Lung Cancer in South Carolina...

  • will be diagnosed in approximately 3,900 SC citizens in 2011.
  • will tragically take the lives of approximately 2,910 South Carolinians in 2011, as well.
  • is grossly underfunded, unidentified, and stigmatized.
  • is ravaging and must be cured.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Tom Glassey loses brave battle with cancer

Born in Castletown in 1953, Tom lost his sight as a baby after he contracted cancer in one eye — the cancer also threatened his other eye.

Diagnosed with lung cancer just over a year ago, an instinctive writer, he chartered his battle in a blog that was aimed at persuading smokers to give up the habit that caused his own condition.

The blog was read by tens of thousands of people around the world and recommended by doctors to their cancer patients. Relentlessly upbeat, philosophical and humorous, his words led readers on a journey that was, despite everything, an inspiration.

In this month's issue he described embarking on the second round of chemotherapy treatment and wrote: "I know that some of you may feel that you are in a hopeless situation right now. I know what that feels like, I have been there."

"To be without hope is to have nothing. Yet no matter how damn hopeless life appears, the door can open at any time and you simply have no control of who might pass through it."

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Tom was one of my dearest friends along with his wife Barbara. I visited them twice thru his cancer treatments, the first time when they got the news, what a day that was. It's been one of the most valuable experiences of my life to have joined them daily on their journey, I've learned so much and rather than despair, it's increased my faith. I so miss his daily emails in my inbox but his words live on for myself and many others. Tom lives here amongst us in our hearts, forever. Barbara continues her blog and it's just as interesting to look into her feelings and how she is coping with the physical loss of her true soul-mate. They had a mission it seems and it goes on. There is always hope when we set our eyes on a further goal than the one we see here on Earth. Cheryl, Camas, WA USA

Suggested Blogs

Kick Butts Today!