Chris here with a very personal update and favor for my Dad…
(FYI – a new article series and video training are in the works, so consider this post the calm before the next content storm. ) 🙂
Long-time subscribers may remember that years ago my Mom (Mary Ann) battled breast cancer. Although it was difficult at the time, I pulled back the curtain to share that struggle with you in my email newsletter (back before blogs even existed).
With a great dose of humanity and understanding, my subscribers flooded her inbox with prayers, support and kind words that brought many smiles and helped her face the surgeries, treatment and the unknown.
Fortunately, she won that battle and has been cancer-free for 5+ years! To celebrate, we held giveaways for you, tied in our sales events with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity foundation and much more. I’m deeply grateful for the support you all gave her.
Now jumping ahead years later…
You may have realized that I’ve been “quieter” on the blog and with my emails for much of this year. There’s a good reason for that. And it’s time let you know why…
Toward the beginning of this year my Dad, Rich Zavadowski (one of my close friends, and also the creator of the “Government Contract Secrets” course my company publishes), became very ill…so bad that he had to stay home from work.
I’ll spare you all of the details, but the result was he looked like a pale ghost, with zero appetite or energy.
While the dozens of tests started to point toward a lymphoma, his lymph node biopsy continued to baffle the local pathologists and labs. It took almost three months of chasing down doctors and labs (totally unacceptable when you’re dealing with someone’s life!) until we got everything over to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)…specifically the National Cancer Institute.
Then within days this top notch facility finally nailed things down and handed my Dad a confirmed diagnosis: Stage IV Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma, unspecified. 🙁
Basically his cancer was as advanced as it could be (appearing in his blood, lymph nodes, bone marrow and metastasized on his leg and a couple ribs). While lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer among men and women in the USA (approximately 74,340 new cases in 2008 alone), the type my Dad has is very rare.
Because so few people have this, there’s not enough data in the medical community to suggest the ‘best’ treatment for this (heck, there’s not even a standard treatment for this).
—- SIDE NOTE —
If you know anyone with ANY type of cancer…get them to an NCI “Comprehensive Cancer Center“ — because as we’ve quickly come to learn, the quality of care and expertise in the cancer field is all over the map. There isn’t always one right treatment…but there are wrong ways to treat (our initial doctor had recommended a surgery and treatment that were TOTALLY unnecessary…and could have killed him!). When someone’s life is involved, don’t settle for only the local doc’s opinion…get an expert to weigh in.
—- SIDE NOTE —
Well, after a few trying days and thinking long and hard about the options, my Dad decided to be part of a clinical trial (called a “protocol”) run by NIH’s NCI (a world-class, amazing facility that gets patients flying in from all over the place).
While it’s a much more aggressive treatment, with increased side effects and risks, it’s also something they are testing specifically for t-cell lymphomas. It involves 5 days of steady chemotherapy…repeated every 3 weeks over a period of about 4 months.
Anyway, I promised him at the beginning of this journey that I’d be there for every doctor’s visit, test, treatment and more. So that’s why I’ve been a little quieter this year — I’ve been helping Dad and Mom go through all of this, along with organizing all the test results, appointments and more. (And MAJOR credit goes to Mom — Mary Ann — who helps him through this 24×7. She’s an unsung hero in all of this!)
It’s times like these when you truly realize what a blessing having an online business is!
Now the National Cancer Institute estimates in January 2004 alone, there were 10.8 million Americans alive with a history of cancer. And this year, 1,437,180 new cases are expected. Survival rates have increased as detection *and* treatment methods have improved, but we’ve still got a long way to go.
Chances are you or a loved one have been touched by cancer, so you know first-hand how emotional and scary this journey is for an entire family.
That’s where YOU (and my personal favor) come in…
My Dad is going through chemotherapy as we speak, and soon he’ll receive follow-up test results showing how well treatment has worked so far. (Regardless of the outcome, he still has several more months of getting knocked on his ass by the chemo.)
