If you have not already done so, I highly recommend purchasing a copy of Katie Couric's new autobiographical memoir, Going There. It's touching, funny, sad, and ultimately inspirational. It's well worth the 500-plus page read, especially the discussion of how personal tragedy influenced the creation of Stand up to Cancer (SU2C).
SU2C has saved countless lives in the 13 years since its creation. The foundation has raised more than $600 million to support cutting-edge collaborative science. The research SU2C has helped to found ultimately contributed to six new FDA-approved therapies.
I've met Katie, but don't personally know her well. However, she is very much part of my own cancer recovery story back in 1998. Katie's late husband, Jay, passed from colon cancer at age 42. Katie went on TV and used her national platform to discuss the warning signs of the deadly disease.
I'm holding Katie Couric's new book, GOING THERE. It's worth the read. A TV report by Katie saved my life back in 1998. Her husband, Jay, passed from colon cancer at age 42. Katie shared the symptoms of that disease. I had every symptom. Went to doctor, found out I had Stage 4. pic.twitter.com/Kj1OfTyH4o
— Paul Stewart (@PaulStewart22) December 26, 2021
Here we are, one day after Christmas in 2021. I'm an advanced stage colon cancer survivor. I just spent the holiday with my two now-grown sons, McCauley and Maxwell. That is why, every day, not just Christmas, I consider a gift. Life is the greatest present of them all.
God bless us, everyone, and thank you, Katie Couric.
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A 2018 inductee into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Visit Paul's official websites, YaWannaGo.com and Officiating by Stewart.