Ryan Kerr and Mark Herzlich

We all know people who have been diagnosed with cancer.  Sometimes it is common and small and curable and sometimes it isn’t.  Sometimes it is rare and big and the outcome is much sadder.

In the past several years my path has intersected with two young men who had cancer in their bones, both in the legs.

The first is Ryan Kerr.  He was 12, in 2002, when he was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer.  He was in middle school with Stephanie, and it was early in his fight against cancer that his family started the ConKerr Cancer Project.  All over the country people are still making bright pillow cases that are delivered to Children's Hospital oncology wards.  

But in late 2002 doctors determined that the chemo wasn't working. "They performed a limb salvage, which meant removing bone from his leg and putting in a titanium rod," his mom says. After that, Ryan had to undergo several surgeries to remove scar tissue. He was in a lot of pain and he could barely bend his leg. Even harder were the checkups every three months to find out whether the cancer had come back. In 2004 tests revealed that the disease had spread to Ryan's lungs. He underwent more grueling chemo treatments and had to have his leg amputated the following year. 

After healing from the surgery, Ryan learned how to ride a bike with his prosthesis. He managed to rock climb, water ski and snow ski. I think this spirit is exemplary.  To be going through unimaginable health problems as a young teen and still have the spirit of adventure and the drive to try new things gives me the courage to keep going myself.  Ryan gave us the call to "Get Living".  And I intend to take this to heart as never before.  Thanks Ryan, for showing us how it's done!

I was working at the high school as a greeter and would see Ryan regularly.  He was always pleasant.  I could tell he had his good days and he had his bad days, and sometimes he didn’t make it to school at all.  But when he did he made us all smile. 

Late that year doctors informed the family that Ryan, then 17, had only a few months to live. He was home under hospice care and died in February, only a few months before his class graduated from high school. 

Ryan had a great attitude through this terrible time.  His family and friends surrounded him with love and support and he was a great example of how a terrible situation doesn’t have to stop us cold.

Then:

I first met the Herzlich family in 2006 when Ethan was in middle school and was playing lacrosse for the first time.  We went to the Herzlich home to pick up the lacrosse equipment and had no idea what we were in for.  We quickly found out that there is nearly as much lacrosse gear as there is football gear, and this family had turned their home into lacrosse central.  The Herzlichs were cornerstones in the development of lacrosse in this area.  Sandy and Barb Herzlich, as well as Mark and Brad, were there getting dozens of little would-be lacrosse players sized and outfitted with pads, sticks and helmets and ready for the season.  Mark was in high school and well known as an outstanding lacrosse player, a super football player and an all around nice guy.

When Mark graduated from Conestoga High School he went to Boston College to play football.  While we are a Virginia Tech family we are also Mark Herzlich fans.  Even when BC was playing Tech we were routing for Tech and Herzlich. 

While in college Mark was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.  I can’t even imagine trying to get through a year of college while fighting cancer.  His passion for football and his life were put on hold while he underwent treatment.  For some time there was a question about whether he would walk again.  But he beat cancer and displayed courage and character while he did it.

Mark has been another example for me of hypomone, remaining steadfast under trials and suffering.  He remained faithful to his passion and his goal and is currently cancer free and enjoying a football career with the NY Giants. 

It is very evident to me the role, in both of these cases,  that family played.  Not only did these brave guys get their awesome spirit from their families, but the families gave their all in support of Ryan and Mark during their illnesses.

I am so pleased and proud to be able to call them all friends. 

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go