At the age of 27, a good friend of mine, Adam(right), was diagnosed with throat cancer. It was recommended that surgery be performed to remove the tumour. However, Adam was warned that since the tumour was so close to his vocal chords, he may never speak again. Prior to surgery, doctors discovered that the cancer had also spread to Adam’s lungs. He went ahead with the surgery and had as much of the cancer removed as possible. Following the suregery, Adam had to endure nearly a year of life with a tracheotomy tube protruding from his neck. When it was finally time for the tube to be removed, Adam then had to have his chin stapled to his chest until the hole in his throat healed.

I am happy to tell you that although his voice is permanently different from before, Adam has regained his ability to speak. Doctors were able to remove as much of the tumour as possible, but the cancer in his lungs is resistant to chemo therapy.

Adam maintains an amazingly positive look on life. He is one of the nicest people in the world and it is sad to see someone like him (or anyone, for that matter) have to endure such pain at such a young age. His story has opened my eyes to the reality that even young, non-smokers like Adam and myself are not immune from cancer. You’re never too young.

-Rich Ralph (Vancouver, BC)