Just like I did with my Mom years ago, I’d like to ask you to leave a comment on this blog with an inspirational thought or ‘get well’ message for my Dad, Rich Zavadowski.
I’m going to print the comments off and put them in a “Happy Thoughts” binder I’ve created for him to chronicle the outpouring of support (and emails) we’ve been receiving from family and friends online. Your kind words posted here will go directly into this special book for him.
With cancer and the drugs he’s on, there are some very tense, depressing days, so when he’s a little down or needs a “pick me up” to get his head back in the right place, he can just turn to any page and see how much positive energy is coming his way. It’ll help give him strength for when he beats this cancer and returns back to a normal life!
Thanks in advance for this favor — and stay tuned for some new surprises coming to the blog as a big thank you!
Chris 🙂
P.S. – Let’s not forget..my Dad is now a part of the “solution” for cancer – he’s on the cutting edge of research helping them learn more about this crazy disease. And some day down the road when they cure it, he’ll have played his part in that. You go, Dad. 🙂
P.P.S. — If you feel comfortable doing it, please leave him a positive note below on this blog post as he continues to battle this. It would mean the world to him (and my Mom and me).
He’s facing a very aggressive, rare cancer and can use all the positive energy, prayers and good thoughts you can send. We all know a smile and good thought can go a long way…and the right thoughts can change a life for the better!
178 Comments
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I watched both my father and mother go through the suffering of fighting cancer.
I felt so helpless watching their life drain away. No one knows when to fight harder or when to give in to the reality.
I wish I could take the fear you feel away.
The practice of breathing in the suffering of others while feeling the compassion towards others, then breathing out comfort to all those who are experiencing similiar pain and heart aches helps a lot.. I hope the best for you, but if it’s time, don’t be afraid. Have peace , no regrets, go with love for others in your heart and let it go. It’s okay
Rich,
With so many people sending you their love and positive energy, I believe you will
get well! Be happy, you are in the thoughts of many and that is a go(o)d thing.
God Bless YOU
James
I send my prayers and I understand how hard it gets and you just want this to be behind you, soon it will be. So during the time that you are dealing with this I am told that a smile and laugh is a very good tool in helping to past the time, so I hope you have not read these before but if you have I hope the will give you some joy. GOD Bless.
I am told these were actually said in court, word for word , taken down by court reporters who had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.
ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn’t it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn’t know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
__________________________________ ________________________
ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he’s twenty.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Are you kiddin’ me?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh…. I was gettin’ laid!
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Are you shittin’ me? Your Honour, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Now whose death do you suppose terminated it?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Guess.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people. Would you like to rephrase that?
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
___________________________ ______________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh….are you qualified to ask that question?
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active?
WITNESS: No, I just lie there.
_________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
__________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, ‘Where am I, Cathy?’
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
__________________________________________________________
And the best for last:
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTOR NEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law
__________________________________________________________
I hope this did what it was intended to do, make you think about how funny people R
Dear Rich & Family,
Stay strong in mind and body, find the positive in every obstacle as it will most surely become an opportunity. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Josh
Greetings Rich,
I can’t begin to tell all that the Lord has brought me through in my own personal battles, but I can share something that has been true to me.
WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING LEFT BUT (GOD), YOU BECOME AWARE THAT (GOD)
IS ENOUGH!
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Rich and Chris,
As a cancer servivor for 30 years now(after having 6 cancer operations, (three being for melanomas) I am very healthy at 80 years old. I never had chemo or radiation, but have been eating carefully(mostly raw fruits and vegetables) and staying away, as much as possible, from most meats(beef especially), salt, sugar, dairy products and drugs. The founder of Hallelujah Acres, Dr. George Malkmus, is a cancer survivor from a baseball sized colon cancer, who recovered completely in one year(without chemo or radiation but on the hallelujah diet) which he developed and started his ministry with many years ago.( I believe it was in 1986 when he had colon cancer) His diet and lifestyle teaching since then has helped many people recover from cancer and all sorts of diseases.(probably in the thousands by now). Check out hacres.com.
