Joe Stobaugh

Survivorship is a strange experience. I can’t remember where I read this but it feels cogent to my journey: when you receive a cancer diagnosis your medical team acts like a fire department. There is a fire in your body and they come screaming to the rescue and they attempt to put the fire out. And, if they are successful, they put the fire out and mostly head back to firehouse and you are left with the remains of your burnt out body and it’s up to you to clean it up and figure out how to rebuild it pretty much on your own. No one really prepares you for the survivorship part, which is filled with big emotions and a lot of fatigue. It’s been quite a journey of the body, mind, spirit, and soul. Even though I am so thankful for the amazing medical professionals who continue to help me on this journey and I am grateful to be alive, there are many days when I have to remind myself of the fortunate cookie fortune I received at lunch today! Such auspicious timing! Thank you for all the ways you’ve prayed for and supported my family and me. We wouldn’t be here without you!

What a blessing to be surrounded by so many amazing mom’s! Happy Mother’s Day, Sally Lawrence Stobaugh, Becki Williams Veal, and Sarah Veal Stobaugh. You are so amazing and I am so thankful for each you: thank you for the many ways you love so well and bring such beauty and joy to so many lives!

Round 2, Game 2: Let’s go!!!