Alexandria, VA – Anthony’s Story
Not too long ago, I had a heart to heart with my co-worker and good friend, Walter. After commenting about how exhausted he looked, he revealed that his family was dealing with an unexpected crisis. I could see the worry on his face. I could sense the fear of uncertainty in his voice as he confessed that his younger brother, Anthony, 22, has been fighting an aggressive form of skin cancer since last August. The cancer came back a few weeks ago with a vengeance putting Anthony’s young life in serious jeopardy.
We sat there in silence as I processed the news. Both of us perplexed with a measure of disbelief lingering in the air. They were just kids not too long ago; big time gamers staying up all night playing FIFA. They shared a room and would talk nonstop until they fell asleep; Third Eye Blind playing in the background. They were not only brothers, but best friends, each other’s thunder buddy. How did a Bangladeshi young adult with olive skin and no particular affinity for sunning get skin cancer?
The disclosure was troublesome; the emotional roller coaster taking its toll. Walter admitted with reluctance how difficult it is to watch his brother struggle through the radiation treatments and its side effects. I completely connected with Walter’s struggle recalling my feelings of helplessness and fear as I watched my dad battle through his cancer.
One of the toughest things to endure is witnessing the physical decline. Before cancer, Anthony was a gregarious individual with an adventurous spirit. He was a dancer and performer competing in many competitions with his dance group. He loved soccer and was great at it too, a natural athlete. Now, Anthony is mostly confined to his bed fighting the cancer like a warrior. Though his passions are on hold, his resolve to beat this disease perseveres.
Walter created a fund raising page on YouCaring to help pay for medical expenses. I donated because I was touched by the rarity of Anthony’s story and our similar childhood. Anthony could be my brother! As kids, my brother and I used to share a room and like Walter and Anthony, we would stay up all night playing Nintendo, Zelda being our favorite. Maybe you had a similar childhood too?
I hope you will take time to read Anthony’s story and consider donating. No skin tone is immune to the disease. Reggae legend, Bob Marley, died at 36 from malignant melanoma.
Walter and his family remain hopeful and faithful, their Roman Catholic faith strong. Please keep Anthony in your prayers. He’s looking forward to going back to college. He’d also like to go sky diving and swimming with the sharks. Walter will accompany his brother on these adventures despite not being an avid adrenaline junkie. 😉
Carpe diem! 🙂
Lizzy’s Latest for this week is the BCBGeneration Caliko Suede Strappy Pumps. I will give my review of these pumps on Wednesday. For now, enjoy the pictures! 🙂
February 8, 2016 @ 8:22 pm
That’s so touching, Lizzy. You’re such a kind heart. I’ll keep Anthony in my prayers and I’m sure he will be fine. 🙂
Loving those strappy pumps. You look gorgeous as always. Xo. 🙂
February 9, 2016 @ 2:02 pm
Hi Kavya! Thank you for stopping by and reading this post. It was a difficult post to write. Anthony has an uphill battle so I appreciate you keeping him in your prayers. I know he finds strength in knowing so many people are praying for him, even people he doesn’t know.
AND…thank you for the compliments! I can’t stop saying how comfortable these pumps are! A heel that is comfortable and sexy is a winner in my fashion book. 😉 Hope you’re having a wonderful week! 🙂
February 9, 2016 @ 1:22 am
Thunder buddy’s never leave us. Thunder buddy forever!!
February 9, 2016 @ 1:46 pm
Ain’t that the truth, Bill! 🙂
February 9, 2016 @ 4:20 am
How fitting that the story of these brothers battling cancer is pair with lovely pictures of you in a park that just a few days later was the sight of a young couple’s wedding that took place in spite of a crippling blizzard. http://www.fox5dc.com/news/80053434-story
It goes to show, nature can be very very ugly, but it’s no match for the love shared between brothers. Nor can it stand in the way of the love between a man and a woman pledged to each other unto death
February 9, 2016 @ 1:44 pm
Thank you, Dad! No matter how ugly nature may get, God’s love will always prevail.
February 11, 2016 @ 3:38 am
That’s so unfortunate. I’ve donated to the cause. Tell Walter that I’ll keep his brother and family in my prayers!
February 11, 2016 @ 4:31 pm
Nate the Great! Thank you! I will tell Walter he and his family are in your prayers, but I’m certain he would love to hear from you too. 🙂 Thank you also for the donation! Walter is pretty humbled at the positive reaction from everyone. Anthony finished radiation and is now on these 2 super powerful meds. Walter will be back in Chicago to be with his family on the 16th when the doctors will reveal whether the meds are working. We’re all praying they are working because he won’t have very many options otherwise. :-/