My father and sister both died of cancer and I began searching for a better way of treatment than conventional medicine has. I have found that through proper diet, lifestyle, and good supplements, cancer can be over come and health restored.
I would always recommend a second and third opinion before opting for any treatment.
[ADMIN EDIT – We removed the personal phone number/name that was posted, especially because it was someone else’s contact information.]
I will pray for you Rich, that God will bless you, give you peace, and give you direction on the best treatments to apply.
A cancer survivor and Health minister.(Trained by Hallelujah Acres),
Jerry Brace – Beulah, Michigan
Dear Rich,
Our prayers are with you. With so many people’s positive energy– you will feel better soon.
Syam (India)
Dear Rich,
I am writing this while my Mom just passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2008. It was sudden and totally unexpected.
So in the midst of that I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong and laugh, love, and hope!
Holly Powell (North Carolina)
Rich, our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family!
Stay stong in the fight..never quit never surrender.
Hope all goes well with the experimental treatment.
Jim
Chris,
I sadly and unexpectedly lost my dad on August 14, 2008 at 5:22p. He had been an amazing strong, healthy and active 86 years young. He was feeling extremely tired and after a couple of days, Mom took him over to hospital emergency to be checked over. He had a slight fever and after some bloodwork it was discovered he had virtually no red or white blood cells (Leukemia). Pneumonia then set in and, although he was fully aware and lucid, peacefully passed over.
My hopes and loving prayers are with you and your family at this important and trying time in your lives. I’ve asked my Dad to look over yours and pray the treatments are successful. May God be with you all!
Dear Rich,
Let me share with you a very famous quote of Swami Vivekananda:- ” GOD WILL NOT GIVE YO WHAT YOU WANT. HE WILL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED.” Just like we cant move ahead without overcoming the challenge of friction in the same way we cant move ahead in life without overcoming challenges. God gives us challenges because he wants us to move on ! We are not always aware of his master plans. Do not worry about future. Enjoy your present. Live life to its fullest. Remember, ” YESTERDAY IS HISTORY! TOMORROW IS MYSTERY! TODAY IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE BECAUSE IT IS A PRESENT FROM GOD!” We all face new challenges in our life everyday. It is our ATTITUDE which determines the outcome. Beleive in the power of subconscious mind. Have faith in God! He has given you the challenge. He will provide the solution. Remember., THERE IS NOT A SINGLE LOCK WHICH DOES NOT HAVE A KEY! I am sure you will win this battle and come out victorious. God has chosen you for his mission. He wants you to inspire others! ALL THE BEST!
I totally feel the pain and worry from what you are going thru, All my good wishes and thoughts will be with you and your family. But Most importantly love and strong good well wishes are being sent to your father. Blessed Be!!!!!!
Hi Rich
Gday mate
Our thoughts are with you both. Stay positive and focus on tomorrow not today.
As today has some pain and worry but tomorrow all should be better.
If your treatments make you feel unwell just remember that tomorrow all will be good.
You are very lucky to have family that care so much for you.
Keep your spirits up,mate
gav
You are greatly loved by your family — I have family members who have battled cancer. One being a stage 4 lung cancer. I would recommend you check out the “pH miracle” book by Dr Robert Young — it has been very good at detoxing and driving down and away cancer for my family members. God bless you. Jason from NH.
Rich,
While it’s not right to condemn children for the sins of their fathers, I believe it is quite apropriate to credit them for the inspiration they take from them, and I see such inspiration in Chris and know you likely played a great part in it.
I applaud you for taking a proactive and aggressive treatment of your condition, and offer my fondest wishes and prayers for a swift and victorious battle, knowing that you’re not just fighting for your own life but the lives of others as well.
And as Chris has so eloquently shared with all of us who are responding, I also know that you still have much to share with the world and that you can’t wait to get to it.
