Growing up in a suburban, idealistic family I was consistently encouraged do to what I could with what I was given. I caught on quickly that health and fitness must be incorporated into my daily life, regardless if I enjoyed them or not. Diet and exercise was never forced upon me. I was never told to eat one thing at a time or clean my plate at the end of a meal. Over the years, a habit had naturally developed to savor food and treat it as a means of helping, rather than hurting, my body. To put it simply I had a great relationship with food and all things healthy.
But, that's all my family knew. We were blessed with long lives and genetics that gave us the ability to lead active lifestyles. As time went on my passion became the sciences and the world around me. Science lead to helping human beings be the best version of themselves, both spiritually and physically. I wanted to help the individuals across the world be a better person each day and that started with what was put into one's body.
In the year 2011, my role as a helper hit closest to my heart. My father, a man of worth, respect, and determination was diagnosed with basosquamos skin cancer that affected both his neck and shoulder areas. A local oncologist warned him after a skin-graft, or a sampling of tissue, that a tumor was growing rapidly and suggested that it be removed to lessen the risk of cancerous tissue spreading throughout his body. He encouraged my dad to stay positive and though it was not in his control, he'd do his best to beat this nasty disease and make him happier and healthier.
It was made known to me and my family that the power individuals have over their lives with food and exercise is so predictable, but this form of cancer my father was fighting was unpredictable and uncommon. Then, it became clear; this is what could help win this ruthless battle. Food could be the answer.
Dad started a program that encouraged portion control and healthier food choices. One of these choices supported craving reduction and taught him the correct approach to responding to these cravings. He was, literally, retraining his brain to know when and what to eat in order to better his weight and body. Soon, the pounds started to shed away. Each day was a battle initially forcing himself not to eat too quickly or out of boredom. But, if there's one thing you must known about my dad it's that once he has his mind set on something, he will complete the task ahead seamlessly. This is what makes him such amazing father, husband, uncle and son. He loves his family, his career and is a God-fearing man who teaches the ones around him something new each day. He betters the world simply by being in it. So, naturally, my family's idealistic world was flipped upside down and we were left speechless seeing a man who outwardly had it all struggling to comprehend the madness inside of his body.
His greatest fear was not being strong because strong was all his family knew of him. The future was left with many unanswered questions that made each member of my family pause and reflect on how many blessings we receive daily, one of these being early detection of his condition.
Time continued to pass and the layer of toughness withered away, and all that left was a loving man more open and accepting than ever before. I began to see a side of my dad that was so refreshing and honest. He left his heart on his sleeve and for once in his entire life understood that he had no control over his stuation. What he did have control over was how he helped his body fight the battle going on inside of him.
A year into the program, he was down 75 pounds and was able to allow his body to match what his mind was saying he could do during exercise. He purged sugar from his diet, and practiced portion control like nobody's business. My family noticed a change in confidence and passion, as well. While it was normally my mom and me shopping for the latest fashion trend, Dad's weight loss sparked an interest in his appearance and he wanted to reward himself for a job well done.
We bonded over shopping for clothes and he was quick to ask my opinion on his latest business suit purchase. By being in control of what was going into his body, my dad took control over his future and how his body would react to new, and sometimes painful changes. After numerous surgeries, chemotherapy sessions and radiation treatments the end was in sight. The oncologist that he worked most closely with was impressed by his weight loss and healthy habits that were lacking prior to his diagnosis.
An additional 10 pounds lighter, his weight loss reaching roughly 85 pounds, it was habit to stop once he was too full and not put extra unneeded stress on his body while it was trying to do its best to heal itself. Thankfully my dad is now in remission, regularly receiving screens to make sure all is well. He now smiles a little bit bigger everyday he wakes up and constantly has pep in his step. He knows that cancer will be a chapter in his life and not the conclusion.
Lastly, to my Daddy, my family and the man upstairs -- thank you. If it weren't for you I would not have the passion, heart, or determination to benefit lives as much as I do. I wake up counting the blessings I've received and continuously strive to be better each day. When bad things happen in life to people who don't deserve it just remember we cannot be who we want to be by remaining what we are. Push yourself to be better. Fight disease and death with what you put into your body. Fight with food and fight for health.
