Tony was an inspiration to me in how he handled his cancer. His attitude and optimism.
I admire that he worked right up until the end, not allowing that awful disease to rob him of the joy of life.
Impact.
I spent time amongest the cancer forums because a few friends were having issues re: meds and other side effects. The number of times he was mentioned (and without political imput), was truly amazing.
Those who said they had given up and got off meds, or just went home to die were renewed and gave his optimism as the reason. As well on the left, the amount of people with relatives and friends that had cancer, died with cancer, were fighting it or were scared because their diagnosis wasn’t back, realized how pervasive cancer was and how everyone was in it together.
Many shared their experiences, whether as a caretaker, reactions to meds and cocktails, what changes were made, how to deal with nausea, getting another doctor, how to keep your self-esteem and not letting pride bring you down. This was a unifier. Many who lost a loved one got involved with cancer causes and realized their bitterness and melancoly held them back... and the ones they lost wouldn’t want that for them.
The man who sobbed because he just couldn’t go in the room and see his wife like that again, the mother who was faithful, yet wondered if life support was wrong on her child, the son who moved to take care of his dad who couldn’t bear to put him in terminal care, but felt he had no choice. The husband who when his wife passed, had no idea how he would raise four kids alone, and had no help. So much anguish needed some light.
They learned to thank God, make the most of what time they had, their second chance or the time they had with their loved ones. There were lots of tears shed by relatives and caretakers who witnessed the end of lives... and they grieved together. They became a community with a sense of family (when so many are alone these days), and that’s a precious gift.
Two talked of recording when he returned to the press room after treatment as well as when he spoke on it, and rewatching it... to bolster them and remember what was important and move on. Another light in the darkness.
It shows what one life, one positive person can do.
RIP Tony, condolences to his family.
He was a truly sweet, gentle, man.
My father was given a yr. to live in 1965 when first diagnosed with colon cancer. He, and we, were blessed with 20 more years, until he was 62. He also worked up until 6 months before he died, even with a colostomy for his last two years.
My 77 yr. old mother, who lives with me, will be saddened when she hears about Tony (late sleeper she is).
Thoughts and prayers to Tony’s family and friends.