Godspeed,
Don Hill
Dear Rich,
My thoughts and prayers are with you for a full recovery! Think positive and see yourself fully healed – even when you may not be feeling well. I do not know you personally, but I do know that you must be a wonderful man! You have a really special son in Chris – he has always left such a positive impression on me, and I can feel what a good person he is. I’m sure you have a lot to do with that!
Smile, every day is a new day!
God Bless You!
Sincerely,
Violet Meuter
Rich,
My heartfelt prayers go out to you during your recovery period. Live well, laugh often, and love much
The purpose of life is love and joy. Without this, life’s drama can consume you and allow the manifestation of many trials and tribulations. Your son’s love is infinite, as I’m sure that the joy he brings you is as well. May his love continue to comfort you and keep you joyous.
Life is but a dream!
Hello Zavadowski Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you; Rich, Mary Ann, and Chris. I pray the Lord strengthens you and brings you comfort and peace through this time of sorrow as His healing power is at work through all this, giving your doctors and their team the wisdom and knowledge they need in your care and recovery. My mother has been cancer free for twenty years and my dad has been cancer free for about four years. The message here is to never give up hope. Hope will see you through. I’ll leave you with a poem by my favorite writer, Helen Steiner Rice.
In Hours Of Discouragement God Is Our Encouragement
Sometimes we feel uncertain
And unsure of everything,
Afraid to make decisions,
Dreading what the day will bring —
We keep wishing it were possible
To dispel all fear and doubt
And to understand more readily
Just what life is all about —
God has given us the answers
Which too often go unheeded,
But if we search His promises
We’ll find everything that’s needed
To lift our faltering spirits
And renew our courage, too,
For there’s absolutely nothing
Too much for God to do —
For the Lord is our salvation
And our strength in every fight,
Our redeemer and protector,
Our eternal guiding light —
He has promised to sustain us,
He’s our refuge from all harms,
And underneath this refuge
Are the everlasting arms —
So cast your burden on Him,
Seek His counsel when distressed,
And go to Him for comfort
When you’re lonely and oppressed —
For God is our encouragement
In trouble and in trials,
And in suffering and in sorrow
He will turn our tears to smiles.
Hello Rich,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. The good Lord watches over you and He does not give you something you cannot handle. And the mind of God is different from the thoughts of man. As we follow Him, we discover that we lose to gain, surrender to win, die to live, give to receive, serve to reign, and scatter to reap. In weakness we are made strong. In humility we are lifted up. In emptiness we are made full.
There was a man shopping and was shocked to see God selling. The men asked; Lord, what are you selling? And the Lord answered; whatever your heart desires.
The man said; I want peace of mind, happiness and freedom from all fears, for me and the whole world.
The Lord replied smiling; I don’t sell fruits here my son, only seeds!
Have a pleasant day, Rich. You have a fine son in Chris.
Dear Rich and family
Kia ora from New Zealand. I send blessings to you this day. I have lost family to cancers of different kinds, I have family members who have triumphed over it. Just this year my uncle was diagnosed with throat cancer, along with another alternative he used MRET Activated Water – do your due diligence and check it out – truly a miracle healing water. But what ever your choice ;
May you have an exceptional day this day
May goodness and love surround you and support you
Peace, Harmony, Love and Joy be yours.
Light, Love and Blessings.
Hi Chris
Sorry to hear about your fathers condition. My thoughts of healing go out to him today. I, myself, have not had anybody close affected by cancer, blessed be, and I can only imagine what kind of toil you are going through. Just believe that miracles can happen and they will. The body is its own natural healer, and with the right food feeding the body it is amazing what results can be achieved.
Blessed be, and may good health and fortune come your way.
Love all, believe in miracles and be truly grateful for your every waking moment.
Stay strong and dont worry about materialistic things. Take love into the light and dark times.
Laugh lots and get in touch with nature. Its amazing how that can lighten your spirits.
Hi I can relate to what your family is going through. A family member of mine was diagnoised with breast cancer, she went through all the treatments, etc. she has been healed completely, breast still in place. She did not have to take any treatment or medication for fourteen (14) years now. If God can care for the little sparrow can he not care for you his creation. Whose report do you believe, I shall believe the report of the Lord! Earnestly ask for healing and he will give it because he is the GREAT PHYSICIAN, he can do anything! There is nothing to hard for God.
