Greenwood Cancer Survivor Chooses to Love his Cancer Away

by | Jun 24, 2016

This post sponsored by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

“I realized this tumor and disease is part of me, likely forever. I chose not to fight my cancer but love it away.” Brian Tracy – Greenwood resident

“I realized this tumor and disease is part of me, likely forever. I chose not to fight my cancer but love it away.” Brian Tracy – Greenwood resident

Brian Tracy has every reason to be bitter and angry. The Greenwood man got brain cancer last year, when his wife was three months pregnant with their first child. Doctors told him he had an inoperable brain tumor. “We intentionally set the message of love and positivity and asked our family and friends to support us with that energy, while leaving fear and hate at the door,” said Brian.

Brian-family-beach-resized

Brian says loving the cancer doesn’t mean he forgoes treatment; it just means he stays positive, even when things are difficult. He’s completing a year of treatment and takes one day at a time, but he says the prognosis looks good. “I reflect on the past year and I am filled with gratitude,” said Brian. “Gratitude for my most amazing and strong wife, and for the gift of our incredible daughter Rosemary. I am even grateful to my tumor and disease itself, which has taught me about life and love in profound ways.”

Brian’s “Be Positive” motto inspired his friends, and prompted co-workers to create a t-shirt. A smiling Brian wearing shades with the motto “Be Positive” is on the front of the shirt. They’ve sold 850 shirts as part of a fundraiser, raising $14,400 for Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, one of Fred Hutch’s partners.

This summer, the Greenwood father is setting his sights on the 25-mile route at Obliteride, a bike ride to raise money for Fred Hutch. “I am doing Obliteride because my life may depend on it someday,” said Brian. “Fred Hutch does incredible research right here in Seattle. I see a long life ahead of me, but having more tools to treat cancer may help save me and many others in the future.”

Obliteride

Obliteride has raised nearly $7 million for life-saving cancer research in just three years. Every dollar riders fundraise goes directly to Fred Hutch.

“These funds are vital to our work toward cancer cures,” said Dr. Gary Gilliland, president and director of Fred Hutch. “There’s a very real urgency now as we are on the verge of breakthroughs. For example, our scientists have seen extraordinary success using a patient’s own immune cells to make cancer literally vanish, even in patients with the most advanced stages of disease. It’s unprecedented. Fundraising efforts like Obliteride help us cure cancer faster.”

The need for cures is urgent and the facts are scary. One out of three women and half of all men will be diagnosed with cancer. This year, nearly 70,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in the Northwest alone.

Join Obliteride – the movement to cure cancer faster

Obliteride has routes for everyone from rookies to road warriors. Riders are treated to a first-class event including fun parties, live entertainment and fantastic food from Tom Douglas Catering.

To be part of this exciting event on Aug. 14, 2016, sign up to ride 10-165 miles or volunteer at obliteride.org.

If you would like to donate to Brian’s ride, go to his personal fundraising page.

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