This is a group of unique bloggers sharing their insights on how to "KICK MASS." They will be sharing resources, their own personal stories, and stories of others that "KICK MASS."
Showing posts with label san diego avengers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label san diego avengers. Show all posts
Monday, November 18, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Kick mAss Thriver: Damian del Rio
In 1987, at age 15, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Five weeks of radiation
therapy moved me into remission for 13 years. In 2001 my system relapsed for the 1st
time. It was a huge surprise but after my treatment success in 1987 I was confident my
system would quickly move into remission again. However, in 2003 I received bad news
from my doctor when he called with news of the 2nd relapse. Given the seriousness of
the situation I was treated with a toxic chemotherapy regimen and underwent a stem
cell transplant. Although the process went smoothly my oncologist warned there was
only about a 50% chance the treatment would work. I was frustrated with the prognosis
but understood I needed to make some major decisions on how to spend my time given
the uncertainty of my future. I left work in 2006 after the 3rd relapse and my oncologist
was not optimistic about my prognosis. They searched for recent advancements in
treatment, involved me in experimental trials and gave me more chemotherapy in 2008
to help with keeping tumors from growing too big during my 4th relapse.
As you might expect I was worried about my health but I was also exhausted from the process. I was in a violent battle with cancer but also dealing with divorce, relocation, the anxiety of falling behind in my career, adjusting to disability benefits and unfortunately having to sell my home. It was overwhelming. I wanted to keep busy but struggled with what to do as doctors were telling me my system was not responding to the treatment. Walking in circles, I’d ask myself where had I come from and how did I arrive here. Doctors told me to expect more treatment and not to return to work. I was stuck in neutral without responsibilities, commitments, goals or even a simple purpose. Stuck with nothing to do but wait caused confusion and aggravation I had never been exposed to.
In 2011 I reached out to the San Diego chapter of Stupid Cancer. It took me 10 years to ask for help but once I did I was quickly connected to a network of resources starting with the mAss Kickers Foundation. From there I met amazing people who were going through a similar experience and had so much to share. I learned of many organizations that were established to help people and their families being challenged by cancer. These groups include the LiveStrong Foundation, The Patient’s Advocacy Group, Imerman Angels and others. Within days I was connected to people who helped me emotionally, spiritually and practically. I found a healthcare counselor that assisted me in addressing medical billing and explained Medicare options. Imerman Angeles connected me with a peer mentor who had a similar story and some valuable advice.
I regret not having reached out for help earlier and now want to support Eric in his mission to help patient’s and their families fight stigma associated with cancer and change perceptions. mAss Kickers Foundation has done most of it’s work in the US but is branching out to places that don’t have a local chapter of Stupid Cancer. Susan G. Komen, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society and so many other groups don’t have a strong presence outside the United States. For many cultures the stigma associated with cancer hinders communities in establishing support groups and unfortunately the resources they provide. mAss Kickers Foundation wants to help in changing peoples attitudes. Eric and I want everyone to know that cancer is not always death sentence.
As you might expect I was worried about my health but I was also exhausted from the process. I was in a violent battle with cancer but also dealing with divorce, relocation, the anxiety of falling behind in my career, adjusting to disability benefits and unfortunately having to sell my home. It was overwhelming. I wanted to keep busy but struggled with what to do as doctors were telling me my system was not responding to the treatment. Walking in circles, I’d ask myself where had I come from and how did I arrive here. Doctors told me to expect more treatment and not to return to work. I was stuck in neutral without responsibilities, commitments, goals or even a simple purpose. Stuck with nothing to do but wait caused confusion and aggravation I had never been exposed to.
In 2011 I reached out to the San Diego chapter of Stupid Cancer. It took me 10 years to ask for help but once I did I was quickly connected to a network of resources starting with the mAss Kickers Foundation. From there I met amazing people who were going through a similar experience and had so much to share. I learned of many organizations that were established to help people and their families being challenged by cancer. These groups include the LiveStrong Foundation, The Patient’s Advocacy Group, Imerman Angels and others. Within days I was connected to people who helped me emotionally, spiritually and practically. I found a healthcare counselor that assisted me in addressing medical billing and explained Medicare options. Imerman Angeles connected me with a peer mentor who had a similar story and some valuable advice.
I regret not having reached out for help earlier and now want to support Eric in his mission to help patient’s and their families fight stigma associated with cancer and change perceptions. mAss Kickers Foundation has done most of it’s work in the US but is branching out to places that don’t have a local chapter of Stupid Cancer. Susan G. Komen, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society and so many other groups don’t have a strong presence outside the United States. For many cultures the stigma associated with cancer hinders communities in establishing support groups and unfortunately the resources they provide. mAss Kickers Foundation wants to help in changing peoples attitudes. Eric and I want everyone to know that cancer is not always death sentence.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Survivors & S'mores
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| The original mAss Kicker himself |
San Diego - Mission Beach - May 25, 2012
What do you get when you combine an evening of sand, Survivors & s'mores? The 1st Annual YACS* Bonfire & Soiree, of course!
Our Soiree came complete with an amazing all-star lineup of cancer rockstars! Not only were we lucky enough to have Jenna Catalona from First Descents in town with the FD Mobile, but Eric Galvez, founder of mAss Kickers Foundation, Brandon Bethea, founder of Fin Forward, Amanda Hitt, founder of IAP4P & Trevor Jones, founder of Flex Watches all shared in the Survivor love... not to mention an eclectic group of Survivors, caregivers & advocates representing various Survivor organizations such as Stupid Cancer, LLS, Relay For Life, Keep A Breast & Young Survival Coalition.
Some of us have known each other for years, while some of us were meeting for the first time that night. Either way, regardless of our unique backgrounds, diagnoses or personal connections to cancer, we all came together to make friends, spread awareness & enjoy yet another successful San Diego Survivor event!
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| A beautiful Survivor sunset |
Check out the First Decents | Flex Watches video from the event!
* YACS = Young Adult Cancer Survivors :)
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