Keep the Faith, look unto Jesus, he is a GREAT DELIVERED.
My prayers for your Dad and family, BE BLESSED.
Garnell, Nassau, Bahamas
Dear Rich
I am truely sorry to hear what you aer going through, please keep the faith and beleave that god is by your side with his hand out to help you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Scott
hi rich,always think for the best-dont wory,be happy.my sincere wishes for a full recovery,john
Dear Mr. Zavadowski,
My family and I are praying that you have a quick and speedy recovery. I have worked with your son, Chris, on a few projects and the results we’ve produced have been nothing short of spectacular… so the way I see it is, since you have him in your corner, along with some of the best doctors and technology available, there’s really no reason you can’t beat this thing, put it behind you, and start enjoying your life again.
I have faith you WILL do it.
All the best,
James Grandstaff
My heart and prayers go out to you Rich, Chris and the rest of your family and loved ones.
I think it is exciting that you are part of research. Remember as you go through your daily struggles that you are contributing to a body of info that can help others as well as yourself.
I am asking that an energy expansion will envelop all of you to help you deal with the routines.
There are always ups and downs in any situation. I pray for continuing expanding ups and easily defeated down periods.
Chris has a very positive attitude and outlook that shines through his writing. I pray that you all can have and maintain this same outlook as it is always a very worthy offense against that which attacks.
Rich I can tell you are blessed with a strong loving family. I pray God will continue to bless you and these strengths and love will surround you and help you heal.
May you each be able to draw on God’s strength and power when your own is low.
I send you much love,
Diane Mayotte
Dear Mr. Zavadowski,
I am sending you thoughts of love and light at this very second – and I will continue to do it. I know that you are having a hard time, but, I somehow feel that you have a strong, inner strength – and you will get through this situation. I thank you for helping with research treatments. Even in the midst of your own illness, you are blessing others for today and tomorrow. And you are very blessed to have such a devoted son and wife. Ask for God’s healing power to flow through your whole being – see yourself as “light” and surrounded by “light and love”.
Chris, I have two suggestions that can help your Dad – I used them when I took care of my Daddy – my Daddy always said, “It’ll be alright” and it was.
The first is an alkaline diet – cancer cells cannot survive in an alkaline environment. I, too, suggest, the book “The PH Miracle” as someone else above already mentioned.
The second suggestion is to go Emofree.com. Do not judge it if you are not familiar – it is like acupressure for our emotional bodies, which, in turn, greatly effect our physical bodies. There are many case histories on the site – it is quite extensive – about healings of all kinds. Many medical doctors are listed there and use it in their practices. Also, go to youtube.com and type in “eft” and
“eft cancer” or whatever the issue is. Many people have put up hundreds of videos concerning different issues – just watch the videos and follow along with what they do. Also, do a Google search on EFT, which stands for, Emotional Freedom Techniques and you will find many references – including MD’s that use it in their daily medical practices.
May God bless you and your family in all ways.
Love,
Yvonne Hackworth
Rich and Chris!
Rich you and your wife have done something really good to have your son support you like this thru these times! I’m sure you are very proud of him!
Best wishes, many prayers and happy thoughts!
Dan
On the principal that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine –
Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside with only a
pet dog for company. One day the dog died, and Muldoon went
to the parish priest and asked, “Father, my dog is dead.
Could ya’ be saying’ a mass for the poor creature?”
Father Patrick replied, “I’m afraid not; we cannot have
services for an animal in the church. But there are some
Baptists down the lane, and there’s no tellin’ what they
believe. Maybe they’ll do something for the creature.”
Muldoon said, “I’ll go right away Father. Do ya think
$5,000 is enough to donate to them for the service?”
Father Patrick exclaimed, “Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus! Why
didn’t ya tell me the dog was Catholic?
