29 Years ago today, on December 12, 1990, Mark Everett Kelly was diagnosed with Stage IV Rhabdomyosarcoma.
The day of December 12 will never be just another day in my life. It hasn't been a typical day since 1990.
DECEMBER 12, 1990.
Twenty-nine years ago, I was on my way to Sloan Kettering at this time. I had no idea what my future was going to hold. I had been diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer that was supposed to end my life in six months.
I've always had hope things would work out in my life, but that was the first day I had no idea what would happen. Hope did not exist upon seeing all the children without hair, walking with their IV polls and parents that looked like zombies.
Since that day, 28 different December 12ths have come and gone. Some have been joyful, some not as joyful, but none of them have ever been as hopeless as that day.
I spend that evening in tears with my mother by my side. I promised that if I ever got another chance to be healthy that I would make right. I would never take for granted the blessing of health.
I wish I could say I have, however with health also comes different priorities about what one needs to do to survive. I finished my book on my experiences during treatment so I could encourage those who face similar difficulties.
DECEMBER 12, 2019
I am facing a different fight this December 12. A fight that now sees the effects of what happened back then still plays a significant role in what my future holds.
I wake up every day, praying that I will accomplish the things I have given the last two years of my life. I no longer have a wife that provides for me. I chose to walk away from that.
I've accepted my mistakes and sought forgiveness to all I hurt. Now I am standing behind the choice that God will provide for me despite my limits. God will see my effort and put people in my life that see something special. Special enough to join with me in my future.
I started this blog to represent those who find themselves suffering from the side effects of cancer treatment — those who can no longer work and who do not know if they will be ok. I might not be ok. I might never achieve the goals I have set. However, my heart will never change, and neither will my belief that none of us are perfect. None of us, if looked at close enough, would be able to withstand criticism for some of the choices they have made.
MY SCARS TELL A STORY
If you wish to purchase a copy, please email Mark at CKMagicSports@gmail.com. The publisher continues to charge too much, and the purpose of the book was so others could be inspired by it, not overpay. As Mark puts it, "I didn't write "War & Peace."
Mark no longer is accepting any earnings from the publisher due to this unfortunate decision by Dorrance. Whatever copies Mark has left, he will send to whoever wants one.
Click on the photo to view “The Morning Boys”