20 years ago this month a 24 year old young man got the call no son wants to hear. " Michael, this is Dad.  I have some bad news to tell you.  You should be sitting down.  I have cancer.  The doctor says I don't have very long to live".  It's something I haven't thought about in a while. But ,Thursday night's Stand Up To Cancer Special had those words flooding through my mind again..the sound of my Dad's voice ringing in my ears.  I think about my Dad everyday.  But had almost forgotten about the cancer, until tonight.

My dad was 58 years old when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Several  months later he was gone.  Like most children,  I remember my dad as being big and strong.  He truly was. 6'2" 220 pounds.  He was a rancher, pretty good shape.  Like most kids I thought my dad was invincible. So of course I thought he would lick that colon cancer. He told me he would.  He didn't.  Just like the doctor said he wouldn't. Cancer had shrunk and shriveled him away to nothing.  I didn't recognize the little old man I said goodbye to that day in a San Antonio hospital bed.

So 20 years later, Thursay night,  through tears and memories I had all but forgotten, I gave to Stand Up To Cancer.  That's something I never do.  I volunteer, I tithe, but I don't give to  Telethons.  I cringe at the amount I gave ....$100. So insignificant, especially considering my dad died from that terrible disease.  But it's all that I can give now. (I hope Dad isn't ashamed) Maybe those of you who read this will be moved to donate as well. Help me make up for my pitiful giving.  This isn't for me!  This is for everyone else. Maybe your donation will prevent the words I heard 20 years ago from being repeated somewhere else or prevent you from  having to say them yourself. Because believe me!!!! Nobody wants to get the call and hear these words.  "This is your Dad.  I have some bad news to tell you.  I have Cancer."     Then & Now