Chris' Cancer Causing Construction

[chull13]

Hey guys and Gals! Most of y'all don't know me but I was fairly active from 2007 to 2009. I had to get out due to moving and a growing family. It was supposed to be somewhat of a short break but even though I have kept my ARC membership and visited the website every day since then, it has never been the "right time" to get back in.

Well in June, at 32 years of age, i was diagnosed with testicular cancer and have been fighting to beat it ever since. If all goes as planned, i should have roughly 4 more weeks of chemo and then should be in remission. With surgical recoveries and hours laying in a chemo infusion room ive had lots of time to think over the past few months and even though this may be the most In-opportune time to get back in because of medical bills and such my desire is going to win this time. I WANT A REEF TANK AGAIN DANG IT!! I guess cancer has given me a new perspective on some things. I dont play the lottery so like most people I will probably never have tons of disposable income so I can't keep waiting for the "right time" financially to get back in.

I will give more details soon about plans but I'm thinking of converting a 40 breeder to a DIY AIO. 24x18x16 display and 12x18x16 sump area on one side.

That's it for now. Oh, by the way, it's gonna be slow (if any)progress at fist cause I have to finish whoopin' this cancer!!

 

[jdavid]

Hey Chris. Welcome back!

Name is Josh Stowe, and I'd be happy to help! I don't make it out to cumming often, but I do have some friends in the area. Love the attitude man. Keep kicking cancer ***!

If I can't arrange it to be waiting for pickup at petco in Cumming (I have friends there, some who were hired at that store by my brother) over the phone I will personally make a trip out there and deliver a 40 breeder to your house. My treat and way of saying welcome back

 

[ralph atl]

Hey Chris! Prayers & Thoughts!

Let's me know what I can do for, I got a few frags that I will sell for you and you can keep the $$$...

give me a day or 2.....or pm me...

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Chris....I am a testicular cancer survivor! 27 years now and I was diagnosed with Stage III and given 4 months to live so hang in there. Need somebody to talk to ...give me a shout. Welcome back to reefing and if there's anything else I can help with, let me know.

 

[angel]

Are prayers whit you man

 

[curtismaximus]

Wow is all I can say! Thank for that dose of perspective. I pray for your health and safety! Keep up the good fight!

 

[mike oglesby]

Dude with that kind of an attitude you will make it. God loves you. When you are ready I will give you some frags foe your tank. Yes I live near Augusta but I will drive them up to you.
Prayers sent and keep fighting.

 

[ichthyoid]

Chris, I'm a survivor too. Keep up the fight!

Let me know what you need and I'll see what I can contribute.

 

[rdnelson]

Prayers headed you way Chris. I live not too far from you (NW Forsyth Co). I would be happy to help in anyway I can. Just say the word. Your attitude is your best medicine. You got this man.


I am going on a cruise.....on my lawnmower around my yard.

 

[camellia]

Welcome back Chris! Rich ^^^ means it too, he has a heart of gold (well yellowish color similar to mustard) you can take him at his word.
God has lead you back to this club full of awesome people to assist you with your goals. Please list what you need to complete your set up, would love to donate to your cause.
Stay strong with your battle, my prayers are with you and your family.

 

[reefstinger]

Welcome and great news you are better, How about just going ahead with a 60 cube???? perfect . Im setting one up now in my bedroom, that way if i ever get sick and have to stay in bed to recover, I can heal faster by watching my beautiful reef cube!! Btw , my cube takes the place of my nightstand. right next to my head :thumbs:

 

[k3nnyp]

It's hard to believe how many things we take for granted on a daily basis. Health and wealth are probably two of the biggest. You have the right attitude for recovery, best of luck dealing with it. It doesn't sound like you're heading in this direction but if you're interested in building a 75g tank with some solid t5 lights they're yours. You can find them in the thread below, hasn't been much interest in the sell anyway.

 

[heathlindner25]

God be with you bud

 

[glxtrix]

Great to see you coming back man! Let us know if you need anything!

 

[raz0945]

Please let me know what kind of corals your lights will support when you have your tank cycled. I would love to give you and your family some beautiful corals frags. pm me when your ready! Holley

 

[bobz]

chris, glad you are back man. Thoughts are with you and your family... and keep up the great postive attitude. If you need any thing for the tank I have a lot of equipment collecting dust (skimmers, pumps, etc) which I'd rather see you using then continue to go unused. Let me know if I can help out a fellow reefer man.

BZ

 

[containerman1]

Chris, I am going through the Radation and Chemo with my mom right now ( she 63) and this hits close to home. I will have you and your family in our prayers and Congrats getting back in. When your up and running I have a few frags also so looks like your going to be busy : )

 

[darren24]

Hey let me know when your tank is up and I will give you some nice corals. I have A LOT of health issues myself (Congestive Heart Failure, etc.) so I feel for you. Get better soon!

 

[chull13]

Wow! All of these responses are a little overwhelming! Thank you all for the kind words, encouragement and offerings!

It didn't even cross my mind that this could turn into a "help a fellow reefer out" thread. I was simply posting a coming soon build thread so I could brainstorm some ideas. However i've seen it done so many times in the past with this club so I should have known all the amazing members would step up and help out in ways beyond belief. My wife would attest that I have never been comfortable being the subject of any type of charity. I would much rather be the one doing the helping. One thing I have learned in the past several months is that people REALLY DO WANT TO HELP and can even get offended if they are denied! In a world where news reports are negative, negative, negative, it almost makes you think that it is normal to HATE others. Well even if it's only in my family's little niche, it is so refreshing to see LOVE from people! I could write a book of all the good that has come from my recent bout!

Over the past 4 months:
I haven't done yard work 1 time and it looks better than ever!
We have had 3 or 4 meals per week brought to us
Gift cards and checks randomly show up in our mail
Sky miles and hotel points have been donated for our trips to MD Anderson in Houston
Cleaning services have showed up at our house with the bill already paid
I could go on and on........

Thank you guys again!!!

 

[joseayes]

Prays on you and with your family!
Standing up in this situation and confront life like you been doing it encourages many people here! and you and the rest of survivors are truly examples of warriors! Fighting illnesses is not easy!
Please let me know if I can help some in your building, have some items only but be glad to help!