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A couple of years ago, my good friend Henry’s son, Cameron, was diagnosed with a large cancerous tumor in his head. Dubbed “the peach”, Henry and Cameron survived one hell of an ordeal that involved extensive surgery to remove 95% of the tumor and months of chemotherapy to battle the remainder.

Cameron, who recently turned 13, has been quite the trooper. After his surgery, the recovery was a very steep hill that he surmounted and surpassed. Despite his amazing journey, however, Cameron’s tumor has grown back. This time the growth is too extensive for surgery to be an option. Regardless of his diagnosis, Cameron maintains a positive outlook and continues against odds to battle his head’s intruder. He is really a remarkable young man. read more »

Hitting Too Close for Comfort

This last week, friends have been calling friends to share some of the worst news I’ve heard all year. My dear friend Henry’s son has been diagnosed with a large tumor in his brain. Surgery is eminent and everyone has only hope in the doctors’ skill to fall back on.

Of all people that karma must pick on, it sure has a knack for making mistakes. From my brother’s cancer, to Cameron’s tumor, it makes a strong argument against a benevolent “fill-in-the-blank”. Whatever your beliefs, it’s hard to imagine a force other than cruel nature that would subject so innocent and loving a soul to such trial and adversity. These random hardships force us to re-evaluate our lives with new perspective and see just how fragile and precious life is. Given such frailty, certainly we ought to be making the most of it and making sure those we love are aware of that.

In Cameron’s case, he’s got a lot of tough times ahead. The tumor in his head is about the size of an orange and has wrapped it’s evil fingers around the heart of what makes Cameron who he is. Deep in the center of his brain, the surgery to remove it is risky and will endanger much of Cameron’s function. It’s possible that after his surgery, Cameron may lose some physical and/or mental capacity - it’s impossible to predict. As the hospital regroups to form a team of surgeons to review his case, Cameron has been given leave to go home for the week and spend time with his parents. Next Thursday, Cameron heads back to the hospital for his surgery. Your thoughts and sympathies are much appreciated during Cameron’s fateful day.

And on that note - Henry, too, will be going through some of the hardest emotional hardships of his life. I cannot imagine the gut-wrenching sadness/anger/pain/etc. that he must be feeling. If you read this, friend - do not forget your army of friends who stand ready to help and support you in whatever ways we can. You’ve always got a shoulder to lean on and a web of love to embrace you.