————————————————————–
All the best Janice from Auckland New Zealand
Rich- we are sending positive and healing vibes your way! It sounds like you are in great hands and surrounded by many people who love and support you. Between that and being at a top-notch medical center near your home, you are doing everything right. Keep up the fight and best wishes for your next round!!
xo- Missy & Yanik Silver
May The Lord be with you, Mr. Zavadowsky, from the Dominican Republic were I am from.
[ADMIN EDIT – Personal MLM Referral Links/Blatant Advertising Removed. Our company and sites need to stay generic as we train for all different companies and products/services. We don’t want to set a precedent for blatant advertising in blog comments. The URL field should be used for putting your site. Thanks for understanding and for your support and kind words!]
Uncle rich get well soon! Its always a blast talking with you.
Hallo Rich and Chris!
I send you this words across the globe from Croatia. Several years ago my cousin had the same fight against cancer. She was just 21 years young. She lost the fight, and it was a real shock for me.
Now my mother in law fight against cancer. What it makes more hard for us is the financial situation and the general bad situation in the health care system in our country.
But i have seen it by my cousin and now with my mother in law, with a positive thinking and much love from family and friends, EVERYTHING becomes easier to fight against, and even if you don’t win this fight, when you know that a lot of people care about you (and now you know it – i have seen a lot of posts here) that is the most valuable that someone can have.
Best wishes,
Igor
Hi Rich-
What a wonderful son you have raised! There are so many things that we can feel blessed about. Pick a few each day and be in a state of total gratitude,and build a fortress of positive thoughts around you to lift you up. Remember that anything is possible with the Lord at your side and in your heart.
Blessings for Abundance in Your Life~
Karen
Rich,
Having lost my Mon to Multiple Myoloma a dozen years or so, and watching the suffering that she experienced, I can empathize with you and your family. The cancer is all consuming, but you must remember at all times that God has placed us here for a purpose and apparently yours is to inspire others.
You are not alone in your fight. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your entire family. Whatever the outcome, you have changed lives and touched others through your life. Just as my Mom’s illness made my whole family re-arrange our thought process’, so too will the impact of your experience help other who know and love you.
What is God’s will we cannot imagine nor prepare for, we must however try to discover within us the strength to accept that mantle and move forward knowing that every day brings us closer to Him and the explanation that would not make any sense while we are here for our brief time. Whatever the outcome, your son is a living example of how you have touched his life and his good works are an extension of that.
Think happy thoughts and know the Lord is always watching over you, even though there are days you may think he has taken a vacation.
Cheers,
Jim
i can’t imagine what you are going thru , but i know it’s hard. i have had friend’s go thru it and i can say that a positive outlook is one of the best remedie’s to help….reading positive thing’s daily should be huge in helping you deal with this speed bump that i know you will overcome…..the man upstairs sometime’s throw’s curve ball’s to see how you respond…im sure you will be good and will pray for you ….good luck and keep us informed….shawn
Hi Rich
My prayers are with you. I believe God has a plan for us all. I see yours as a frontrunner in this kind of cancer research. This will help many other cancer patients for years to come. This takes a lot of courage. Tremendous respect to you.
Chris and your Mom: Hang in there. Your dedication and giving is not always easy. Always appreciated. I lost my wife to breast cancer 10 years ago. It was very aggressive. After 3 years of chemo, bone marrow transplants, stem cell treatments,
God called her home. It was great to have great support from family and friends. Rich it is very evident you have a great family and many friends, that love you very much. Again, my prayers will be with you and your family.
Mark
Hi Rich (and Chris),
Many moons ago, I spent a summer with Your son Chris. I know you know this, but he’s a pretty good guy. He is much better at contacting someone than I am, I should learn from him. Where did he learn it from? Be proud of him and your relationship. It’s great when a Son can call his Father a “best friend.” You must have done a lot of things right. That answers my question.
