when you have a minute!
I owe a tremendous thanks to the site designer, Joyce Hutchings. She's a co-worker from years and years ago at Sprint. Joyce put a lot of time into updating the site and teaching me the basics on updating it as well. I think she did a fantastic job and hope after looking it over, you agree. As I always say, the kindness of friends and strangers never ceases to amaze me, Joyce thank you very, very much!
There are still a few tweaks for me to include but as it stands, it is ready for prime time. Please poke around the site and let me know what you think!
After all this, I'm not done! Up next, it's kind of a secret but I'll just say "Yes, there is an app for that."!
go check it out when you have a minute!
I owe a tremendous thanks to the site designer, Joyce Hutchings. She's a co-worker from years and years ago at Sprint. Joyce put a lot of time into updating the site and teaching me the basics on updating it as well. I think she did a fantastic job and hope after looking it over, you agree. As I always say, the kindness of friends and strangers never ceases to amaze me, Joyce thank you very, very much!
There are still a few tweaks for me to include but as it stands, it is ready for prime time. Please poke around the site and let me know what you think!
After all this, I'm not done! Up next, it's kind of a secret but I'll just say "Yes, there is an app for that."!
September 28, 2009
Today's number is the number 5
Friday was the 5th Annual FLHW Golf Tournament. After a complete day of relaxation on Saturday, yesterday it was time to further relax, reflect and enjoy time with Mary and Brad.
Mary and I spent a few hours at the Plaza Art Fair. We walked out a little lighter in the wallet after finding a photographer that had beautiful shots of Anna Maria Island. The Rod & Reel and The City Pier are two of our favorite places to eat when visiting, I can’t wait to return.
Back to Friday. I knew it was going to be a good day when Mary and I woke up well rested after sleeping through the night. As you can imagine, the night before is usually filled with last minute tasks and stress. This year things were different, easier. It's like we had done this before! When I let Buck out at 6:30 the sky was an absolute remarkable shade of blue. The best way to describe it is the shade of the Prostate Cancer ribbon. The temperature was crisp and in the high 50's. I stood on the back porch looking at this:
The day went off without a hitch. We once again had a full field of 144 golfers. I started the round with comments but this year it was a little different, quite a bit more emotional. I got choked up a few times but made it through my little speech without blubbering. Talking about my case in front of crowds has always been hard and the mere mention of Mary's name almost brought me to tears. After that though we had a fantastic time. We had a number of people come up and tell us that this was by far the best golf tournament that they had ever played in! Quite a compliment that touches me deeply.
I'll follow this post tomorrow with a link to all the pictures I have so far, For now, I thank God for the weather and the blessings of our generous and compassionate family, friends and supporters that continue to give us strength and hope. Without them, it would have been just another golf tournament, with them, it was far, far more!
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