Friends/Family,
Many of you are aware that Dad has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He underwent emergency surgery six weeks ago to remove a grapefruit size tumor and lymph nodes from his abdomen. He has spent the last six weeks recovering, trying to get stronger, and preparing for the next phase of his battle. This has been tough on him and my Mom as they are dealing with numerous challenges at home including changing wound dressings, working with an ileostomy bag, and Dad’s overall deconditioning. Numerous friends, family, and healthcare providers have helped in their journey thus far and my family could not be more grateful for each and every one of you.
Dad’s next phase of treatment is a six month stent of chemotherapy that will be delivered via port every two weeks. The plan is to start this phase of his journey next Tuesday.
In an effort to help support our parents during this challenging time, my sisters and I have come up with a couple different ways that you can get involved.
1) We are selling T-shirts with all proceeds going towards healthcare costs. Our bigger goal with the T-shirts is to show unity and support from all of dad’s family and friends. The T-shirts will be available for two weeks. Please send to anyone you think may be interested. https://www.customink.com/fundraising/gillespie
2) We have a gofundme page set up to help cover some of the healthcare costs and household maintenance while dad is in recovery. https://www.gofundme.com/gillespiestrong
3) We are challenging all of our family and friends to get involved in the fight against cancer. Over the past five years. Jared has personally seen numerous friends and family members get hit with a cancer diagnosis. Their individual fights have inspired us, but they have also motivated us to do something now. Jared being a physical therapist is always promoting exercise for overall health benefits. There are numerous studies that show the health benefits of exercise during, and after, cancer treatment.
Dad will be fighting everyday to keep his body and mind strong to maximize the effects of his chemotherapy treatment. Our challenge to you is to start your individual fight against cancer NOW. There are also numerous studies that show regular exercise and good nutrition play a huge role in reducing your cancer risk.
Dad will gain more strength and encouragement if he can see that his family and friends are doing everything they can to prevent their own cancer diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed the following guidelines based on the current research.
Recommended levels of physical activity for adults aged 18 - 64 years:
Adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.In adults aged 18–64, physical activity includes leisure time physical activity (for example: walking, dancing, gardening, hiking, swimming), transportation (e.g. walking or cycling), occupational (i.e. work), household chores, play, games, sports or planned exercise, in the context of daily, family, and community activities. In order to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone health, reduce the risk of NCDs and depression:
- Aerobic activity should be performed in bouts of at least 10 minute duration.
- For additional health benefits, adults should increase their moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes per week, or engage in 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.
- Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week.
4) We have set up a website for you to receive updates on dad’s journey. We will also be using this as educational information for our family and friends in regards to exercise and nutrition. Please visit this website at https://sites.google.com/view/gillespiestrong/home
You can also follow us on Instagram for updates/information: @jmanPT; @amberschrage; @wisemanashley; @marcie_72
5) We are encouraging everyone to post pictures of their own physical activity journey on social media using the hashtag #GillespieStrong and #FlexOnCancer. Dad would gain so much encouragement and strength if he saw numerous pictures of his friends and family across the United States partaking in numerous physical activities.
If you are working out, hiking, kayaking, biking, gardening, playing sports, or any other physical activity please post pictures! If you are purchasing a T-shirt please take numerous pictures wearing it for dad. The more pictures we can show him the better his spirits, strength, and recovery.
Thank you all for you support, thoughts, prayers and donations during this time. If you have any questions feel free to contact one of us!