Stories of Relay
Cancer survivor shares his story
Carly McFerren
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: News
At the luminary ceremony, a service held outside of Eisenhower Campus Center to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer and those currently struggling with it, Stussy spoke.
"I'll be 11 years this July," said Stussy, referring to the number of years he has been a cancer survivor.
When he was 10 years old, Stussy was diagnosed with pinealgerminoma, or brain cancer.
Stussy was admitted to several different children's hospitals and received radiation treatment.
Doctors were able to save Stussy's life with minimal lasting damage, although some things continue to be challenging for him. He says that he asks himself, "What good would it be if I was smarter and dead?"
Stussy says that for him, cancer served as a wake-up call. "It's not about you anymore; it's about helping this world that God created," he explained.
Stussy also says that the ACS helped his grandmother. He says he knows how important the help of others is to someone struggling with cancer.
"When it comes to stuff like this, I don't go half way," Stussy said.
Many participants have experienced cancer through someone else's struggle and relay in remembrance of them.
"Listen," Stussy tells himself when faced with challenges, whether it be polar bear swims or relaying. "You've been through cancer, you can do this."
"I'll be 11 years this July," said Stussy, referring to the number of years he has been a cancer survivor.
When he was 10 years old, Stussy was diagnosed with pinealgerminoma, or brain cancer.
Stussy was admitted to several different children's hospitals and received radiation treatment.
Doctors were able to save Stussy's life with minimal lasting damage, although some things continue to be challenging for him. He says that he asks himself, "What good would it be if I was smarter and dead?"
Stussy says that for him, cancer served as a wake-up call. "It's not about you anymore; it's about helping this world that God created," he explained.
Stussy also says that the ACS helped his grandmother. He says he knows how important the help of others is to someone struggling with cancer.
"When it comes to stuff like this, I don't go half way," Stussy said.
Many participants have experienced cancer through someone else's struggle and relay in remembrance of them.
"Listen," Stussy tells himself when faced with challenges, whether it be polar bear swims or relaying. "You've been through cancer, you can do this."
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