Please know that my thoughts are with you, and your family, even when I’m not the best at contacting them. Stay happy, even when it’s hard, a good attitude is a great boost towards recovery. Lean on your son for support, because I’m sure that he will always make you smile.
Get well, and do it soon.
Seth
Hi Rich,
I don’t know you, or even your son Chris but I do recognise a loving son when I see one! Although these are really difficult times for you and your family, keep your chin up, keep believing that you can beat this – for you can.
They say the fruit rarely falls far from the tree, so how Chris is is a pretty good reflection of how you are and how you brought him up. As one father to another, you clearly did a pretty good job!
Get well soon and continue to enjoy the love of those around you.
With best wishes,
Mohamed Sinclair (from Malaysia)
Dad Rich,
Chris appeals will not go unattended. You have a son who loves you so much.
His appeals for wish you well is certainly an expression of love and care. I’m
moved by it just like I’m a son to a Dad.
My family and I would certainly pray that you get well soonest. Godspeeed Sir.
Wishing you well,
Alfredo Bernardo & Family
Dear Rich,
being diagnosed with cancer is like coming to an intersection on your path of life. Your soul might be torn back and forth between looking forward into an uncertain future and looking back at your life.
If you ever wonder if you could have made more of your life, if you ever regret that you never did what you always wanted to do, if you ever look at your life, let Ralph Waldo Emerson be your guide with his definition of success:
“To laugh often and love much;
to win the respect of intellingent persons and the affection of children;
to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to give of one’s self;
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;
to know even ONE life has breathed easier because you have lived
– this is to have succeeded.”
Dear Rich, I hope these words can comfort you in times of despair. From everything I read from your son Chris, I KNOW that you have achieved great success in your life.
Blessings from Germany,
Susanne
Hey Mr. Z!
I’ve missed seeing you around the big All Saints, but know that you and the family have been in my prayers all along. We’re “storming Heaven” for you!
Thanks for being such an inspiration to all those who have ever experienced enormous struggles…keep it up!
Sending you lots of love and hugs and days and days of smiles 🙂
love always,
Nichole Dalusung
Hi Chris,
I would like to use this comments column to wish your father to get well soon.
Rich, Wishing that each day brings your renewed strength, brighter times, and a healthier, happier you. Get well soon.
Regards,
Jeff, Koshy’s team leader
Hi Rich,
Hope you are doing well.
“When things don’t go the way you’ve planned, don’t get discouraged because God is bigger than any of your problems. As long as you put God first in your life, even when difficult situations arise, you will prosper. God created human beings to be overcomers.”
You will overcome and we are going to Praise and thank God for bringing you through successfully.
Till then keep running the race with the perseverance, hope, the never dying attitude and humor that you have been running with so far.
Have a nice day.
Regards,
Koshy
Hi Chris,
Don’t worry! God is with us only and I wish, “get well soon uncle”.
Always be happy along with family. Take care.
Naren
Hello,
Just last year we went through all this garbage with my dad and with the help of my being involed with alternative ways plus lots of prayer and with the doctors care. It ended up with a better out come then what was first diagnosed. I just wanted to leave a couple of quotes: ” In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.-Albert Einstein-
“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats” -Irs Murdock-
I pray for you and your family to have lots of small treats. Take Care and God Bless. Susan
Hello Rich,
It is my strong belief that if you believe in something and believe in it really hard and work towards achieving it then there is no way you can fail. Be Strong……..Believe in yourself………..believe in life………All my good wishes to you and your family…….God be with you all…….
Sincerely,
R.
Hi Rich Zavadowski,
I am happy to say you as “young man”.
Though I don’t know much about you, I hope you are one of the most inspiring person in this world whom I have ever seen in my life.
I have a link for you. I really want you to add your inspiring life story in to it. Because I hope your life has a valuable experience that has to be shared with others.
Please go through the website given below where you can find some inspiring stories of great legends who have fought against cancer in their life.
http://www.cancerguide.org/stories.html
I hope, I will see your life story also in this link in the future..
Live like a Legend and Show your path to us!
Your’s,
Rafiq