It has been quite awhile since the last update, and this one comes with the hope to inspire.

Dave and I hit another milestone May 17, reaching 1,000 days cancer-free. Dating back to August 21, 2019, Dave’s most recent bone marrow transplant, the chronicles of his recovery stretched from weight loss to his weight gain. We all anticipated the horrible mucositis recovery because it was key for his survival. We battled the mental part of this game as well, pulling from all of the lessons learned from past victories. We also awaited the long-term affects, which seemed inevitable, as we had been warned that they would. Those unwanted visitors arrived and sat on the opposing team’s bench, just itching to enter the game. One by one, they have stepped to the plate to take their respective hacks.

Dave’s kidneys took the first hit as hours of chemotherapy took a toll. His counts are still stable, but we take great care now in what he eats – or doesn’t eat. Keeping his potassium levels in the recommended range is crucial. He has laser-focus when it comes to how he feels daily, and nothing eludes him. Late last year, something resembling a wipe-out darting slider arrived. Heart issues developed in November. In February, that issue was answered as a stent was placed in the left anterior descending coronary artery. No one told me that blockage in the LAD artery was dubbed the “widow maker.” That was after we touted the procedure as a win for the Tag Team. In fact, we now laugh about the seriousness of that issue because at the time we viewed it as a minor delay in the game.

Just as we were attacking that “pitch,” he was thrown another nasty breaking ball. Dave began to have hearing issues, which stemmed from sinus infections that had plagued him since August, 2021. One infection after the next made his immune system work harder than ever. This led to seeing another specialist, an ENT, and it resulted with tubes in his ears and a balloon sinuplasty. No longer can he remark, “Oh, I didn’t hear you”!

What’s most important is that on the day Dave reached his 1,000th day of being cancer-free, we said good-bye to a dear friend who battled a dangerous, relentless cancer. Tony Pollzzie lost his life after a courageous fight. Like so many of us who support those who are battling cancer, we took this loss personally. It stung our hearts to the very core. It pained me to know that not a single word to Tony’s wife, Theresa, would make it any less painful for her. And as we prayed and hoped to witness yet another miracle, our prayers were answered – just not in the way that we had hoped. What gives us peace is knowing that Tony has found his place in God’s kingdom.

The funeral on May 17 was not only beautiful, it was inspiring. Deacon Mike Stewart approached the family and began to weave a web of understanding for all of us. He reminded us that Anthony J. Pollzzie was a beacon of light in an incessantly cruel world. Tony stayed positive, even in his bleakest moments. His light continues to spread far and wide. Those who were blessed to know him will mirror his actions and words, spoken and unspoken. We all learned from the words of Deacon Mike, “Be light to other people.”

Dave and I were honored to share our very special day with a truly special man. “Be the ‘right’ in what is right about the world” reminds us to be that light. Tony Pollzzie…may you be the reminder to all of us.

Be the light.