Riley’s dad Dave, following chemo, radiation and Whipple surgical procedure.
Editor’s Be aware: Riley Cherkes misplaced her dad, Dave, in 2020 after a prognosis of stage IV pancreatic most cancers in 2018. Riley discovered PanCAN when he was recognized, trying to find every little thing she might probably discover about pancreatic most cancers, how sufferers and households coped, and what sources had been accessible to assist him battle. This 12 months, Riley created a Tribute Web page in honor of her dad.
“I used to be impressed to create this tribute as a result of my dad left an indelible mark on everybody he met in his life,” Riley stated. “I wished to share just a little bit in regards to the energy and keenness I witnessed in him that made me query the phrase ’he misplaced his battle with most cancers,’ because it simply didn’t do his reminiscence justice.”
Right here, Riley displays on her dad’s journey and her loss.
“I hope another person will relate to it and it’ll remind them to maintain energy, religion and hope throughout such attempting instances.”
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I hate when individuals use the phrase “he misplaced his battle with most cancers,” as if he was defeated by one thing seemingly better than him. There isn’t a world the place most cancers deserves to be credited with victory. I’ve realized the laborious manner that with most cancers, there isn’t any enjoying truthful, no even enjoying area, no worthy opponent.
Riley and her dad.
My father’s most cancers was aggressive, cruel, depraved and merciless… as most circumstances of stage IV pancreatic most cancers are. It subjected him and our household to unimaginable challenges. However even on his hardest days, on the times when the chemo had fully depleted his vitality, my dad was nonetheless stronger.
He fought tirelessly, by no means looking for particular therapy or pity from anybody. He refused to let his illness outline him, to permit unhealthy days to uninteresting his spirit, or to utter the phrases “I can’t.” As an alternative, he confronted every day with unwavering braveness, religion in himself and God, and that very same humorousness we adored in him a lot. He made no complaints, and he made no excuses.
It’s due to this profound expression of energy and resilience that I refuse to provide most cancers any extra energy or recognition. I reject the notion of “dropping” when describing the top of my father’s extraordinary two-year battle in opposition to such an evil adversary.
A whole lot of supporters attended the Annual Dave Cherkes Memorial Golf Match.
Most cancers has taken a lot from me. However I received’t let it take the reminiscence I’ve of how laborious my dad fought day in and day trip to remain current in our lives. I received’t let it diminish the deep sense of pleasure I’ve in figuring out that my dad by no means gave most cancers the satisfaction of succumbing to concern or weak spot.
I’ll have misplaced my dad, however my dad by no means “misplaced” to most cancers. Irrespective of how laborious it tried, it couldn’t break him. Most cancers was no match for the warrior within him. Even after every little thing, I nonetheless consider that within the battle between good vs evil, goodness will at all times prevail.
After a heroic battle, my dad can lastly relaxation now and resides in paradise… and for that he is aware of no losses.
A Tribute Page is a significant manner for family and friends to honor, bear in mind and have a good time the lifetime of your beloved. Sharing their story and your reminiscences could make a profound distinction within the lives of so many touched by this illness.
