David Elder considers himself lucky. Had things gone differently, the 66-year-old retired accounting professional might have become another lung cancer death statistic. In 2017, David developed what he thought was a minor hernia. He had bouts of stomach pain and over a two-month period lost about 40 pounds. David was familiar with lung cancer’s symptoms…
Photo by Mike Gladu Push, pull. Push, pull. Push, pull. With each powerful pedal, 55-year-old Curtis Tolson propelled himself closer to the finish line. He was determined to step off his bike a champion. Not just a champion. But a world champion. Push, pull. Push, pull. Push, pull. He’d competed in this race before. Four…
Steven Michael Kane will never forget June 23, 2018. It was a Saturday. Mike, as family and friends know him, was getting a screening colonoscopy. He felt great and had no reason to worry, or so he thought. “That test saved my life,” he said. “My doctor told me later if I had waited another…
Julie Musick is a fan of the “Outlander” novels, whose author Diana Gabaldon incorporates themes of medicine, spirituality, relationships and hope. The author views her fantasy fiction stories as journeys of both body and soul. In certain ways, Julie, age 41, has found these same themes reflected in her life since being diagnosed with meningioma,…
Emilia Sexton’s story is one of overcoming adversity. With a lot of hard work and help from Norton Sports Health, the former Male High School basketball player is now living her dream. “I’ve wanted to play basketball forever,” Emilia said. Emilia’s long-time dream was finally within reach her junior year of high school. She was…
Bonnie Armstrong-Jones is a two-time cancer survivor. When she learned about Bike to Beat Cancer, she thought it was a way for her to give back to people who had helped save her life. Learn more about Bonnie’s journey to become a Bike to Beat Cancer rider.
Eighteen years ago, at age 38, Carolyn Wallace was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Years after chemotherapy and radiation, Carolyn is living cancer-free. Then more devastating news: Her then 3-year-old grandson, Rylan, had leukemia. “It was worse than my diagnosis,” Carolyn said. Carolyn got involved with Bike to Beat Cancer in 2010. Last year, she…
As Brandon Lewis’s once active lifestyle slowed dramatically over time, he began noticing issues like high blood pressure and chest pain. A teacher, he didn’t have energy for his music students. Even simple everyday tasks became difficult. With a wife he adores and a baby on the way, Brandon knew he had to take action….
In 2011, Ed Nelson’s sister Deana was treated for breast cancer. At that time, he felt like he needed to do something. He decided to ride in Bike to Beat Cancer. The 10th annual Bike to Beat Cancer on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro, will be Ed’s seventh time riding…
15“It was like I had the breath knocked out of me.” Owen Mercer is a talker. But one January day in 2012, he sat there silent. Doctors confirmed a diagnosis. Owen had multiple sclerosis (MS). “I thought of pretty much every scenario as to what I had, including a brain tumor,” Owen said. “But MS…
Terri Kendall’s art takes an incredible amount of strength. She gracefully glides through the air, transitioning from one colorful silk fabric to another — all while suspended dozens of feet off the ground. Kendall relies on no safety equipment to catch her. Instead, she relies on her body — trusting that the muscles in her…
Cancer is a word no one wants to hear from a doctor. But, once those life-changing words were spoken to Tina Griffith, the Norton Children’s Hospital employee chose to fight. “I woke up one morning and heard, ‘If you are going to pray to me, why are you crying? And if you are going to…