High Spirits

I may sound like a broken record, but we are thrilled with Kevin’s positive attitude this week. Many people have told us that when it comes to beating cancer, the patient’s attitude is one of the most important things. Of course, the patient needs a good medical treatment—radiation, chemo, etc. After that, we’ve been told over and over that three things are essential for a patient’s recovery. It helps if the patient was strong and healthy before the cancer, if they have a strong support network and if they have a positive and optimistic attitude.

Kevin has the first two requirements covered. He was playing water polo at Colgate up until his first hospitalization. Also, you all are an amazing support network, and you'll have an even stronger effect as Kevin gets better and feels up to seeing more people. Previously, his attitude has been the weakest of those three requirements; he is normally a pessimistic person. However, his spirits have been very high lately. He knows he’s getting better, he knows he has to work to improve even more and he actually wants to do exercises to ensure his progress. In fact, he wants to do exercises almost every waking moment! One of his favorites is grabbing a foam pool noodle and whacking everyone within reach. We'll endure the poundings if it helps his coordination and strength! We’re ecstatic that Kevin’s attitude is so good, because he'll need it to make it through months of physical, occupational and speech therapy to work towards recovery.