A Blue Print for Cancer Survivorship
If you pop in to see Steve at his wood shop, chances are he is ripping cuts with a table saw, while slinging a grin, with a tape measure peeping from his pocket. You wouldn’t know that hiding under his work shirt is a feeding tube, surgery scars, and a thickened esophagus due to radiation. Dealing with cancer treatment and side effects has been no walk in the woods for this self-made carpenter of 28 years. Yet, he is committed to this life project.
Last April, Steve pops into my office, and his scratchy and whispering voice shares updates on infections, fatigue and frustrations. He has applied to trek on the Appalachian Trail with Above + Beyond Cancer’s next transformational journey team, and we need to set a plan, while he is healing, juggling medical appointments, and running saws.
Steve, once a shy Iowa town kid with two sisters, became an extroverted spouse of 33 years and raised two daughters. As a curious kid and lover of building things, due to his favorite neighborhood mentor, he found a student seat at DMACC, then an apprenticeship. A workaholic, Steve and his business was showcased on the TV show, Extreme Makeover, and then commissioned to refurbish the Governor’s Mansion in Des Moines, Terrace Hill. Now he focuses on the art of rebuilding and redesigning his life after a cancer diagnosis.
Steve describes achieving entrepreneurial success as organized chaos — just like dealing with cancer. Both require a blueprint of teamwork, resiliency, open communication, and fun, despite the challenges. “You got this,” he often says to himself.
After chemo and with encouragement from his nurse, Steve tries Above + Beyond Cancer’s indoor cycle class, and admits, “I was scared and yet I was floored with the positive community bond.” After that first time he rarely missed a class. Biking became a newfound passion, giving him a feeling of being“satisfied and accomplished. … The worst thing for me is to sit and worry, and when I’m on my bike or in the shop my mind is staying positive.”
For months Steve endures annoying setbacks, nerve-racking scans, and dilation surgeries. “It is overwhelming and scary, because you don’t always know what’s coming.” He keeps walking his puppy. And he joins Above + Beyond Cancer’s Cycle Club, and begins training with the Appalachian Team and tries to organize the chaos. In May, he musters 6 miles on his bike. By end of July, he cycles a personal record of 60 miles. Then, in September, he scrambles to the summit of the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail, Mt. Katahdin in Maine, with his Above + Beyond Cancer friends.
“I feel the best I have felt in years, and now I want to give back,” Steve says with a stronger voice than last spring. He is determined to find something positive from this journey. “I have met so many great people that really care about one another. I feel like I’m thriving. My energy is back. I have another chance.”
Now when you pop into Steve’s wood shop, you may find him crafting projects to raise money for Above + Beyond Cancer. “Being a survivor means hope, maintaining a positive attitude, better habits, and paying it forward with a smile.” Steve, inspired by customers who encouraged him, realizes a deeper level of friendship and authenticity.
What is Steve’s blueprint? “The friendships and camaraderie have helped me, but you gotta want to do it. It can be your wake-up call. Go get involved. The more I became involved with Above + Beyond Cancer, the happier I became. It was another tool in my toolbox.”
“You got this.”
written by Mary Van Heukelom:
I am the Program Director and Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer for Above + Beyond Cancer, a non-profit that provides free programs to support the Optimal Health for cancer survivors, caregivers, their family, friends, and community. These programs include yoga, mindfulness, reiki, aquatics, wellness coaching, sound healing, cooking classes, book club, cycle club, Kinstretch, Urban Pole Walking, Recovery + Beyond, and a Total Training Class for Cancer Survivors. To learn more and how to get involved visit our website or email mary@aboveandbeyondcancer.org