Courage

Roger’s World – Monday October 19, 2009

Courage is a word that tends to be thrown around a lot in sports. However, courage means a whole lot more than athletes participating in sports they love. They are certainly tough, but courageous? Hmmm…

What is courage then? The way I see it, it is one of two things; putting your life on the line for your family or country, or gracefully battling a deadly disease such as cancer.

Someone I hold dear to my heart as one of those courageous people.

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November of 2007, my wife’s cousin, Tanya, beat the disease two times already, but it has come back again for round number three. However, you would never know it looking at Tanya – who dropped into Toronto for a wonderful visit a few weeks ago. She remains positive, upbeat and ready to knock out the disease on the head yet again. On top of this, both her and her husband Gary continue to be strong advocates for Ovarian Cancer awareness and research in their home country of Australia.

In the grand scheme of things, a flat tire, leaky goggles, sub-par race, or a DNF means nothing. For Tanya and the unfortunate millions of cancer fighters around the world, they face life-threatening adversity with gusto, grace, determination, positivity, and courage. With chemotherapy treatments starting soon, I wont even try to imagine what Tanya has gone through twice before (I’ve heard the stories and it is not pleasant—the aches, pains, and discomfort of an Ironman pales in comparison), and will go through again. Tanya, you are truly an inspiration! I know the next time I feel crappy in a race, I will find a way to suck it up and push through.

I wish you all could meet Tanya because her passion for life is infectious. If I must make a comparison, think a female Mike “Pinball” Clemons. Pinball is probably the most genuinely positive person you will ever meet, and like Pinball, you get so much positive energy from Tanya, that I know I am a better person for having her in my life. I will do my best to remember to pass that spirit and energy to everyone I meet.

Tanya, you will conquer cancer again, and I will return to Australia to pay you and Gary a visit to celebrate. I just hope you don’t mind if I take a brief detour to do Ironman Australia while I’m there. Maybe Gary might consider joining me?

To you and to all cancer fighting warriors out there….Livestrong! You are what defines the word courage.

Love

Roger

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