The following is a patient spotlight testimonial written by Matt Stemley, an Exercise Oncology Instructor at Maple Tree, about one of his inspiring patients at Maple Tree:
Cancer is ruthless….it has no emotion…it doesn’t care how you feel on any given day. Those affected by cancer may feel robbed of the things they used to do and as a consequence they may feel like a shadow of the person they used to be.
Today we share with you the story of our patient Greg, who was affected by tumors on his brain, kidneys, spine, hips and lungs. At one point Greg tells us that he is pretty sure that the doctors thought he was dead.
Greg’s story moved us. And we think it will move you, too.
It all started with a tumor in 2009, followed by a re-occurrence in 2015.
Greg has been fighting ever since.
Greg’s treatment plan included chemotherapy, radiation, and numerous surgeries.
At one point, Greg lost most of his eye sight, balance, and the use of his right arm. As a result, he no longer had the ability to golf or play the guitar – two of his favorite hobbies.
Yet, Greg’s story does not end here!
Greg fought to make everything in his life the best it could be – no matter what his circumstances.
“The best thing I can do is understand that I need to change the way I take care of myself…eating well, exercising…those kinds of things are all very important to me”(Greg).
It was this desire to fight for the best in his life that brought Greg to Maple Tree.
Initially, Greg told us that his goals included being able to drive again, play the guitar again, and golf again. He also wanted to be an active influence in the lives of his grandchildren.
Through hard work and perseverance, Greg has miraculously been able to achieve these goals! It has been a long road, but one that has inspired us all to make the most of the time we have been given on this earth.
“The reality is that I know/have learned that when God takes us there is no choice in the matter…I do not know whether it will be today, tomorrow or 10 years from now…all I do know is that God expects me to do what He wants me to do all through that time. So I can say that I have cancer all day long but it doesn’t matter as long as I am still who He asked me to be. So that is why I have learned to do the best with what I have today” (Greg).
We understand that cancer is a rough journey, and pray that Greg’s story will help you find motivation to empower yourself through exercise and sound nutrition. You are capable of amazing things!