Cancer warriors unite
Sometimes you are fortunate in life to meet people that come into your life in the most unexpected way. This person I met was at the Race for the Cure for Breast Cancer, a few years ago and I consider myself lucky to know him. His lovely sister-in-law and wife introduced us. This person has the innate ability to lift you up every time you think of them and especially when you see them. So this past week we had lunch, and as always my heart was full of strength and determination to care for our cancer patients in our community, so they are not isolated and afraid as they become a warrior.
Jim Morrison is a warrior. He is an amazing human being with a heart that is as big and wide as anyone I’ve ever met. He is a husband, father, grandpa, business owner and author. He is a lung cancer survivor of 13 years. He should, by all statistics, not be here anymore, but he is in and he has decided because he is still here, he will make a difference with every breath he gets. He told me while we talked that, “trying often brings tragedy” but it is what we do with the tragedy that changes our life. We can chose to humble ourselves in our tragedy and grow or we can become closed and afraid.
In my profession of physical therapy we care for oncology patients everyday, so I like to pick Jim’s brain about his warrior journey. Why did he choose to live? Why does he still choose to live everyday, even when he is in pain or his disease raises its ugly head again, when really it would be easier to stay in his easy chair?
Instead of his easy chair, Jim choose to get up and serve others. Other cancer warriors and their families who are in the midst of their suffering. He now leads two Cancer Support groups in the Coeur d’Alene and in Post Falls library, one time a month and he just finished his second book telling his warrior story. Jim’s message is clear-faith, family and his awesome medical cancer care
MD’s, got him through. He continues to tell the people in our cancer community, you are not alone, we are here for you and your attitude determines your growth as a person in this journey. You must chose to believe in your health to be well.
I am so thankful for Jim. His strength lifts people up and gives them hope. I tell him while we chat at lunch, about all the cancer warriors in my office we care for everyday and he smiles that big, joyful smile and says, “We can do this, we can make a difference together for the people in our community, I met you for a reason.”
On March 9 at 6 p.m. in the Post Falls library Jim has asked me to speak on physical therapy Cancer Care Management and Lymphedema: Do you need PT and Are you at Risk for Lymphedema?” I hope you will come and meet Jim and myself, and step forward to take care of your health as you journey. You are not alone, we are here to help, you matter to us and to our community. Cancer warriors, unite!
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Sheree DiBiase, PT, is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy, PA, and she and her incredible staff believe that wellness happens when we ban together to choose it. There is strength when we are together! Hayden office (208) 762-2100, Coeur d’Alene office (208) 667-1988 and in our Spokane Valley office (509) 891-2623.