Hello everyone,
I'm Eric, a Certified Elite Trainer and proud two-time cancer survivor. I'm thrilled to be part of this incredible community and here to support you on your fitness journey, no matter where you are starting from.
LIFE CHANGING MOMENT
"I am so sorry to inform you, but your test results confirm you have cancer!"
A single moment can change our lives in ways we cannot imagine. Hearing my doctor give me the diagnosis that I had cancer was a moment in my life that is seared into my memory forever! I was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. I had no idea what to expect or how to cope with the diagnosis. After working through the initial shock, I began to research treatments and lifestyle changes that I could make to help my body fight the cancer. My journey had begun!
FIGHT ONE MORE ROUND!
It was during this time of adjusting to my new reality of having cancer that I heard a pastor teach on the importance of never giving up. He told the story of a man named Gentleman Jim Corbett. On September 7, 1892, Corbett won the World Heavyweight Championship by knocking out John Sullivan in the 21st round. A reporter asked Corbett what it took to become a champion, and his response became my battle cry. Corbett responded:
“Fight one more round. When your feet are so tired that you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round. When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands to come on guard, fight one more round. When your nose is bleeding, your eyes are black, and you are so tired you wish your opponent would crack you one on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round – remembering that the man who always fights one more round is never whipped.”
― James Corbett
After hearing this story, I realized that I had a choice. I could let the fear of the unknown control me, allowing anxiety and uncertainty to dominate my thoughts, or I could take charge of my cancer journey with determination and faith. It was a pivotal moment that required deep introspection and a conscious decision to fight.
I chose to lean on my faith in God, drawing strength from prayer, God's Word (the Bible), and the unwavering belief that I was not alone in this battle. Each day became a new opportunity to rise above the challenges and embrace the fight with renewed vigor.
The concept of "answering the bell" resonated with me deeply. Just like a person facing the rigors of cancer treatment who, despite feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, chooses to endure one more day of therapy, I committed to facing each day with courage and resilience. I decided that no matter how tough things got, I would fight one more round.
This mindset transformed my approach to treatment and recovery. Instead of being overwhelmed by the entire journey, I focused on taking it one day at a time, celebrating small victories, and finding joy in my progress. The support of loved ones, my faith community, and the inner strength I discovered within myself all played crucial roles in this journey.
By choosing to fight one more round every day, I not only battled cancer with determination but also reclaimed my sense of agency and hope. It was a journey marked by perseverance, faith, and the belief that every moment of courage brought me closer to healing.
I hope you can be encouraged by the quote adapted to reflect the treatment challenges: "When your body is so tired that you can barely get out of bed, fight one more day. When your spirits are low, and the treatment side effects are overwhelming, fight one more day. When the road ahead seems endless and filled with obstacles, fight one more day. Keep fighting one more day."