Mark Everett Kelly was diagnosed with Stage IV Rhabdomyosarcoma on December 12, 1990.
About six months ago I started a Patreon Page. I didn't promote it because I wanted to prove that I was worthy of someone donating their hard-earned money to me. I have been blogging since June 17 and have posted 39 blogs (including today, November 13, 2019).
I have not been myself these last few months. I've been angry, short with people, overly sarcastic, and redundantly cynical. That is not the person I am. I always had a positive outlook on life. The only time I get to be myself is when I'm on the radio for six hours during the week.
What does this have to do with surviving cancer? God knows where I would be if I didn’t develop a pineapple-sized tumor inside rectum/lower intestines. I could also be dead if I wasn’t blessed with doctors and a mother, sisters, brother, uncle and other family to help me survive. The sad fact is the “late effects” of chemotherapy & radiation left me with very little choices since I went on disability in 2008.
Click here to watch “The Morning Boys”
My ex-wife's job helped insure me after I left ESPN. Her career at Fox News also helped provide a way for us to survive. After our divorce, the settlement took care of the lawyer bills and loans I took out to make it through. I gave myself the 18 months of maintenance we agreed on to develop a plan and consistent income.
Any relationship which one relies on the other financially can cause resentment. It can also create the one who needs assistance to feel shame. I did. Never again will I put the burden of my health issues on anyone else. I am limited, but not useless. It is essential to me that I be financially independent, even if I die trying. These past two years being a huge burden to my family and failing to establish that has been a significant blow to my confidence.
"My Scars Tell A Story" (my book on my story of surviving cancer) hit bookshelves in July. In October, I volunteered to do a sports internet radio show twice a week. Like the other on-air personalities, we do not get paid. If we continue to grow in popularity, we (my co-host is a great young kid called Ryan Hickey) eventually will attract advertisers, but we are not there yet. My website & blog does not average enough daily visits to interest advertisers.
CKMagicSports isn't the most professional looking site either being that I'm the sole creator/editor/designer. What I know about building websites they could put on top of a pin and still have room for the Constitution.
I signed with a publisher called Dorrance, which charged too much, and they receive 60 percent of the sale, which as of November 13, has only sold ten copies. I wish I were kidding.
If you pray, please keep me in prayer, as I really am trying to make myself a better man and a person who can be an example instead of a victim. When you fail at something, it really can mess with your mind.
I will publish Part 2 next week. God Bless
BACK ON SPORTS RADIO
I now do a sports radio show every Tuesday and Friday from 8-11 AM EST. You can find all our shows, live and via podcast, here.
WHERE TO FIND ME
I can always be reached by email (CKMagicSports@gmail or LivingAsACancerSurvivor@gmail). Please see the links below to follow me or contact me on social sites. I welcome (need) more followers and supporters. Please don't be shy about sharing your thoughts.
NEED SUPPORT?
Please reach out to me or anyone in the beautiful support groups on Facebook, Reddit, Tumblr, or other social sites.