I’ve joined the fight against cancer.  Will you JOIN ME? Together, we CAN make a DIFFERENCE!!!                                       

Cancer has become a very real part of my life over the past four years. My father was diagnosed with stage four melanoma in December 2013. With this heart breaking news, our doctor informed us that he had six months to live.  We went through the first line of treatment at the time for Melanoma which caused the cancer to grow faster. During this time, the immunotherapy drug (known as Keytruda) was in clinical trials, and we were able to get my dad access to this treatment plan in the Spring of 2014. Today, my father has been “NED” (no evidence of disease) for nearly two years.  He was one of the first patients that experienced a miraculous outcome with this new innovative therapy treatment.  My hope is that we get to a day where any person touched by cancer will have this favorable outcome and experience.  It has been an answered prayer!

On September 15, I will be participating in West Cancer Center’s signature fundraising event, West FIGHT ON to raise funds for The UT/West Institute for Cancer Research. With an array of fitness activities, including road bike races at three distances, a 5K run, and a one-mile walk, this event will support the comprehensive resources for cancer patients, right here in the Mid-South.

As a warrior in the fight against cancer and Vice Chair of this event, WE will raise funds critical to not only advancing the science of cancer care, but also to ensuring the overall health of our community. Your generous gifts will be used for discovery, innovation and advancement in adult cancer research, patient education, care, and support.

My fight against this disease is also in memory of my good friend Steve Penman.  Steve was a vital part of Sedgwick serving as the COO but most important, a friend to many of us.  He lost his fight against cancer in December 2016.  His absence in our lives is a void that will never be filled, so we continue to push for a cure.  Until the day that cancer no longer exists......I will “FIGHT ON”!  Please be part of this movement with me!

Bob Blankenship, Vice Chair - 2018 FIGHT ON