Even if you do not follow professional golf, you will be aware of Tiger Wood’s amazing comeback to win his fifth Master’s Tournament this month- his first major win in eleven years. A decade of surgeries, rehab, personal challenges, physical therapy, scandals, loss of sponsors, a truly challenging time when most would give up.
You can anticipate the parallels I see for us all. The victory by one stroke after days of competing, is being called a “miracle comeback”. As exciting as many are for this inspiring champion, even fellow golfers, Tiger’s win has implications for us. After all, patients treated for cancer are ever seeking their own comeback.
In the oncology clinic, Tuesday is a day for following up my patients treated over the past months and years. Everyone is so unique- not just the cancers or the stages, but how each of them has managed, thrived or succumbed to the disease. Some are capable of getting on with life, putting the impact of cancer behind them. Others are dealing with ongoing therapy (immune, chemo or radiation) and hopeful that the next scan gives them a break so they can regain some normalcy. Some have rehabilitated in new and exciting directions with changes in employment, education, having children and grandchildren. What every single one of them needs is hope and encouragement. Rooting for Tiger or not (generally I like an underdog whose life will change with a win and dedication rewarded), you cannot deny the profound message: “anything is possible”. He never lost faith in himself. He didn’t say that he was too old at 43 to push through the pain, he defied every naysayer.
I want you to resist your own fearful, scared voice. Tell yourself that you are a champion. Separate the cure from living- you can! Cancer isn’t who you are. It should not define you. See yourself as whole and hearty. The stronger you think the stronger you will be. Get up. Get out. Envision those muscles flowing with healing blood. Imagine the white light of strength surrounding and protecting you.
Just do it isn’t only a shoe company slogan. Its something you do everyday. You can do it isn’t just a hardware store advertisement. Get it done doesn’t belong solely to another retailer. It is something you can access everyday for yourself. Be a champion, have faith in yourself and your own comeback will be fierce.
Congratulations Tiger and thank you for the inspiration.