Kerry and McCain Share Stories of Inspiration in Their Battles with Cancer

[kerrygoddess]

Senators John Kerry and John McCain Share Stories of Inspiration in Their Battles with Cancer
August 11th, 2005
From LiveStrong.org:

The Lance Armstrong Foundation Encourages Everyone to Share Their Story to Help People Living With Cancer Live Strong

Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts and Senator John McCain of Arizona, two of the nation’s most high profile Senators and cancer survivors, join the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) in the fight against cancer by posting their personal stories about living with cancer at www.livestrong.org.

The postings are part of the LAF’s Unity Is Strength campaign to help people living with cancer get the emotional and practical support they need to live strong. The LAF invites people who have been affected by cancer - as patients, doctors, caregivers or through family and friends - to share their stories at www.livestrong.org. Stories of unity, knowledge and attitude help channel energy, hope, information and inspiration to the more than 10 million people living with cancer.

Just as he was beginning his presidential campaign, Senator Kerry, 61, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After surgery in 2003, he is now cancer-free. “The Lance Armstrong Foundation believes that while you can get cancer out of your body, the lessons never leave your life,” said Senator Kerry. “I know how true this is. My brush with prostate cancer reminded me how lucky I was, and that too many people aren’t as lucky. I share my story because I know how important it is to pass experience and practical advice on to others battling cancer.”

MORE & LINKS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=206

[karynnj]

1. Comparing McCain's and Kerry's stories is interesting

McCain tells his own story dealing with his melanoma and talks about how henever thought of dying and seems to describe it almost more as an obstacle HE overcame and suggests not giving in. As people do die of melanoma, my first thought was he is either in denial or is lying. In a way though it may, like his POW story, be that he sees himself as an individual winning by not giving in.

Kerry credits his health to Teresa, his doctors, luck, and having good health insurance. He does also talk about trying to eat well and exrcise. He then talks of others - who don't have what he has. He also admits freely that he did think of it as life threatening event, but then talked about using the tine God gave him to help others.

Both stories are inspiring, but one is far more outward looking.

[TayTay]

2. I agree

I found Kerry's story very moving. I liked the part where he says that he had to think about the possibility of dying twice in his life, once when he was young and then at the cancer scare.

Very moving and understated and humble. I like that.

[karynnj]

3. same here

and I love the fact that he credits Teresa for pushing him to have regular exams and likely saving his life.

Maybe in a culture of false bravado, an understated, humble hero is so unexpected that he seems unreal.

[Noisy Democrat]

4. Where did you find

JK's story? I haven't managed to find it yet. Thanks.

[karynnj]

5. Click on "unity is strength" with the yellow colored chain graphic

I clicked on evey other section first!

[globalvillage]

6. Did you read Angie's comment?

:cry:

[TayTay]

7. Yeah. I wonder how old she is?

Cancer at 7. Dear Lord in heaven, that is so sad.

[Vektor]

8. Let's all add a nice comment for him!

:-)