Kam Craft

[MADXSTER]

WOW!

That is all.

[XUBob]

Prayers sent your way, stay strong.

[XUBison]

Prayers sent your way, stay strong.

Yes, for sure. And for what it’s worth, you are right about the basketball/student-athlete stuff.

[nickgyp]

WOW!

That is all.

Madxter:

Only God knows why things workout the way they do. When I was ten years old, I was struck by a car and I was in a coma for 11 days with an untreatable brain contusion. I wake up in a tonsillectomy ward with no idea what had happened.

Can't honestly say why I survived. Prayers worked for me but that same year I am sure parents lost children even though prayers were said.

Just have to trust in God's plans which are amazing but often difficult to understand.

[nickgyp]

Prayers sent your way, stay strong.

Thank you, sir! My faith and support system is strong; and your words and thoughts are greatly appreciated. Have a nice day!

[nickgyp]

Yes, for sure. And for what it’s worth, you are right about the basketball/student-athlete stuff.

XUBison:

I appreciate your note. My observation is just that. Sports, in general, are just an opportunity for athletes and fans to divert there attention to endeavors that really don't change the world. We take joy in a win over UD or UC ultimately knowing that nothing of any particular consequence has occurred to better the world.

Not to diminish the accomplishments and efforts by the participants but when the cost seems to get too high then it may be time to take a pause. I hope that LaSalle's football coach answer of "No" to the question of whether the Lancers would ever play IMG Academy again in football was rooted in the fact that putting his players up against that machine proves nothing and affords them only a chance to get hurt.

Sure play the usual gauntlet of the GCL with St. X, Moeller and Elder and other local schools on a leveler playing field; and take joy in competing. Just keep a balance.

[xukeith]

XUBison:

I appreciate your note. My observation is just that. Sports, in general, are just an opportunity for athletes and fans to divert there attention to endeavors that really don't change the world. We take joy in a win over UD or UC ultimately knowing that nothing of any particular consequence has occurred to better the world.

Not to diminish the accomplishments and efforts by the participants but when the cost seems to get too high then it may be time to take a pause. I hope that LaSalle's football coach answer of "No" to the question of whether the Lancers would ever play IMG Academy again in football was rooted in the fact that putting his players up against that machine proves nothing and affords them only a chance to get hurt.

Sure play the usual gauntlet of the GCL with St. X, Moeller and Elder and other local schools on a leveler playing field; and take joy in competing. Just keep a balance.

If balance is key in life, would we know or experience athletic accomplishments of X superstars? No Michael Jordans, no Tom Bradys.
We mere mortals would be maybe happier with balanced lives but those unbalanced athletic superstars are needed to make us X fans be fanatical and happy

[xukeith]

Over the next two years, X has a great roster. Great forwards/centers all juniors and sophomores not to mention Cesare Edwards and Eliah Taylor for 2-4 more years. Add Odom, Jones, Kunkel, Kam Craft, Tyler Ward, and one young pg and another dynamic sf.

Looks like X foundation is very strong for top 3 in BE the next 2-3 years.

[xudash]

Dash:

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. In June, I returned with my daughter from M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston where she had just completed two years research as part of her surgery residency at University Hospital. We drove back and while we were awaiting her belongings to be received here, the delivery was delayed and she was not at the hospital the day her belongings arrived. Good thing. While we waited, she noticed a lump on my throat. Noticeable but not obvious but, "Dad, you need an ultrasound."

Ultrasound leads to biopsy to a diagnosi of rare form of papillary cancer, Treatable with thyroid removal. Four days later path labs back and anaplastic cancer found incapsulated within the tumor. Daughter and wife go nuts because that appears to be bad news. Finally reach ENT surgeon who tells my wife that I am "the luckiest man in the world as I got it all". Daughter wants me to go to MD Anderson to get examined but insurance issues delayed getting there. Local oncologist is not so sure it is all gone although CT scans and PET scan are negative with no spread beyond one lymph node.

Tri-Health sets up mapping, beam radiation and chemo to start in Cincinnati with decent prognosis. MD Anderson okayed insurance and a week down there put me in the same place as far as diagnosis and treatment plan. I am running with the local doctor's goal of a cure so I think I am in a good spot. First week of radiation has gone okay and the chemo (low dose) has been tolerable.

Can't really afford to lose any more hair and drinking the equivalent of all the water in Lake Michigan on a daily basis but if that's what it will take then no big deal. My daughter is a Xavier grad who even with a stellar high school record was turned down by Notre Dame (a school where six of my siblings graduated). I had long since abandoned any affinity for the Irish; and consoling her after receipt of that rejection letter is seared into my memory.

I like to consider divine intervention in play along the way. Had she not gone to Xavier, she wouldn't have done research at Cincinnati Childrens' Hospital or gained early admittance to UC's med school. Doors close and they open up. Several years ago, she caught an early melanoma on my neck that in six months would have been a major problem. She has been my angel and I am truly blessed. The overwhelming support by people I barely know has been unbelievable. I believe in prayer and thank you for yours as well.

Finally, your avatar of the football stadium is so appropriate for me as someone who grew up on Xavier football and who has fond memories of games at Corcoran Field.

What a great story in the face of tough personal circumstances. Pulling for you Nick. My daughter is an orthopedic surgeon. Understand fully your pride and love.

Stay focused and beat this thing with positivity and your good medical strategy.

[IM4X]

Dash:

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. In June, I returned with my daughter from M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston where she had just completed two years research as part of her surgery residency at University Hospital. We drove back and while we were awaiting her belongings to be received here, the delivery was delayed and she was not at the hospital the day her belongings arrived. Good thing. While we waited, she noticed a lump on my throat. Noticeable but not obvious but, "Dad, you need an ultrasound."

Ultrasound leads to biopsy to a diagnosi of rare form of papillary cancer, Treatable with thyroid removal. Four days later path labs back and anaplastic cancer found incapsulated within the tumor. Daughter and wife go nuts because that appears to be bad news. Finally reach ENT surgeon who tells my wife that I am "the luckiest man in the world as I got it all". Daughter wants me to go to MD Anderson to get examined but insurance issues delayed getting there. Local oncologist is not so sure it is all gone although CT scans and PET scan are negative with no spread beyond one lymph node.

Tri-Health sets up mapping, beam radiation and chemo to start in Cincinnati with decent prognosis. MD Anderson okayed insurance and a week down there put me in the same place as far as diagnosis and treatment plan. I am running with the local doctor's goal of a cure so I think I am in a good spot. First week of radiation has gone okay and the chemo (low dose) has been tolerable.

Can't really afford to lose any more hair and drinking the equivalent of all the water in Lake Michigan on a daily basis but if that's what it will take then no big deal. My daughter is a Xavier grad who even with a stellar high school record was turned down by Notre Dame (a school where six of my siblings graduated). I had long since abandoned any affinity for the Irish; and consoling her after receipt of that rejection letter is seared into my memory.

I like to consider divine intervention in play along the way. Had she not gone to Xavier, she wouldn't have done research at Cincinnati Childrens' Hospital or gained early admittance to UC's med school. Doors close and they open up. Several years ago, she caught an early melanoma on my neck that in six months would have been a major problem. She has been my angel and I am truly blessed. The overwhelming support by people I barely know has been unbelievable. I believe in prayer and thank you for yours as well.

Finally, your avatar of the football stadium is so appropriate for me as someone who grew up on Xavier football and who has fond memories of games at Corcoran Field.

Thanks for sharing your story. So happy for you are doing well. Amazing that your angel of a daughter was there and aware enough to see something and then made you have it examined/biopsied.

God bless!