When I first heard Rachel Plattens “Fight Song” I would have never thought that would be my story; staying strong as I battled bladder cancer. I was diagnosed in May 2016 and spent 16 weeks going through chemo. The cancer had advanced outside of my bladder and over the Christmas holiday I had major surgery to remove my bladder. This was and is a life changing experience.

I wish this only affected me, but have to realize how much of an impact this has on my family. I have the loving support of my husband of 40 years, unconditional love from my children and grandchildren and lots of prayers from our family near and far. I want to protect them all. By staying strong, keeping a positive attitude and reminding all of them how much I love them I hope my strength will give them strength for the future.

I want to thank all of my family, friends, doctors and nurses who took such wonderful care of me. I’m not out of the woods and from what I have been told by my doctors, my cancer is aggressive and I am at a high risk for coming back. I am praying I am a good candidate to participate in a clinical trial offered at OHSU. I am hoping to return to work in a few months and trying very hard to budget between day to day cost of living and all the medical bills coming in.

This is very hard for me to share as those who know me I am a very private person, but now that I look at each day so differently I want to reach out and help others. Prior to my surgery I was fortunate to donate some time at the Oregon Food Bank. This is something I talked about in the past, but never seemed to have the time. I must confess the experience left me with wanting to help and do more.

I think my message to all of you is PLEASE don’t wait to reach out and help others, donate time or offer kindness. The feeling is truly rewarding. From the research I have done we together CAN make a difference and the world will be a better place.

Thank you in advance for all of your thoughts and prayers,

Pamela Fritz