To often I go through life smiling and waving hello to people but rarely knowing how they really doing. I may ask, “how are you?”, but it always seems more like a greeting than a sincere question.
The truth is, more often then we think, the people we smile and wave at are actually going through a family crisis. But instead of wearing their emotions on their sleeves, they find a way to smile back, even though they are troubled and maybe even in pain.
Chris Crosby Sr. is a man I have known for 5 years. I had no idea he suffered, but survived, through a battle with melanoma. I had heard his 2 year old granddaughter had Melanoma as well, but in the rush of life, I had forgotten.
And even though I see the man every week when I play golf, only last month did I learn that his daughter Candy was diagnosed with breast cancer in June. Three generations from one family all fighting a disease that too many people lose to.
The Peterson-Crosby family should serve as an inspiration to everyone. In the midst of all these medical emergencies, Chris Crosby always greeted me with a smile and a hand shake (His son Chris Jr. did as well). I am in awe and honored to be in the presence of people that manage to deal with crisis in such a distinguished fashion.
Chris Crosby’s daughter and granddaughter are no different. Today I met 4 year old Marit Liv Peterson. Though the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes she beat the odds and today is cancer free. I saw pictures of this adorable little girl, with a full arm cast and tubes in her chest, yet somehow Marit was always smiling. Just like her Grandfather.
Her mother, even with more surgeries ahead of her, is smiling as well. They are committed to raising money to for the Marit Liv Peterson Melanoma Cancer Research Fund. They and their doctors believe it can’t be a coincidence that all three of them had been forced to deal with cancer, it must be genetic. Instead of asking, “Why me?” they are stating, “We won’t let it happen to you!” Their fund has already raised nearly 500-thousand dollars for cancer studies at the famed M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
I realized today that sometimes families go through times of crisis and their friends never really know the extent of it. I urge anyone who can afford to donate a few dollars to check out Marit’s website. For me the best sales pitch came from Marit when she gave me a hug. Not only did she make my day, she made me realize how lucky I am to know such a strong little girl and her family.
September 7, 2008 at 10:29 am |
Grant,
On behalf of my entire family thank you for helping to spread the word about our fight against melanoma cancer. Melanoma is non selective, deadly, silent killer that most people do know about until it is too late. My granddaughter Marit, daughter Candy, and myself are survivors committed to furthering education and helping to find a cure. We believe NBC 5 with your efforts will encourage others to join us in our fight. Let’s get it on!
September 8, 2008 at 11:00 am |
This family and their story is a tremendous inspiration. I am excited to join in their efforts and fight this fight. I lost my father, other family members and friends to Cancer. I believe we cannot afford to wait to find the cure to save others lives. It is my deepest hope, that you never recieve the call: You or someone in your life has Cancer. I am sorry we weren’t able to catch it sooner. You may have 6 months at the most to get things in order.
We had that call…………PLEASE DON’T WAIT…………JOIN THE FIGHT!