Doin’ it for Dad

Sometime after October of last year, an early morning run conversation with Ron, Kerrie & Lisa revolved around the Challenge to Conquer Cancer 2009.  I expressed that I didn’t know if I could commit to it because it was such a huge time commitment…and Ron’s words to me were… “if you wait for the perfect time, it’ll never happen.”  That’s so true.  A short time after that conversation, my dad, a seemingly healthy man with very few medical issues, started having shortness of breath.  Without any blood pressure or cholesterol problems, it seemed weird, but sounded like a heart attack.  We went to the doctor that afternoon…everything looked good, but they sent him to a cardiologist to get to the root of the problem.  The MRI showed a large mass in his abdomen.  Biopsy showed it to be cancerous.  The family was confused as to where it originated.  Doctors kept calling it a fatty tumor…as if it had no origin.  Well, as it turns out fat cells CAN be an origin for cancer.  LIPOSARCOMA is what his cancer was called.  And after undergoing major surgery, they discovered just how big his tumor was…15 lbs and the size of a volleyball!!  Thus began my dad’s battle with a little known cancer, and my commitment to the Challenge to Conquer Cancer.  While I was ramping up to 60-mile rides to Saluda, NC, my dad was undergoing radiation which gave us hope, but eventually showed to have zero effect.  With another tumor that had grown to the size of a football, and blood clots eliminating the possibility of another surgery, my dad started saying his goodbyes and setting things in order for me & my brother.  It still seems unreal, but makes the journey all the more important for Loren & me.  There was no question that we would complete the 2009 Challenge to Conquer Cancer.  First it was to be in honor of Dad.  And after June 7^th 2009…it became a ride in memory of Dad…James McIlravy.  We’re doin’ it for Dad.