Love is What I Got

I don't know what's around the corner with my health. I do know I would NEVER have gotten this far, not even close, without the amazing support Kori and I have received over the past few years.

Battling cancer is a team effort and it starts with family. We’re not perfect. Cancer has a way of breaking even the strongest of spirits, but for the most part I got pretty damn lucky.

My mom couldn’t be more loving and I appreciate her patiently helping me think through every option of terrifying scenarios. She speaks her mind while still supporting me no matter what - even if I’m taking a leap of faith, like when I took a year off conventional medicine to focus on holistic healing. When doubts or new fears creep up, I know I can call her to calm me down and keep things in perspective. You need someone like that.

I discussed my dad being a man of action over words and how amazing he was getting me through chemotherapy. And Jaime, my younger sister, has been a rockstar every step of the way. Whether caring for me while I recovered from surgery or providing company on the rough days…. She has such a chill vibe that quickly puts me at ease.

I also hit the jackpot with extended family. Aunts, Uncles, cousins and in-laws who check in as much as possible, always reminding Kori and I we're not alone. It really does make a difference. My mother-in-law was a life saver after hip surgery when my spirits were at an all time low. She stayed with us for a week, taking on cooking, cleaning and coached me back to sanity with her calming wisdom.

Then there’s the Stuytown Six (in the running for Marvel’s next franchise)… By some miracle, it worked out that my sister, both brother-in-laws and sister-in-law all live in the same development in Manhattan. It’s harder for me to get around as much these days, so having people I love nearby is quite a luxury. Time and time again they’ve been there for us when Kori and I find ourselves in a bind.

Behind the scenes, one of Kori's best friends, Skye (to the right), is the the glue that holds it all together. She plays the dual rule of therapist/ best friend, checking in with Kori every single day and providing a crucial outlet for panic attacks and venting that's too sensitive for Kori and I to engage in directly. Basically, Skye takes care of Kori so she can take care of me.

Across the board, my friends have been rock solid. They took time off of work to essentially babysit me during the dog days of chemo, generously spoiled me with gifts to keep my spirits up, and continue to meet for a juice or lunch - always generously accommodating my uber healthy diet. When I was in bad shape and struggling with loneliness over the summer, my core group of college friends demanded, not asked, to come over every week. We'd meet up for live music or catch whatever game is on that night- still do as much as we can and seeing them brings me a ton of joy each time.

I'm also grateful for the loyalty of my employer Robert Half and all the coworkers who have had my back 100% throughout everything. I love hearing from them and being on medical leave leaves one less thing to worry about so I can commit fully to healing.

And of course, there's my furry side kick, Penny Lane, who showers me with love and keeps my mind sharp around the apartment.

Please know - to every single person who's been reaching out, following the blog and who contributed financially to support me in 2016, my mind is still blown. Your love and support is appreciated more than I can ever express. One of my biggest stresses is not being able to reciprocate properly, something I am still working on every day.

Thank you ALWAYS!
-Steve