My Dad Fought Melanoma And Won
Start writing a post
Relationships

My Dad Fought Melanoma And Won

This past week has given me motivation like no other.

73
My Dad Fought Melanoma And Won
Zachary Grizzard

This past week I participated in the 2018 Calhoun County Alabama Relay For Life Event. I participated with a few coworkers who started a team in memory of their uncle, and brother Mr. Michael Johnson.

This was this first year I have ever been to Relay for Life, but it will definitely not be my last. Seeing my dad, Mr. Charles Grizzard take part in the "Survivors & Family" lap was an unforgettable experience, that I will cherish forever. While at the event, my dad began conversing with one of the staff workers.

The worker, gave my dad a "survivor" T-shirt and eventually gave my family team shirts. The staff members also talked with me and we exchanged information.

After talking, I walked the track more and eventually found my dad's luminary bag as well as my uncle's Mr. Dave Maddox they are both survivors and several family members' luminary bags who have now succumbed to cancer, and lost their battle.

After the event, we decided that next year we will start a team dedicated to the fight of My dad and my other family members.

This week only added to my existing excitement as my dad went to Birmingham, Alabama for his last and final treatment of the Immunotherapy Drug Keytuda, the same drug used to treat former U.S President Jimmy Carter.

This treatment still followed all the regular procedures, but ended in a small ceremony with my dad ringing a bell three time, to symbolize his treatment is over, and he can continue with life as normal. This past week has given me motivation like no other. The past two treatments are the only treatments I have been able to attend with my dad, but in my opinion, they were the most memorable.

Seeing my dad go every three weeks to receive treatments like clockwork has proven his determination to rid himself of such a terrible disease. These past two weeks I have made a decision to become a Relay for Life Team Captain, as well as help educate people about the dangers of the sun and how to protect yourself in the sun.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51018
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32656
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955818
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180826
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments