Why CancerMan?

For the past year and a half, I have contemplated blogging in some capacity. I've always loved to write, and I thought the consistency of maintaining a blog would help blow the dust off my quasi-eroding skills. My only problem: I simply could not find a voice.

More than anything, I did not want to be yet another pedantic PR guy writing about social media. That space is more than covered. I could -- and probably will -- write an extended posting on my feelings regarding that topic. My love for endurance sports? More interesting to me on a personal level, yes, but hard to write about without sounding overly egotistical. But -- getting closer.

And then along came the events of the past year.

On April 19, 2006, a day which will forever define me, I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. More on this -- much more -- coming soon. Subject wise, well, now we're closer to a subject. Problem was, a confluence of events - mostly due to work -- precluded me from dedicating the time necessary to really commit to a blog.

And then came along the events of this week. A big kick in the ass which has left me feeling for the first time as if my back is against the wall. And so, the time has come to put pen to paper (so to speak).

So, why CancerMan?

Aside from the fact that I find it a fairly arresting title, it succincly captures what defines me. I'm not certain if I've spent the past year with my head in the sand, or if I've been a tad cavalier about my particular form of cancer, but I'm starting to learn, that my life is defined, in order, as a husband, father - and by the fact that I am a Survivor. And I am starting to understand that it's my responsibility to start getting a bit more militant about my role as the latter. But my story doesn't start and end (!) with cancer.

I am also an Ironman.

The famous announcer Mike Reilly declared me such in one of the greatest moments of my life (short of my wedding day and the birth of my children): August 15, 1999 - the day I completed Ironman Lake Placid.

These past few days, I've come to realize that in order for me to deal with what's in store for the 12-18 months -- my next phase of treatments - I'm going to have to rely heavily on lessons I've learned through Ironman and sundry other endurance events.

And so is born CancerMan.

Which isn't to say I won't touch on other topics. Work will invariably be part of the discussion, though I emphasize again and emphatically that this is not a PR blog, nor is it in any way affiliated or associated with the views of Ruder-Finn. The views contained herein are mine, and mine alone.

In July, you can expect more discussion than you'd ever care about my favorite sporting event -- the Tour de France. I hope to review new music. In September, I'll wax poetic about the upcoming Michigan football season. I hope to devote October to my beloved New York Yankees.

But at the end of the day -- CancerMan is designed to chronicle the travails of someone who is going through the trials and tribulations of cancer. I hope it presents a record in which my childen can one day take pride in their dad. I'm not certain where it's going to go, but I suspect it will be an interesting ride. Thanks for joining.