This isn't really a post about politics, but something I'd like to share about an ordinary person who has lived their life extraordinarily.
The guy's name is Andrew Molenda. He's from Oklahoma, in his 30s, with a wife and kids. Pretty normal existence.
Except that he's been waging an intense fight against cancer. And he may be dying today.
Andrew's Ride
I can't tell you too much about Andrew, as I've only met him a couple of times. He's a fighter - I know that much. And he's made an impression on everyone who has ever met him.
Andrew is currently one of the 10 million cancer survivors alive today in America. But, after one battle, it turned out cancer wasn't done with him. After beating testicular cancer once, cancer returned with a vengeance - and the diagnosis wasn't good. Do any of us honestly know what we would do in that situation? I know I don't.
I'm sure there were dark moments when he first found out, but he decided to do several things - fight the cancer, enjoy life - and keep a positive attitude throughout.
Oh, and he's used his story to help others and further the cause. Andrew has been profiled on his local television news stations and has been a prominent voice for survivorship issues - raising funds for cancer-related organizations, appearing at a Coaches vs. Cancer basketball game, and traveling to Washington, DC to lobby elected officials on behalf of cancer patients and survivors.
Today his wife, Amy, updated his blog with a post entitled, "Andrew's Final Ride."
I can't imagine what she's going through. All I can say is that the courage and strength they've given to one another is simply amazing. Take a few minutes to look around Andrew's site and maybe add a few words of support to someone whose life should be an inspiration to us all.
Godspeed Andrew.