He knew from the start that it was going to be a fight to the death. Last May, after suffering with a persistent cold for two months, Patrick Connor, the 40-year-old Vice President of Rental Product Sales for Warner Brothers Home Video, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), and his life was changed forever.

Non-Hodgkins' Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Lymph Nodes are part of everyone's immune system. These small, bean shaped organs' primary function is the production of B (cells) lymphocytes and T (cells) Lymphocytes, which help protect the body from infections and disease. Given that the lymphatic system services the entire body, cancer of the Lymph Nodes can spread rapidly throughout the body. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is among the top ten most common cancers in the United States, and it is estimated that nearly 55,000 people will be diagnosed with NHL this year alone.

Patrick's cancer was classified as Stage 4, on a scale of 1 to 4. Stage 4 means the cancer is widespread, and indeed Patrick's cancer had spread from his Lymph Nodes and into his bone marrow as well. Over the next several months, Patrick was to undergo surgery to remove his infected Lymph Nodes and months of Chemotherapy treatments. During his treatments Patrick experienced many of the side effects brought on by Chemotherapy. These include nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite and hair loss. He is quick to point out that, "Chemo is all it's cracked up to be." But through all the throwing up, mind numbing headaches, and the constant stress of living with cancer, Patrick was able to maintain his work schedule and his exercise schedule. In fact, Patrick maintained as normal a life, both personal and professional, as he possibly could. "It is critical [for my recovery] to maintain life as usual...It is critical to stay in the moment, listen to my body. I work every day form 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. I train (exercise) 4 days a week. I have no room or negative images, negative thoughts or doubt - only total positive energy and faith."

The combination of medical treatments, Patrick's attitude and fitness regimen, seems to have paid off. On October 13th (Friday the 13th no less), six months after being diagnosed, Patrick learned that a CT scan, a Gallium scan and a bone marrow biopsy showed that his body was 100% clear of cancer. Although the doctors are saying the cancer is in remission, Patrick prefers to say, "cured." "....it is critical to maintain the positive and constructive attitude that nothing can live in my world or body without my permission."

Is Patrick "cured" as he says? His doctors say that Lymphoma does have a history of returning and/or the body may produce a second form of cancer. But Patrick prefers the more optimistic outlook. Although he will continue with immunotherapy treatments for the next two years, he will also continue to live his life in the moment. In December he plans to drive at 140 miles per hour at the NASCAR driving school in Las Vegas, in March he competes in the South African Ironman competition, and the California Ironman in May. He will also be working hard with the STOP CANCER Foundation to raise funds for cancer research. "Having battled cancer I now understand the determination that cancer survivors have to wipe cancer from the face of the earth."

In the end Patrick views his ordeal as a life expanding experience. "I couldn't imagine my life without this year. This year has helped me grow and perfect my soul. I am grateful for this experience. I know my life will never be "normal" again...and thank God for that, eh?"

To find out how you can help fight cancer please contact Stop Cancer at:

STOP CANCER
10960 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 350
Los Angeles, CA 90024-3702