Jeremy Good. Cancer Bad. (Fund)

Three weeks ago, my friend and co-worker went to the hospital for abdominal pain.  Less than 24 hours later, he was diagnosed with metastatic intestinal cancer.  Rather than discuss the medicine behind such a devastating diagnosis, I want to talk about my friend.

I first met Jeremy at a company function 2 years ago where we had a strangely insightful conversation about different handshakes and a shared knack for mad-libs.  With his quirky smile and crazy sense of humor, I was not sure what to make of this new addition to our work family.  Standing at 6’4”, Jeremy certainly is an imposing figure, but it did not take long to realize that he is essentially a teddy bear.  Being the father to two beautiful young girls, he walks the line between goofy and paternal.  He always has a kind word to spare for patients, co-workers and strangers alike.

When diagnosed with metastatic cancer, Jeremy handled the news with the same dignified, calm demeanor I have come to expect from this gentle giant.  Through the resulting surgery, hospital stays, oncology visits and a second major surgery on the way, he has kept his brilliant smile.  Every time he is asked ‘what can I do for you?’  he flashes his grin and says with the utmost sincerity ‘just be happy.’ 

Well, helping a loving husband and father of the two sweetest girls in the world, pay for even a small portion of his medical treatment will make his work family happy.  So there.  Suck it Jeremy!